Herbal Treatments For Hemorrhoids

There are a number of different herbs that have been traditionally used to alleviate the swelling, itching and discomfort of hemorrhoids.  Some you can find in your local pharmacy. Some can be compounded into gels which can be applied directly to the hemorrhoids. Some herbs can be taken internally to help hemorrhoids heal and reduce their size. The most common herbs used in the treatment of hemorrhoids are:

• Aesculus hippocastanum—the horse chestnut.  This has been traditionally used as a tonic for the veins—it strengthens the walls of the veins and makes them resistant to the swelling that makes a hemorrhoid.  Aesculus also is an anti-inflammatory and as astringent and can help to not only reduce the hemorrhoids, but reduce the pain and discomfort as well.
• 
  Ulmus fulva—slippery elm.  The “slippery” part of the name tells part of the story—slippery elm lubricates, softens and soothes inflamed tissues.
• Hammamelis virginiana—commonly known as witch hazel—is an astringent (meaning it will reduce swelling) and an anti-inflammatory.
• Quercus alba—white oak bark.  This is another astringent and vascular toner—the tannins in the white oak bark shrink the hemorrhoid tissue and soothe the inflammation.
• Ruscus aculeatus – is also known as butcher’s broom and is used to constrict the veins of the hemorrhoid.
• Pomegranate juice- drink at least 3-4 glasses a day.

You can make a home hemorrhoid ointment

Open 1-2 capsules containing Vitamin E onto a small area of a clean dish or bowl.  Add a drop or two of slippery elm.  If you have butcher’s broom, white oak or horse chestnut in powder form, mix in a small amount (about the size of this “O”) and mix with a clean toothpick.  Pre-treat the hemorrhoid with a bit of witch hazel on a cotton ball.  Then, when dry, apply the ointment.