Cause: Weakness of the veins and/or excessive pressure on the veins due to straining during defecation; pregancy;long periods of standing or sitting, and heavy lifting.¹

Useful Herbs: Psyllium, Witch Hazel, Rutin, Citrus Bioflavonoid, Hesperidin, Aortic Glycosaminoglycans, Butcher’s Broom, Horse Chestnut,

Further information: Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus or rectum which can bleed and become inflamed, causing itching or pain.

Hemorrhoids may be external or internal. Both can have blood clots develop (thrombosis) which can be extremely painful. Internal hemorrhoids, which are within the rectum, can prolapse through the anus and become strangulated, also leading to pain.

While common belief is that hemorrhoids are caused by constipation, it appears more likely that the actual cause is the straining for bowel movements that accompanies constipation.² This would explain the reason many women have hemorrhoids appear during labor – the pushing and straining of delivery is similar in nature to that of a bowel movement. The veins of the internal anal plexus have no valves, and any maneuver that increases pressure can cause these veins to swell and become hemorrhoids.

The best dietary preventive measure for hemorrhoids is high fiber intake. Diets rich in whole grains and vegetables, accompanied by large amounts of water, often reduce the occurrence of constipation. Bulk agents, such as psyllium and guar gum promote smooth transit of stool through the colon and can ease constipation. Sitz baths which are warm water partial immersion baths of the pelvis region can be temporarily soothing.

The following herbs have been shown effective in the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids:

Witch Hazel applied topically is an effective treatment for the pain associated with hemorrhoids, but relief is short term.³

Citrus bioflavoinoids, Rutin and Hesperidin helps strengthen the hemorrhoidal veins and decrease swelling.

Aortic Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) protect and promote normal artery and vein function, and have been shown in double-blind, randomized studies to be effective.

Butcher’s Broom or Horse Chestnut can be used topically or taken internally to help improve circulation; this may prevent veins from becoming inflamed.

Psyllium husk is a source of dietary fiber.⁷ grams taken three times daily has been shown an effective dose for reducing the pain and bleeding of hemorrhoids.²

References:

¹Murray, Michael and Pizzorno, Joseph. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine; 2nd ed. Prima Health: 1998
²Johanson JF, Sonnenberg A. The prevalence of hemorrhoids and chronic constipation. Gastroenterol 1990;98:380–6.
³Moesgaard F, Nielsen ML, Hansen JB, Knudsen JT. High-fiber diet reduces bleeding and pain in patients with hemorrhoids. Dis Colon Rectum 1982;25:454–6.
⁴Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 268–70.