Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the anus that can cause painful symptoms such as itching, burning and bleeding. The pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids can often be quite painful, making everyday activities such as walking or sitting nearly impossible. Fortunately, in addition to conventional treatment measures, there are a variety of alternative treatments which attempt to provide relief from the agonizing symptoms hemorrhoids can produce.
Herbs
Common herbs for treating hemorrhoids are butcher's broom, witch hazel and barberry root. Use butcher's broom to promote blood flow and overall vein health. Take one to three 100-milligram capsules daily. Do not use butcher's broom if you are nursing or pregnant, or taking alpha blockers or MAO inhibitors. Witch hazel is applied directly to the hemorrhoids using a cotton swab. This natural astringent will aid in reducing inflammation and provide a soothing relief for discomfort. Barberry root is a liquid that should be added to water to assist in preventing constipation and maintaining normal liver and gallbladder function. Mix 2 milliliters in a small amount of water and take three times daily. Do not use this product if you are nursing or pregnant.
Check with your health care provider prior to using any herbal treatments, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications or suffering from any other medical conditions. Always follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
Aromatherapy
This form of treatment focuses on the use of essential oils from plants. Through inhalation or topical application, these oils are absorbed into the body to aid in treating and relieving symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. Jasper and lavender oils are commonly suggested for treating hemorrhoids. Place five drops each of jasper and lavender oil into two tablespoons of apricot or sweet almond oil. Mix two drops of lavender oil with one drop of geranium oil and one ounce of sweet almond or apricot oil. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture directly on the hemorrhoids. Essential oils may also be added to a sitz bath for relief of external hemorrhoids. Put about 20 drops each of juniper and lavender oil into a warm bath of about four inches of water. Soak for about 20 minutes. Stay away from proprietary blends such as amber oil and blessing oil, as they have a nice aroma but do not feature the medicinal effects necessary for treating hemorrhoids.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic treatment involves arousing the body's ability to self-heal to treat the hemorrhoids by producing identical symptoms that are bothering the person. There is no substantial scientific evidence to support this method of treatment; however, many people claim to find relief from it. Determine which symptoms you are suffering from to find the proper homeopathic remedy. For sharp pain, soreness, aching and swollen hemorrhoids, use horse chestnut. Take one to two capsules daily with food. Do not use horse chestnut if you are nursing or pregnant. Use aloe vera gel topically for swollen or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Apply with a cotton ball as often as needed.
If you are experiencing only soreness in the anal region, use arnica capsules. For swelling, bleeding and itching hemorrhoids try calcarea fluorica capsules. Graphites can be used for soreness, itching and burning by dissolving three to five pills in the mouth up to three times daily. For sharp pain and spasms, try ignatia. Hamamelis can be used for sore and bleeding hemorrhoids.
Check with your doctor prior to using any homeopathic treatment, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have another medical condition, or are taking any medications. Some of these products are poisonous if the wrong dosage is taken. It is not recommended that you try to treat yourself with homeopathic methods. Never use a potency higher than 30X or 30C, unless under the treatment of a homeopathic practitioner.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that bases its practice on restoring the imbalanced yin and yang of the body. Acupuncture stimulates particular points of the body by inserting tiny needles into the skin. The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as an effective form of treatment for pain. Chinese medicine believes that there are nerve paths that connect various body points to the anus. The focus in seeking relief from hemorrhoids through acupuncture is to eliminate the stagnation of blood flow. A common body point for treatment is the ears. Once the body point or points are identified, the needles are usually kept in the skin for about 30 minutes.
Foods
There are a variety of foods that can be used to treat hemorrhoids and their often agonizing symptoms. To help kill the bacteria and reduce swelling, use onion or garlic. Remove the outer layer of either a piece of garlic or a piece of onion and insert it directly into the rectum. This will help expel fecal matter from the body, along with bacteria, and reduce the inflammation. Do not use this method if your hemorrhoids are bleeding.
Lemon juice is another option. Cut a lemon into four equal parts, leaving the peel attached. Place the lemon quarters into a liter of water and boil for about 15 minutes. Drink one cup of this mixture per day to promote soft stools and prevent constipation. The juice also helps to strengthen the capillary tubes and blood vessels. Potato suppositories are another option. Peel a potato and cut it into small, cone-shaped pieces. Insert them into the rectum as you would a suppository, three times a week. This will promote healthy bowel movements and relieve pain.
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