Hemorrhoids

A mass of dilated, tortuous veins in the anorectum involving the venous plexuses of that area. There are two kinds: external, those involving veins distal to the anorectal line (a dilated vein or veins at the junction of anal mucosa with the anal skin); and internal, those involving veins proximal to the anorectal line (dilated veins of the lower rectum at the anal-rectal junction). Usually related to constipation, pregnancy, improper diet, lack of exercise, prolonged periods of sitting, heavy lifting, obesity, liver damage, and allergies.

Approximately half of the population of the United States over fifty years of age suffer from hemorrhoids.

Causes

Wrong eating habits may cause the majority of hemorrhoids. Eating a diet that contains a large amount of refined foods that are low in bulk (fiber), tends to cause small, hard stools, resulting in straining and constipation; this causes the pressure inside the colon to increase. Taking ordinary commercial laxatives that are on the market may also be a cause, as many of them irritate the membranous lining of the colon.

Symptoms

Swollen veins are present around the anus or inside the rectum. These swollen blood vessels frequently become irritated and bleed. Hemorrhoids may itch, burn (sting), tear, and bleed, causing discomfort and pain. Severe hemorrhoids should be evaluated and treated by the doctor.

Treatment

Depends on the severity of the symptoms, not the extent of the hemorrhoids. In many instances, the only therapy required is improvement in anal hygiene and administration of stool softeners to prevent straining to have a bowel movement. The decision concerning the necessity of surgery or ligature with rubber bands should not be made until acute symptoms and inflammation have subsided. This allows tissues to regain their usual shape.

Nutrients

Calcium chelate, 1,500 mg. per day, is essential for blood clotting and helps prevent cancer of the colon. Magnesium, 750 mg. per day. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 100 mg. per day, aids in healing and normal blood clotting. Vitamin E, 600 IU per day, promotes normal blood clotting and healing. Vitamin B complex plus vitamin B6, vitamin B12, choline and inositol, 50 mg. 3 times with meals, for improved digestion, thus reduced stress on the rectum. Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg. per day, increases cellular oxygenation and assists in healing. Vitamin A and beta-carotene, 15,000 IU each per day, aids in healing of mucous membranes and tissues. Vitamin D, 600 IU per day, aids in healing of mucous membranes and tissues and is needed for calcium absorption.

Herbs

Aloes
Alum, white, root tea
Arnica flowers
Balm
Balm of Gilead
Balmony
Balsam fir
Basil, wild
Bayberry bark
Bearberry (Uva ursi)
Bittersweet
Blackberry
Blackroot
Bloodroot
Broomsedge
Buckthorn bark
Burdock
Burnet, salad
Butcher's broom
Butter-and-eggs
Capsicum
Cascara bark
Castor bean
Catnip
Cayenne pepper
Celandine
Chamomile
Cheese plant
Chestnut
Chickory
Chickweed
Clover, sweet
Collinsonia root
Comfrey root
Cotton root
Cubeb
Cypress
Daisy fleabane
Dock, yellow
Elderberry
Eryngo
Eucalyptus
Fennel seed
Figwort
Fireweed
Flaxseed
Garlic
Geranium, wild or spotted
Ginger
Ginkgo
Golden seal
Grape, red vine leaves
Horehound
Horse-balm
Horse chestnut
Horsetail
Horseweed
Hound's tongue
Indian hemp, black
Indigo, wild
Ivy, ground
Lemon juice
Licorice root
Marjoram, sweet
Milfoil
Mullein
Myrrh
Nettle
Oak, red bark
Oak, white bark
Oat fiber
Origanum
Papain tablets
Parsley
Persimmon calyx
Pilewort
Pimpernel
Plantain
Pokeweed
Poppy seeds
Psyllium
Raspberry leaves
Rattlesnake-master
Red root
Rue anemone
Sage, wild, leaves
St. John's wort
Senna
Sesame seeds
Shepherd's purse
Smartweed
Solomon's seal
Spearmint
Spikenard
Squaw vine
Star grass
Stillingia
Stone root
Sweet gum bark
Sweet weed
Tamarack
Thuja
Toadflax, yellow
Valerian, Greek
Wallwort
Water pepper
Willow bark
Wintergreen
Witch hazel
Yam, wild
Yarrow root
Yellow dock
Yerba santa

Recommendations

Learn not to strain when moving the bowels. Keep the bowels clean and avoid constipation. Include foods high in fiber and cellulose in the diet. Apples, beets, brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage family foods, carrots, green beans, guar gum, oat bran, lima beans, pears, peas, psyllium seed, and whole grains should be considered for the diet.

Exercise is important. Drink plenty of liquids. Linseed oil helps soften stools. Use one or two tbsp. daily. Take a sitz bath daily.

Some recommend a peeled clove of garlic or a raw potato made into a suppository to help hemorrhoids (3 times per week).

Vitamin K is excellent for bleeding hemorrhoids. Food sources for vitamin K are: alfalfa, kale, and all dark green leafy vegetables.

Suggestions

Elderberry poultices can relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. A plain warm water enema will relieve pressure and pain in most cases and is fast acting.
A healing herb enema for hemorrhoids:
Willow bark (8 parts)
Red oak bark (8 parts)
Wild sage leaves (3 parts)
Pilewort (3 parts)
Horseweed (3 parts)
Boil 1/2 tsp. mixture slowly in 1 pint of water. Let stand until cold, then strain. Use as a rectal enema before going to bed.
Two healing mixtures to relieve hemorrhoids internally
1. Alder buckthorn bark
Milfoil
Licorice roots
Fennel seed
Mix in equal parts. Steep 1 tbsp. in 1/2 cup boiling-hot water for 10 minutes. Drink hot.
2. Balm (3 parts)
Blackthorn flowers (3 parts)
Milfoil (3 parts)
Arnica flowers (5 parts)
Alder buckthorn bark (15 parts)
Soak 1 tbsp. of the mixture in 1/2 cup cold water for 6 hours then bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Take 1 cup per day.

Definition