Herbal Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Is There an Effective Herbal Remedy for Hemorrhoids? You Bet There is and We Have the Science to Back it Up

Only your doctor can tell you if the discomfort you're experiencing is being caused by hemorrhoids but symptoms generally include swelling or "lumps" around the rectum that are tender to touch and itch. Hemorrhoids may bleed, causing noticeable "spotting" on toilet paper, clothing and even in the bowl of your toilet.

Many people first try over-the-counter medications like rectal suppositories, stool softeners and medicated wipes but if you would like to try a more "natural" approach, here are 2 herbal remedies to talk over with your doctor.

Witch Hazel

Made from the bark and leaves of Hamamelis virgiania, extract of witch hazel is one of the few herbal products to be officially approved by America's Food & Drug Administration, or FDA. But millions of believers don't need the FDA's blessing--witch hazel extract has long been a medicine-cabinet staple for diaper rash, razor burn and, yes, temporary relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Compounds known as tannins are abundant in witch hazel and it's these substances that give witch hazel its astringent properties. When applied to the skin, witch hazel extract works with proteins found in the skin to both "tighten" the skin and to produce a temporary protective layer.

Although few studies have been published on the use of witch hazel as an herbal remedy for hemorrhoids, extract of witch hazel is the "active" ingredient in many over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications.

Horse Chestnut

A newer herbal remedy for hemorrhoids is horse chestnut. Though it is often taken orally in pill form, it can also be applied topically as a cream or lotion. For temporary relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids, horse chestnut if often paired with witch hazel.

Horse chestnut works to tone the walls of blood vessels and in Germany is actually approved by Commission E (an advisory board somewhat similar to our FDA) for a variety of vein-related conditions, including varicose veins, muscle cramps and edema.

Lifestyle & Dietary Changes That May Help