For many people, herbal treatments can help alleviate the
symptoms of hemorrhoids and provide lasting relief.
Here are a some herbal ingredients that are beneficial for
this condition:
Japanese Pagoda Tree (Sophora Japonica)
The extracts of the Japanese pagoda tree are proven to
strengthen vein walls, fix the permeability of the veins
and capillaries, and help maintain vein health. It has also
been shown to relief the symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as
the itching, pain, and discomfort.
Clinical studies on Japanese pagoda tree extract have shown
that:
- 96% of men and women with varying severity of hemorrhoids
have relief from the bleeding
- 88% have a significant reduction of discharge
- 95% have relief from inflammation
- 90% have relief from itching
Overall, 94% of people taking Japanese pagoda tree extract
are symptom-free and cured of hemorrhoids or had significantly
better conditions as compared to only 23% of those taking
placebo.
Japanese Pagoda Tree extract is available exclusively from
Hemaron.
Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)
Butcher's broom is an evergreen bush with a stiff spine,
which is used for making brooms in ancient times. It is
closely related to asparagus, and has been used as vegetables
as well as an herb.
The extract of the root of the Butcher's broom bush, which
contains the active ingredient ruscogenins, has the natural
ability to narrow blood vessels, lessen inflammation and
swelling, as well as strengthen and improve vein walls and
tone.
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
The seed of the horse chestnut tree has been used since
the 1800s to treat various vein conditions. Today, horse
chestnut extract is commonly used in Europe and Asia for
hemorrhoids.
Horse chestnut extract contains aescin, which has been
shown to reduce inflammation, improve vein elasticity, strengthen
vein walls and improve vein tone. It is thought that aescin
does this by plugging small leaks and holes in the veins
and capillaries.
Horse chestnut can also improve microvascular circulation,
lessen the swelling and fluid retention.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana)
A popular astringent, witch hazel is a common ingredient
in creams and ointments for hemorrhoids. Extracts of the
leaf and bark of this medicinal shrub has been used for
many years to reduce swelling and inflammation of external
hemorrhoids.
Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum)
Cranesbill is a wild geranium plant that has been used
by Native Americans to treat various digestive conditions.
When used as a poultice, the root and rhizome of cranesbill
has a potent astringent quality that can be used to treat
hemorrhoids.
Psyllium (Plantago ovata)
Because of its high fiber and mucilage (gum-like residue)
content, psyllium or flea seed is commonly used as a natural
laxative to treat constipation. Here, the husk of the seed
absorbs water and keep stool soft and moist.
Chronic constipation often irritates existing hemorrhoids
because it results in hard and dry stool that is difficult
to pass. By reducing constipation, psyllium can help reduce
hemorrhoid flare-ups and allow the hemorrhoid to heal naturally.
Be sure to drink a lot of water to fully take advantage
of psyllium's benefits.
Aloe Vera
Aloe has a long history of use as soothing and cooling
astringent. Aloe gel, derived from the plant's leaf, can
be applied to external hemorrhoids to relieve the swelling
and pain.
Another substance from aloe, called aloe vera latex extract,
can also be used as a natural laxative. Similar to psyllium,
natural laxative can be used to combat constipation and
prevent hard, dry stool from irritating hemorrhoids. However,
aloe extract is very potent - so be careful in using just
a small portion and possibly in combination with other gentler
herbs, to treat the occassional constipation.
Pilewort (Ranunculus ficaria)
PIlewort it is a traditional English herbs used to treat
(what else?) piles or hemorrhoids. It got its name because
early herbalists thought that the physical appearance of
the plant signifies its function - here, pilewort tubers
look like hemorrhoids.
Pilewort can be used as a tincture to be applied directly
to external hemorrhoids, or made into tea. However, due
to possible side effects such as blisters, as well as lack
of clinical studies showing benefits, pilewort has not been
a popular choice.
Plantain (Plantago major)
The fiber-rich plaintain has been used as traditional medicine
to treat hemorrhoids. A natural compound found in plantain,
called allantoin, is an anti-inflammatory agent that can
stimulate the immune system and help skin heal from wounds.
In addition to hemorrhoids, powdered allantoin has been
used to treat ulcers and skin lacerations.
Bromelein
Bromelein is actually a combination of digestive enzymes
found in pineapple. It has the amazing properties of stopping
swelling and inflammation, and has been used for treating
hemorrhoids and other vein conditions, such as varicose
veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
