HAEMORRHOIDS
HAEMORRHOIDS. THEY EVEN SOUND AWFUL. But most people over the age of 50 have them and younger people can get them as well. These swollen and inflamed vein tissues in the anal area are extremely common.
Typical symptoms of haemorrhoids are anal pain, burning or itching, and bright red blood seen on toilet tissue, in the toilet bowl or on the surface of the stool after defecation. Round swellings or protrusions in the anal area may also be present. Because all these symptoms can be caused by other, more serious conditions, it's important to get a doctor's diagnosis to know whether what you have is, in fact, haemorrhoids.
Why do haemorrhoids occur, and can anything be done to prevent them? Haemorrhoids are caused by genetic weakness of the veins in the rectal area, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and anything that causes increased pressure in the veins (pregnancy, heavy lifting, frequent straining during elimination). Low-fibre diets,with resulting constipation, are considered a major cause. The main reasons to seek medical attention are intolerable pain, severe bleeding or swelling severe enough to prevent normal defecation.
Although prescription cortisone and anaesthetic products may reduce the pain and swelling of haemorrhoids, they can't address the causes. Herbs and other botanical medicines can help strengthen and tone blood vessels, decrease inflammation and stop bleeding. They can also help the constipation that often accompanies haemorrhoids.
PUTTING MEDICINE WHERE IT HURTS
Herbs applied directly to haemorrhoids can ease symptoms, stop bleeding and speed healing. Look for creams, salves or suppositories that contain combinations of soothing, anti-inflammatory and astringent herbs such as calendula, comfrey, camomile, lavender, St John's wort and plantain. Distilled witch hazel is also an excellent astringent that shrinks swollen haemorrhoids and controls bleeding (do not take internally, though). And cypress essential oil may help shrink swollen veins and reduce bleeding.
HELP FOR HAEMORRHOIDS
This blend combines soothing herbs that foster wound healing with cooling, astringent witch hazel.
4 tablespoons distilled witch hazel
1/2 tablespoon comfrey tincture
1/2 tablespoon horse chestnut tincture
50 drops lavender essential oil
50 drops cypress essential oil (optional)
Combine all the ingredients in an airtight amber glass bottle with a tight lid. Label the bottle. Store away from heat and light. To use, shake well and apply gently with a cotton-wool ball twice a day and after each bowel movement. If internal haemorrhoids are present, insert the soaked cottonwool ball briefly into the anal opening to allow the herbs to soak this area; be sure to keep a grip on the cotton-wool ball so you don't lose it.
TAKING THE WATERS
A bath in warm water often provides temporary relief from haemorrhoids by soothing inflamed tissues and stimulating circulation. To make that bath more effective, add soothing herbs in the form of essential oils or tea to the water. Good candidates are calendula, comfrey, camomile, lavender and St John's wort. Be careful, however; if you're adding essential oils, dilute them first. Add no more than 5 drops of essential oil to 2 tablespoons of a neutral vegetable-based oil such as olive or almond.
DRUG TREATMENT
Topical Anti-Inflammatories
Cortisone, anaesthetics such as benzocaine (Lanacane cream) and lignocaine (Anodesyn, Germoloids, Boots Haemorrhoid Ointment). Function: reduce pain and swelling. Side effects: topical allergic reactions, thinning of the skin and mucous membranes.
Other Topical Drugs
Ointments and creams (Anacal, Anusol cream, Preparation H, others). Function: reduce pain and swelling. Side effects: allergic reactions, rashes.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
A traditional treatment for strengthening and toning the veins, horse chestnut is anti-inflammatory and therefore decreases swelling. It is also astringent and tends to reduce bleeding. This herb can be used both internally and topically. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea three times per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of dried seeds in 1/4 litre of water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day. To use horse chestnut externally, allow the tea to cool. Soak a clean flannel in the tea and wring out. Apply to swollen tissues as often as needed.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Extracts of ginkgo leaf help strengthen the blood vessels. Ginkgo is also anti-inflammatory, just what you're looking for in conditions that include pain and itching among their symptoms. Typical dosage: 40 to 60 milligrams of capsules standardised to 24 per cent flavone glycosides and 6 per cent ginkgolides two or three times per day; or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture two to three times per day.
Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)
This herb decreases inflammation and strengthens blood vessels.
Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea three times per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaf in1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes); or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day on an empty stomach.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
This strongly astringent herb stops bleeding and helps shrink swollen tissues. Apply commercial witch hazel preparations or distilled extract products three times per day and after each bowel movement. Caution: never use these products internally.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Yellow Dock
(Rumex crispus)
These two herbs share some key characteristics. They're both considered weeds, you can eat the young greens of either and the roots of both plants are mild, gentle laxatives. It's the roots you want for treating the constipation that sometimes comes with haemorrhoids. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 2 teaspoons of dried, chopped root in litre of water for 15 minutes); or 1/2 to 3 teaspoons of tincture per day.
THE RID-OF-'ROIDS DIET
Foods rich in fibre and in proanthocyanidin and anthocyanidin, two compounds that improve the health of blood vessels, can help prevent future haemorrhoids and help current ones heal. Blackberries, blueberries and cherries are among the foods that contain these ingredients. If constipation is a factor, you may want to consider a fibre supplement, such as psyllium seed husks (1 tablespoon per day) mixed with water or juice. If your diet is less than healthy, add a good multivitamin to ensure that you're getting all of the important blood-vessel-healing nutrients. Dairy products, meat and fatty foods tend to be constipating, so it's a good idea to cut back on these products.
