Hemorrhoids are likely to occur in up to seventy-five percent of the population of both the younger and older populations. This condition occurs when veins become swollen in the anus and become painful and problematic over time. They can cause many complications that are both painful and irritating, causing an individual to seek medical solutions. Fortunately, there are several natural and therapeutic options for treating the hemorrhoids symptoms. Treating hemorrhoids naturally can be accomplished with home remedies that include a combination of mineral, herbs, and vitamins.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that are located in the smooth muscle of the anus or rectal area. Most internal hemorrhoids often go unnoticed and resolve on their own because they do not cause any protrusion and inflammation. However, external hemorrhoids are more painful and severe that can become problematic over time. The symptoms of hemorrhoids can be chronic and debilitating with external hemorrhoids being more susceptible to irritation. The most common hemorrhoids symptoms that indicates the presence of hemorrhoids is bleeding after a bowel movement.
This painful condition is formed when there is an increase in the amount of pressure in the rectum. When the rectal vein is swollen, it may cause the skin to stretch, bulge, and swell. While internal hemorrhoids rarely cause discomfort, external hemorrhoids create a protrusion of skin that can easily be irritated. When the tissue is irritated during a bowel movement, they can cause pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding. These pillow-like clusters of swollen veins usually affect at least half of the population at age 30 and older.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid swelling occurs when more pressure is placed on the small vessels of swollen veins, which causes pain. There are several symptoms associated with this condition that occur during, before, and after a bowel movement. This condition is generally caused by other health conditions like chronic diarrhea or constipation, or obesity. Additionally, when an individual has a sedentary lifestyle or strains during bowel movements, more pressure is placed on the area. It is also thought that pregnancy may cause hemorrhoids to form due to the amount of pressure exerted.
There are some other variables that affect the formation of hemorrhoids that are associated with diet. When the body is depleted of nutrients it needs to break down food and absorb food, many problems are created. A diet that lacks fiber may lead to diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues that can lead to hemorrhoid formation. According to researchers at the Harvard Medical School, “patients suffering from hemorrhoids usually have a higher resting anal canal tone.” This causes issues when the smooth muscle of the anal canal is tighter than average producing excessive straining.
There are a wide range of symptoms that can be easily identified. Hemorrhoids generally are irritated during a bowel movement, so one of the most common signs is bleeding. External hemorrhoids can turn into lumps that cause physical pain and discomfort. Once the swelling begins, it can cause a combination of symptoms that are uncomfortable. Some of the most common hemorrhoids symptoms include:
* Extreme pain or discomfort in the anal/renal area
* Itching in the anal area
* One or many lumps near the anus (thrombosed hemorrhoid)
* Painless bleeding during bowel movements
* Swelling and around the anus
Herbal Remedies for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur in 1 out of 25 people and generally affect the older population but can affect young individuals too. There are many herbs, vitamins, and minerals that can be consumed to treat hemorrhoids in any stage or condition. Some herbs have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties among promoting the healing process that prevents the onset of hemorrhoids. Astringent herbs may help prevent swelling and clotting while reducing bleeding and repair damaged tissue in the affected areas. Herbs that can act on blood vessels to preventing the symptoms and shrink the tissues include:
Apple Cider Vinegar: Natural apple cider vinegar can be treated with a cotton ball soaked in this substance that can provide instant relief
Horse Chestnut: Aesculus hippocastanum, the seeds of this plant contain active ingredient such as saponins and tannins that promote healing
Aloe Vera: Aloe barbadensis, is a plant high in nutrients that can heal cells, stop inflammation with its cleansing and cooling gel
Oak: Quercus spp., the bark can be used as a concoction to treat hemorrhoids due to its active ingredients ellagitannins, catechins and proanthocyanidins
Olive Oil: This substance can be consumed in small amounts with meals to strengthen vessels to prevent hemorrhoid formation
Probiotics: This can be found in supplement form and is the “friendly” bacteria, lactobacillus and bifidus, that is good for healing
Psyllium Husk: Plantago Psyllium, is full of fiber that can make bowel movements softer and easier to pass and stimulate cellular healing
Tea Tree Oil: Also known as melaleuca oil, can be applied with cotton to the area affected to reduce the inflammation and growth
Witch Hazel: Hamamelis virginiana, this herb has been used medicinally to treat circulation disorders with astringent effects
Natural Hemorrhoids Treatments
Steeping the ingredients in tea can create a powerful concoction to be added to a cold compress. The cold compress can help stop bleeding and even clean the areas affected for instant relief. The ingredients can also be made into a tea to be consumed to stimulate cellular healing internally. Cleaning the affected area with a solution of these ingredients can reduce pain and itching right away. Additionally, with a diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fibers, the occurrence of hemorrhoids decreases drastically.
There are many methods to utilize herbal remedies to treat both internal and external hemorrhoids and prevent their occurrence. Using a cold compress on hemorrhoids can lessen the pain and reduce the risk of inflammation or infection. Accordingly, soaking in a bath of Epsom salt and an herbal substance can cleanse and heal the affected areas. In fact, dryness can irritate hemorrhoids, which is why it is important to stay hydrated with herbal teas. When a combination of herbs and different methods are used, hemorrhoids can be healed naturally and thoroughly.