How to Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids Naturally

How to Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids Naturally

The advantage of using natural methods to treat bleeding hemorrhoids is that many other remedies (though by no means all) involve steroids, which can sometimes cause side effects, including eczema and allergic reactions. Natural solutions are less likely to cause these problems and may well be an appropriate remedy, especially if the bleeding has just started and the problem is minor. Why is that?

Most hemorrhoids flare up for a short time and bleeding is often associated. To promote hemorrhoid bleeding, it is necessary to reduce the level of inflammation, and in principle there is no reason why natural treatments cannot achieve this effect - after all, aspirin, perhaps the most successful remedy of all time, was originally derived from willow bark and thus has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

Homeopathic treatmentsare also available specifically for hemorrhoids and are sometimes included in the natural category. Some celebrities like Prince Charles support homeopathy. David Beckham, Martina Navratilova and Nancy Lopez have all received homeopathic treatments. Personally, I am very skeptical that they work except as a placebo, and there is no scientific evidence to support the view that they do. On the other hand, the likelihood that they could be dangerous is small and some people may want to experiment in this way, although the active ingredients are so diluted that not a molecule of them usually remains in the solutions used.

Fortunately, other available treatments are likely to be much more effective and have more substantial claims of success. Here are four potential natural treatments worth considering and available online:

1.Butcher's broomis a popular herbal remedy for hemorrhoids and comes from an asparagus-like shrub native to the Mediterranean region. This long-used natural anti-inflammatory substance works differently than steroids. It is also claimed to tighten veins and strengthen capillary walls while imparting the anti-inflammatory effects of steroid compounds. It contains steroidal saponins, which are responsible for the medicinal effects of the herbs.

2.buckeyeis an astringent, anti-inflammatory herb and a natural treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids. Its active ingredient is called aescin. Aescin strengthens vein tissue and reduces swelling. There is some evidence from Germany that it alters the collagen content and architecture of veins to improve their health.

3.Cayenneis not as commonly used to treat hemorrhoids as butcher's broom or horse chestnut - but it is known as a flavoring spice. All sorts of claims suggest that it can be used for conditions ranging from the prostate to toothache, blood pressure and ulcers. Does it work for hemorrhoids? I don't know, but that's what some herbalists suggest. It appears to have strong circulatory benefits, and that may well be the case. Capsaicin is the active ingredient and contains carotenoids and vitamins C and E.

4.Mulleinclaims to be one of the best and safest herbal remedies for hemorrhoids. For hemorrhoids, apply externally in the form of a leaf compress. Its active ingredient is capsaicin and the leaves have always been used as a remedy for various ailments. Respiratory and skin irritations also have some claim to respond to this herb.

Herbal remedies are worth considering as a hemorrhoid treatment. Note that if bleeding persists, it is advisable to have the problem examined by a doctor, regardless of whether the treatment is natural or not. Very rarely, the symptoms of hemorrhoids can mask a much more serious underlying cause and it is important to be aware of this. Also note that natural treatments contain active ingredients and can therefore have side effects.

Inspired by Sally Sorenson