Haemorrhoids (piles) are normally present veins in the anus and rectum that become swollen and inflamed. Many people suffer haemorrhoids at some time in their lives The peak age is between 45 to 65 years.
What are the symptoms of haemorrhoids?
Internal haemorrhoids (ones that are inside the anal cavity) usually cause painless bleeding at the end of a bowel movement. Blood can be a sign of a serious problem so it’s important to be evaluated by a health professional.
Other symptoms are a sensation of fullness, usually described as feeling the urge to have a bowel movement even when there is no stool. Straining worsens the discomfort.
There may be acute pain, itching, and irritation around the anus. This often occurs when the haemorrhoid has prolapsed and can be seen outside the anus, or it can be caused when a blood clot develops, or the haemorrhoid becomes twisted. There may be a painful lump or swelling around the anus. This may be serious and requires medical attention.
External haemorrhoids (outside the anus) can often be felt as a bulge in the anus. Although they can be itchy and painful, they sometimes don’t cause typical symptoms.
What can cause haemorrhoids?
Aging starting in the thirties, causes a progressive weakening of the support structures in the area.
Chronic venous insufficiency can be a sign of general weakness in the veins. Contributing factors are standing or sitting for long periods, being overweight, not exercising enough and smoking. Sitting on a cold surface like concrete can cause haemorrhoids.
Constipation straining puts greater pressure on the veins
Inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease may be the underlying cause of haemorrhoids
Portal hypertension is increased pressure within the portal vein blood from the intestines to the liver. Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause
Pregnancy is a common problem caused by hormonal changes and increased pressure by the growing foetus, which forces the veins to work harder to pump blood
How can haemorrhoids be prevented?
The three basics that may reduce haemorrhoids symptoms are:
- Adequate water intake (four to six glasses a day)
- Adequate fibre in the diet
- Exercise
What are natural remedies for haemorrhoids?
Foods rich in rutin can cure haemorrhoids as this flavonoid acts on the circulatory system to strengthen blood vessels. Foods rich in rutin should be consumed along with foods rich in vitamin E, vitamin C and hesperidin.
Butcher’s broom is traditionally used for haemorrhoids and varicose veins. Butcher’s broom contains anti-inflammatory and vein-constricting properties that are believed to improve the tone and integrity of veins and shrink the swollen tissue. It is taken in tea form.
The tea has a slightly bitter taste, so honey can be used to sweeten it. The tea can be made by steeping one teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Butchers broom has also been shown to be effective when applied topically as an ointment or compress.
NOTE: Butcher’s broom should not be used by individuals taking alpha blocker or MAO inhibitor drugs or who have the following conditions:
- High blood pressure
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
- Pregnant or nursing women
Bioflavanoids
Bioflavonoids are a type of plant compound that are thought to work by stabilizing and strengthening blood vessel walls and by decreasing inflammation. They have been found to reduce anal discomfort, pain and anal discharge during an acute haemorrhoid attack.
Side effects of bioflavonoids appear to be mild and rare, making them a promising treatment for haemorrhoids in pregnancy. The major flavonoids found in citrus fruits, diosmin, herperidin, and oxerutins, appear to be beneficial. In citrus fruits bioflavonoids are found in the white pith material just beneath citrus peel. For all natural foods sources see Bioflavonoids
Fibre
Fibre can soften stool and increase its bulk, which helps to reduce straining. Foods high in fibre are fruit skins, legumes, vegetables and whole grains. Psyllium husks, a powdered fibre supplement, is another option that is inexpensive and readily available. A typical amount of psyllium is one teaspoon of the husks in water followed by another glass of water. Another option is ground flaxseeds.
Whatever the source of fibre, it is important to drink sufficient water or constipation may worsen. For more natural remedies see Constipation and diarrhoea.
Horse chestnut
Horse chestnut is good for poor circulation in the veins or chronic venous insufficiency. It is used to relieve symptoms such as swelling and inflammation in haemorrhoids and strengthen blood vessel walls. Horse chestnut can be taken as a tea. It can also be applied externally as a compress.
NOTE: People with an allergy to the horse chestnut family, bleeding disorders, or people taking blood thinners should not take horse chestnut. Only products made from the seeds or bark of the young branches should be used. Other parts of the plant are poisonous. Although uncommon, side effects have included kidney damage, severe bleeding, bruising and liver damage.
Maqui berries
Maqui berries are the richest source of anthocyanins of any other natural food. The anthocyanins give plants their dark purple and blue colour and exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory activity, and do it as well as drugs for the same purposes, without the negative side effects.
Raw juice therapy can successfully treat haemorrhoids. The best organic natural foods to blend are:
- Carrot
- Lemon
- Orange
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Spinach
- Turnip
- Watercress
Wormwood
Historical documentation shows that this Vietnamese/Chinese herb was used to treat intestinal parasitic infections, haemorrhoids (it’s an anti-inflammatory) and malaria as early as 2000 years ago. To make a medicinal tea, soak a handful of sweet wormwood leaves in hot water for 20 minutes. Then wring out the juice and drink it all.
What are the external remedies for haemorrhoids?
The following herbs can be applied externally as a compress or ointment:
- Butcher’s broom
- Calendula (marigold)
- Chamomile
- Horse chestnut
- Yarrow
Pine needle tea bath
Fig Leaves Place two or three of the leaves in one litre of water and bring to boil. Boil for at least 15 minutes. Remove from the fire and let the pot cool. Remove the leaves from the tea and use as a bath or apply to the affected areas.
Witch hazel
A compress or ointment made from the tea of the leaves and bark of the plant. Do not take internally but is instead applied topically to the anal area in the form of witch hazel distilled liquid. Witch hazel is thought to decrease the bleeding of haemorrhoids by acting as an astringent. It may also relieve pain, itching and swelling.
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- Anal fissures
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- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Constipation and diarrhoea
- Diverticular disease
- Excretory system disorders
- Feed your friendly bacteria
- Flatulence
- Intestinal system disorders
- Parasites
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