Hemorrhoids

Cushions of tissue that line the lower rectum & serve to produce complete closure of the anal canal.

Symptoms due to hemorrhoids are bleeding, protrusion and pain. Such bleeding must never be assumed to be due to hemorrhoids but correctly diagnosed.

Actions indicated for the processes behind this disease

Cardio-vascular tonic will help with the muscular tone and general state of well being of the veins involved.

Astringents will reduce bleeding, if present, and tighten the tissue locally. But take care if used internally, avoid constipation.

Bitters will help both digestive and eliminative processes, facilitating bowel motions.

Aperients/Laxatives will ensure easier motions.

Vulnerary herbs will speed the healing of inflamed tissues locally.

Emollients will soothe if applied externally.

Anti-inflammatories will soothe the inflamed tissue.

System Support

The problem is a combination of both digestive and cardio-vascular system and so will benefit from tonics for the blood vessels as well as lower bowel support.

Specific Remedies

Many culture contain herbs with a reputation in the treatment of this common problem. In Europe there is nothing to match the aptly named Pilewort! Apart from this plant, most astringents or anti-inflammatories will help.

One possible prescription

Ginkgo

Horse Chestnut

Dandelion root

Golden Seal

Cranesbill equal parts 5 ml of tincture taken three times a day

A topical application is essential to alleviate symptoms and speed healing. A number of approaches may be used to compliment the internal treatment, thus:

Horse Chestnut tincture – 10 ml

Distilled Witch Hazel – 80 ml This combination applied after every motion & as needed.

Salves may also be used containing any of the many possible herbs, such as:

Calendula, St. John’s Wort, Chamomile, Plantain, Yarrow

This provides internally the following actions:

• Vascular tonic (Ginkgo, Horse Chestnut)

  
  

• Astringent (Cranesbill)

  
  

• Bitter (Dandelion, Golden Seal)

  
  

• Aperient (Dandelion, Golden Seal)
  

Broader Context of Treatment

Avoidance or removal of constipation is often the key to the alleviation of hemorrhoids. Thus the following factors need to be explored in addition to direct herbal treatment of the hemorrhoids themselves:

• drugs that effect bowel motility (e.g. opiates, iron supplements, some antidepressants, antacids, laxative abuse).

• digestive conditions (such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease and food sensitivities).

• long periods of immobility.

• stress

• depression

To ease bowel motions a diet with medium to high fibre content is necessary, but should be introduced gradually if the patient is used to low fibre food. Avoid the sandpaper effect!