Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids
are distended veins in the lining of the anus. They
can either be internal, meaning they occur near the
beginning of the anus, or external hemorrhoids, occurring
at the opening of the anus. Hemorrhoids that protrude
outside the anus are known as prolapsing hemorrhoids.
Because of how widespread the occurrence of hemorrhoids
is in the general population, even among children, many
conventional physicians consider them to be normal.
Holistic physicians, however, recognize that hemorrhoids
are not a part of normal health and should be addressed.
Symptoms
of hemorrhoids include bleeding (usually bright red
fresh blood that shows up on the toilet paper after
wiping), itching, mucus, discomfort, and pain during
elimination and, at times, sitting.
What To Consider
Hemorrhoids
are often the result of poor diet, constipation or a
sluggish bowel, straining during bowel movements, chronic
low-level dehydration, lack of exercise, and/or a sedentary
lifestyle. Correcting these factors can be very helpful
in preventing and eliminating hemorrhoids.
Caution
Bleeding during bowel movements needs to be checked
to rule out other more serious conditions. If you suffer
from persistent hemorrhoids or experience blood in your
stool, seek immediate medical attention.
Self-Care Tips
Diet
Eat an organic, whole foods diet that emphasizes high-fiber
foods, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (especially
dark green, leafy vegetables, such as kale), grains
such as brown rice and millet, and lean, organic meats
and poultry. Also drink plenty of healthy beverages,
such as herbal teas, fresh squeezed juice, and pure,
filtered water.
Nutritional
Supplementation
The following nutrients can help prevent and reverse
hemmorhoids: vitamin C with bioflavonoids and rutin,
vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin B complex, folic acid,
essential fatty acids, magnesium, potassium,
and zinc. Linseed oil (one teaspoon upon arising and
at night) can also be used to help soften stools.
Aromatherapy
Cypress, juniper, frankincense, or niaouli.
Ayurveda
Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice three times daily
until symptoms clear. The Ayurvedic herbal compound
triphala is also very effective for relieving
hemorrhoid pain and for promoting the overall health
of the gastrointestinal tract.
Flower
Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream can be applied to external hemorrhoids
to ease symptoms.
Herbs
The aptly named herb pilewort is a staple treatment
for hemorrhoids in Europe because of its effectiveness
in reducing hemorrhoid symptoms. Collinsonia is another
highly effective herbal remedy for hemorrhoids. As a
topical application, mix 10 ml of collinsonia tincture
with 80 ml of distilled witch hazel and apply this combination
after every bowel motion and as needed. Other useful
herbs include bilberry, buckthorn bark, butcher's broom,
comfrey root, gotu kola, parsley, passionflower, and
stone root.
Homeopathy
Aloe, Hamamelis, Nux vom., Berberis, Acidum fluor.,
and Thuja are helpful homeopathic remedies.
Hydrotherapy
A warm sitz bath taken daily, followed by a short cold
bath, can help shrink hemorrhoids and soothe painful
symptoms.
Juice
Therapy
The following juice combinations can help keep the
bowels regular and soften stool: carrot, spinach, celery,
and parsley; carrot and watercress, or beet juice.
Topical
Treatment
Apply a combination of zinc oxide, vitamin E, and aloe
vera gel or olive oil to the affected area. Witch hazel
applied topically can help shrink hemorrhoids, while
calendula ointment can help relieve pain and itching.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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