Hemorrhoids are caused by a weakening of the venous structure in the veins surrounding the anal region. Thus, problems related to hemorrhoids are closely related to varicose veins. The symptoms of hemorrhoids are bleeding, pain, and protrusion in the rectal area. Before the diagnosis of hemorrhoids is made, however, there is a need to rule-out other possible causes of rectal bleeding before herbal treatment can begin.
There are two types of hemorrhoids - internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids develop in the inner area of the rectum, inside the body. Because there are fewer nerve endings in this area, internal hemorrhoids rarely cause discomfort. They can, however, bleed heavily following bowel movements. External hemorrhoids develop around the anal opening. They are very fragile and can also bleed easily and are the primary source of great discomfort and pain in relation to hemorrhoids.
Problems with varicose veins and hemorrhoids are closely related. Both occur largely as a result of weak or restricted circulation. As the heart struggles to pump blood from the legs to the heart, the veins in these areas become increasingly weak and eventually stretch due to the strain.
People who stand or sit for long periods of time on a daily basis are especially susceptible to this condition. Obesity, pregnancy, constipation or tight fitting clothing can further restrict blood flow in the pelvic area and create the environment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids to develop.
Healthy veins produce a substance called fibrin, which is the protein that causes blood to clot. Veins that are inflamed or enlarged or otherwise damaged, lose the ability to break down fibrin, leading to excess deposits of fibrin around the veins. This is the main cause of the unsightly hard lumps under the skin that are characteristic of varicose veins.
Constipation is one of the primary conditions that can lead to hemorrhoids. Continuous, daily straining during bowel movements puts pressure on the sensitive venous structure in the rectal area, causing them to weaken and eventually protrude. Therefore, in treating hemorrhoids, it is useful to look at the possible root causes of the constipation. There are several factors that can lead to constipation:
Prescription drugs - There are many prescription drugs that can affect bowel movement - opiates, iron supplements, anti-depressants, laxatives, and antacids.
Digestive problems - Past or current digestive disorders can be a factor - Irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, food sensitivities or allergies - all can play a part in causing the primary constipation symptoms.
Long periods of immobility - Sitting or standing for long periods at a time or simply lack of physical activity in general can be an important factor leading to constipation.
Chronic stress - Chronic, day to day stress and tension in one's life can lead to the conditions for constipation to develop.
Changes in the person's diet are probably the most important preventative measure one can take in beginning to tackle the problem of constipation. A diet with medium to high levels of fiber are necessary to begin to regulate more fluid bowel movements that will not continue to stress and strain the already weakened veins that characterize hemrrhoidal conditions. The fiber needs to be added slowly if the person is not used to fiber in their diet.
A simple yet very effective way to increase the intake of fiber is through the use of psyllium husks or flaxseeds. Either of these needs to be taken on a regular, daily basis to provide enough fiber in order to ease the passage of stool and lessen the strain during bowel movements
An herbal topical ointment can be used to sooth the painful sensations caused by hemorrhoids. Horse chestnut, butcher's broom, calendula and Saint-John's-wort are used in several European varicose vein ointmentsA ointment made of St. John's Wort is particularly effective for this. It should be applied to anal region several times per day. Applied regularly, ointments will aid in bringing relief from pain and eventually shrink swollen tissues in this area.
A good daily regimen in treating and preventing hemorrhoids:
Butcher's broom, 150 mg three times per day.
Flaxseeds, one tbsp. of ground flaxseeds in large glass of water every day. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
Psyllium, one tbsp. of psyllium powder dissolved in juice or water daily. Drink extra water throughout the day.
St. John's wort ointment, apply ointment of St. John's wort herb three to four times daily, when needed. This herbal ointment is very beneficial when used after a bowel movement.<
Herbs for treating hemorrhoids:
Pilewort - this aptly named herb has been a primary remedy in Europe for centuries in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Its value lies in its astringent and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Ginkgo and Gotu Kola have been studied repeatedly and shown in clinical studies to improve circulation, blood flow and decrease the prevealence of varicose veins. Using these two herbs in combination can even be more effective. There have been studies where some of the participants had such severe varicose vein problems they coudn't even walk. After taking these two herbs in combo, they were able to walk again.
Horse chestnut and butcher's broom are two particularly useful herbs for varicose veins that both strengthen veins and make them less porous. European studies have shown the butcher's broom encourages blood circulate through the legs more efficiently and therefore decreases inflammation in the veins. Horse chestnut, European herbalists describe this herb as a "venotonic," a tonic that improves the tone of the veins by tightening the elastic fibers in their walls.
Horse chestnut, gotu kola, pineapple and garlic contain the enzyme bromelain which neutralize vein weakening enzymes the weaken and damage veins. Substances present in both garlic and pineapple also inhibit fibrin from forming lumpy deposits around varicose veins.
Herbal remedies for hemorrhoids:
Varicose Vein/Hemorrhoid Tea
½ ounce each hawthorn berries and flowers, ginkgo leaves and butcher's broom (if available)
Hot water (enough to cover herbs)
Combine herbs. Cover with hot water and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink. The same herbs can also be used to make a tincture (they are, in fact, used in several commercial tincture formulas).
Varicose Vein/Hemorrhoid Compress
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon tincture of calendula or Saint-John's-wort