Have you ever suffered from hemorrhoids? From what I’ve heard, hemorrhoids can be excruciating . . . so much so that just the mention of the word can make you wince or at the very least unconsciously adjust your sitting position. There are drugstore options for dealing with hemorrhoids, but if you’re finding those options don’t necessarily get the job done, you might want to try treating your hemorrhoids with the following herbal blend.

Have you ever suffered from hemorrhoids? I’m one of the lucky few, I think, that has so far avoided this painful condition. From what I’ve heard, hemorrhoids can be excruciating . . . so much so that just the mention of the word can make you wince or at the very least unconsciously adjust your sitting position.

There are drugstore options for dealing with hemorrhoids, but if you’re finding those options don’t necessarily get the job done, you might want to try treating your hemorrhoids with the following herbal blend. 

But first, before we get into that, let’s take a quick refresher course in “Hemorrhoid 101” for those who have forgotten or never been subject to the pain.

What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the mucous membrane in the rectal area. Veins can swell inside the anal canal to form internal hemorrhoids, or they can swell near the opening of the anus to form external hemorrhoids. You can actually have both at the same time (ouch!).

Hemorrhoids can be caused by any one of the following:
• straining against hard, dry stools; constipation; diarrhea
• liver or heart disorders
• tumors
• pregnancy (and giving birth)
• being overweight
The symptoms of hemorrhoids often include:
• Bleeding during bowel movements
• Itching in the anal area
• Rectal pain (it may be painful to clean the anal area)

Hemorrhoids are generally not serious, although some cases do become severe and require a doctor’s attention. Sometimes surgery is necessary, but this is a rare occurrence.

Once your hemorrhoids subside, you can prevent them from coming back by eating foods that have lots of fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, drink plenty of water, and get some exercise on most days of the week.

Now, on to the herbal blend! Relief from itching, bleeding, pain and general discomfort comes from these herbs as they remedy the situation from the inside out by soothing inflamed and sore tissues, shrinking the swollen veins and toning up the body to remove the various causes of hemorrhoids. Each herb in this blend has a history of imparting hemorrhoidal relief. Some of the herbs have found their way into modern ointments and medications, and this blend can certainly be used in other forms such as sitz baths or compresses.

SLIPPERY ELM BARK is used both in poultices and internally to sooth irritated mucous membranes. One early American ethno-botanist described the various uses for Slippery Elm that he observed among the Indians and among the pioneers and settlers of the West as follows: urinary and bowel complaints, sore throat, scurvy, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera infantum, nutritious food, externally for ulcers, tumors, swellings, chilblains, burns and sores. In all of these uses, the demulcent property (soothing property) of the herb was the therapeutic agent. Slippery Elm was not highly recommended during the last century for hemorrhoids, for it was felt that this particular ailment should be treated primarily with astringents. One exception, a 19th Century eclectic physician recommended an external application of Slippery Elm for hemorrhoids, but this is a rare reference. Modern works are more willing to include the treatment of hemorrhoids as within the realm of demulcents. Certainly, the mucilaginous property of the plant makes it an ideal application for hemorrhoids, both internally and externally.

WITCH HAZEL LEAF use began with the Indians, and was subsequently adopted by the white community. Now it is the premier treatment for hemorrhoids, finding its place in many currently available hemorrhoid preparations. Its effectiveness is due mainly to its very astringent nature, which, in turn has been attributed to its high content of tannic acid. However, tannin-free Witch Hazel water is also very astringent, so there must be other active principles in the plant. As usual, the whole is better than any of the parts. Laboratory tests that have been done show that Witch Hazel lowers blood pressure, decreases renal volume, accelerates respiration and inhibits peristalsis, indicating a primary effect on the venal system. This action would help explain why it works so well on hemorrhoids and other venous sicknesses like varicose veins and phlebitis. Witch Hazel leaf is also bacteriostatic to those surfaces that are washed by it, as has been demonstrated in controlled laboratory studies.

MULLEIN LEAF, a demulcent, is used externally in poultices and internally in capsules to soothe irritated mucous membranes. The leaf yields a peculiar fatty matter that reduces swelling and pain. In India, Mullein has enjoyed popularity not only as a demulcent, but also as a bacteriostatic. In that country, and a few others, Mullein has been used to treat tuberculosis for centuries. That practice has found substantiation in laboratory tests wherein Mullein significantly inhibited mycobacterium tuberculosis.

ALUM ROOT, or Cranesbill root, a strong astringent, was introduced to medicine by the American Indians. Knowledgeable American physicians still use it to reduce inflammation of mucous membranes, curb irritation of hemorrhoidal tissue and to restore venous health. It is especially powerful astringent for passive bleeding, as occurs in hematuria, hemoptysis and menorrhagia, and has a potent healing effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract. An early ethno-botanist wrote, “This root is accounted a great medicine by the Meskwaki . . . Its greatest use is in curing piles and hemorrhoids. A poultice of the pounded root is bounded upon the anus to cause protruding piles to recede.” Like Mullein, it was found to be active against tuberculosis bacteria.

GOLDENSEAL ROOT is, of course, used for many different complaints – hemorrhoids being just one of them. However, it is unclear just how Goldenseal alleviates this condition. One clue is provided by studies that found Goldenseal to constrict peripheral blood vessels. Goldenseal has profound effects on all parts of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as related systems. Whatever the mechanism, the herb has been successfully used for a couple of hundred years on the United States to reduce the inflammation and pain of hemorrhoidal tissue.

The above ingredients are available at most health food or vitamin supply stores and can be found in capsule as well as topical forms.

*While these remedies have proven results, you should always be careful when choosing a new regimen of treatment. It’s best to ease into the use of herbs and ease out of the use of traditional medications – especially if your health problems are severe. A sudden switch of health regimen can be hazardous.