Hemorrhoids

Description

Hemorrhoids are distended blood vessels in the lining of the anus. The occurrence of hemorrhoids is very common in the general population. Numerous conventional physicians consider them to be normal. Holistic doctors, however, recognize that hemorrhoids are not a part of normal health and should be addressed.

Types

Hemorrhoids can either be internal, meaning they occur close to the beginning of the anus, or even external, occurring at the opening of the anus. Hemorrhoids that protrude outside the anus are known as prolapsing hemorrhoids.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include bleeding (usually vibrant red blood which shows up on the toilet paper following wiping), itchiness, mucus, discomfort, and pain while sitting or defecating.

Cause

Hemorrhoids in many cases are the result of poor diet, bowel problems, pushing while defecating, chronic low-level dehydration, lack of exercise, and/or perhaps a sedentary way of life. Correcting these types of factors can be quite helpful in preventing and eliminating hemorrhoids.

Extreme caution: Bleeding during bowl movements is never normal and you must visit your doctor is this occurs to rule out other more serious conditions. Should you experience blood in your feces, seek immediate medical attention.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Cypress, juniper, frankincense, or even niaouli.

Ayurveda: Drink 1-2 cups of aloe vera juice three times daily until signs and symptoms clear. The Ayurvedic natural compound triphala is also extremely effective for relieving hemorrhoid discomfort and for promoting the overall wellness of the intestinal tract.

Diet plan: Eat a natural, whole foods diet plan that stresses high-fiber foods, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (especially dark green, abundant vegetables, such as kale), grains such as dark brown rice and millet, as well as lean, natural meats and poultry. Also, drink lots of healthy drinks, such as herbal teas, fresh squeezed juice, and pure, filtered water.

Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream® may be applied to external hemorrhoids to ease symptoms.

Herbs: The aptly named plant pilewort is really a staple treatment for hemorrhoids in European countries because of its effectiveness in decreasing hemorrhoid symptoms. Collinsonia is yet another highly effective herbal remedy for hemorrhoids. As a topical ointment application, mix 10 ml of collinsonia tincture with 80 ml of distilled witch hazel and apply this combination after every bowel movement or as needed. Other useful herbs include bilberry, buckthorn bark, butcher’s broom, comfrey root, gotu kola, parsley, passionflower, and stone root.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies but please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy remedy.

Juice Therapy: The following liquid combinations might help keep your bowels regular and help soften stools: Carrot, spinach, celery, as well as parsley; carrot and watercress; or beet juice.

Nutritional Supplementation: These nutrients might help prevent and reverse hemorrhoids: Vitamin C with bioflavonoids and rutin, vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin B complex, folic acid, essential fatty acids, magnesium, blood potassium, and zinc oxide. Linseed oil (one teaspoon upon arising and at evening) can also be used to assist soften stools.

Topical Treatment: Apply a combination of zinc oxide, vitamin E, and aloe vera carbamide peroxide gel or olive oil to the affected region. Witch hazel applied topically can help shrink hemorrhoids, while calendula ointment can help reduce pain and itching.

Optional Professional Treatment

If your symptoms persist despite following the treatments listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following expert care treatments have all been shown to be useful for treating hemorrhoids: Acupuncture, Used Kinesiology, Bodywork, Detoxification Treatment, Environmental Treatments, Guided Symbolism, Light Therapy, Magnetic Field Treatment, Naturopathic Treatments, Osteopathy, Air Therapy (Ozone insufflation), Qigong, Prolotherapy, Reflexology, traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)