Herbal Help for Hemorrhoids

• What Causes Hemorrhoids?
• Conventional Treatment Options
• Herbal Help
• Ayurvedic Home Remedies

There are many herbs used in home remedies for hemorrhoid relief. Now traditional herbal medical practices use herbs such as turmeric along with western medical solutions to help heal hemorrhoids. ^(vii.147)

If you've ever had a hemorrhoid, you know they can be a real pain in the butt. Also referred to as piles, hemorrhoids are basically internal or external swollen veins around the anal-rectal region. ^{(vii.147, 148)}

Conventional treatments usually start with eating more dietary fiber to prevent constipation, along with topical medication such as hydrocortisone cream. However, in cases of severe pain and bleeding surgery may be necessary. Clinical studies suggest that turmeric can help prevent bacterial infections and help heal faster after surgery. ^(vii.149)

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless. If they become swollen they can extend externally, a condition referred to as prolapsed hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids and prolapsed hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful. ^(vii.149)

Both internal and external hemorrhoids can cause rectal bleeding. Most of the time bleeding from internal hemorrhoids is painless, and is caused by strain from a bowel movement. ^(vii.149)

When external hemorrhoids bleed, it's most often due to a painful rupture of the vein. As with internal hemorrhoids, constipation can cause the rupture. However, physical exertion and even prolonged diarrhea can also make an external hemorrhoid to rupture and bleed. ^(vii.149)

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

The exact cause of hemorrhoids has been a matter of debate for well over a century. This is partly because what we commonly refer to as hemorrhoids are actually normal veins that are part of human anatomy even before birth. Hemorrhoids as a condition is when these veins become swollen—circumstances that can have multiple causes. ^{(vii.149, 150)}

Historical View of Hemorrhoid Causes

This led doctors to all sorts of observations of coincidences that in all likelihood had or have nothing to do with the actual cause of hemorrhoids, including: ^(vii.150)

• Race (Caucasian).
• Higher income.
• Cycle of the moon (in women).
• Menopause.
• As a substitute for menstruation.
• Cold climate.
• Hot climate.
• Sudden change of climate.
• Spring season.
• Geography (e.g., Asia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Greece, southern United States, south of France, Naples, Venice, and Frankfort).
• Having a miserable personality.

Modern View of Risk Factors for Hemorrhoids

Whatever the cause, hemorrhoids are a common condition. Some of the factors associated with increased risk of developing hemorrhoids include: ^{(vii.147, 149, 150)}

• Anal infection.
• Colitis and Crohn's disease.
• Colorectal cancer.
• Heart failure.
• Hereditary.
• Lack of dietary fiber (which causes hard stools).
• Liver disease.
• Obesity.
• Occupations that require long periods of standing or sitting.
• Pregnancy.
• Spinal injury.

Conventional Treatment Options

When hemorrhoid symptoms become serious enough to consider surgery, most patients are worried about minimizing pain and post-operative infection risks. Conventional surgical options for hemorrhoids include: ^{(vii.149, 151, 152)}

• Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgically cut out hemorrhoids.
• PPH: Procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids; uses a stapler-like device to cut off blood supply to hemorrhoids, causing tissue to shrink.
• Laser: Burns away hemorrhoids.
• Rubber band ligation: Similar to PPH, also cuts off blood supply.
• Sclerotherapy: Chemicals injected into hemorrhoid blood supply to shrink them.

As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection, pain, and organ or tissue damage. Less invasive procedures are generally safer. Some of these procedures, however, have high rates of recurrence (such as sclerotherapy). ^{(vii.149, 151)}

Herbal Help

Strong spices are considered a risk factor for developing or worsening the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Doctors advise those with hemorrhoids to avoid spicy foods, and patients also assume they should do so after hemorrhoid surgery. Conversely, recent clinical studies suggest spices such as turmeric could actually improve  hemorrhoid treatment outcomes. ^{(vii.152-154)}

Evidence of Turmeric's Benefit

Whether spicing up your diet or used in topical treatments, studies show turmeric can help heal hemorrhoids:

Turmeric also contains compounds that have laxative properties. ^(vii.48)

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

According to Ayurveda traditional medicine, the taste of an herb is a vital property that helps define its healing qualities. There are six taste characteristics in Ayurveda: ^{(vii.125, 156)}

• Astringent
• Bitter
• Pungent
• Salty
• Sour
• Sweet

Turmeric is considered a bitter taste. This characteristic makes it beneficial in remedies used to kill germs and reduce inflammation. ^{(vii.125, 156)}

In Asia, turmeric is a common ingredient in hemorrhoid creams. Ayurveda experts offer the following home remedies you can try for hemorrhoids: ^(vii.157)

• Mix ½ teaspoon of dried turmeric with 1 teaspoon of clarified butter and apply to hemorrhoids before bed. Be aware that turmeric can stain whatever cloth it touches, however. ^(vii.156)
• Make a topical paste of turmeric, mustard oil, and onion juice for symptom relief. ^(vii.157)