Hemorrhoids are not all gloom and doom!

Added November 16, 2009, Under: Diets, Exercise, Health, Pregnancy

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I know I have written about hemorrhoids before but with this condition being so common and with about half the population in the US suffering from hemorrhoids at some time in their lives, I felt it warranted further attention.

When hemorrhoids are mild and in their early stages, they are easy to treat at home.  It is only if they are not treated and become severe or chronic, that more drastic measures are needed.

Today many people are looking for more natural treatments for various conditions – to get away from chemicals – and natural treatments are readily available for hemorrhoids.  If you really want to get back to nature you can try these methods:

-  Steep 2 garlic cloves in a pot with 2 cups of water.  Heat for 30 minutes, then cool the garlic water before applying as a natural hemorroids treatment.

-  Witch hazel extract made from the leaves and bark of the plant can be bought from a drugstore in the form of distilled liquid, ointment or a set of medicated pads.  Apply to the affected area to stop or reduce the symptoms of bleeding hemorrhoids and to relieve the pain and swelling.

-  Horse chestnut is another natural hemorrhoids treatment which is used as an herbal tea made from the bark and applied.

-  Butcher’s broom, in the form of capsules or tea, is said to have anti-inflammatory properties which shrink the swelling of the veins and tissues.

Then if you don’t want to go to the trouble of buying and making up the above remedies, you have the option of  a natural hemorrhoids treatment made from pure essential oils – H-Hemorrhoids – to use in the comfort of your own home which can be ordered easily on line.

Using a natural hemorrhoids treatment goes hand in hand with a holistic strategy where the ongoing cause of hemorrhoids (usually constipation or straining to have a bowel movement) is addressed.

You can do this by eating lots of fiber (including fresh fruit and vegetables), drinking plenty of liquids (especially water) and exercising regularly (a brisk daily 20 minute walk will do wonders).

In addition it wise to take note of the following:

-  Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time and also do not strain when having a bowel movement.  Never put off going to the toilet when you feel the need and try to get into the habit of having a bowel movement at the same time each day.  Another tip is not to hold your breath when having a bowel movement.

-  Avoid sitting or standing for too long.  If you work long hours at a desk, take a break every hour and walk around for 5 minutes.  Make sure you get some exercise in your lunch break.

-  Be careful about lifting heavy objects.

-  If you do have constipation, take bulk forming laxatives or stool softeners until there is an improvement so that you do not need to strain.

-  Take a warm bath or sit in a bowl of warm water several times per day.  You can add a handful of salt to a bath or a few drops each of lavender and juniper essential oils to the bowl.  This can help reduce the swelling and shrink hemorrhoids.

-  Use ice packs or cool cotton compresses to ease the discomfort in the anal area.

-  If you really feel the need, take a mild pain medication for relief.

-  Dark colored berries such as cherries, blackberries and blueberries contain anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. These pigments tone and strengthen the walls of hemorrhoidal veins and can minimize pain and swelling.

There is even a special exercise you can do to help in the treatment of your hemorrhoids where you lie on your back on the ground with the palms of your hands flat on the floor.  While breathing out, lift your buttocks off the floor and bring your knees to your chest.  Then raise your hips and buttocks towards the ceiling very slowly.  With your elbows bent, place your hands on your back, stretch your feet and move them away from each other.  Breathe normally and hold this position for 5 minutes. Then slowly return to your original position.

If you practise this exercise whenever the hemorrhoids give you pain or discomfort, you should find instant relief.

Many people suffering from hemorrhoids find a doughnut pillow helps them feel more comfortable while their treatment does its work.  However, not everyone is in agreement that these special pillows for hemorrhoids should be used.  Juan Nogueras, MD, who is a colon and rectal surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, Florada, is opposed to them on the grounds that they really don’t help hemorrhoids.  He says: “They just put additional pressure on the anus by spreading and stretching the surrounding area of the buttocks.”  He adds: “If you need additional cushioning, use a small pillow instead”.

There is even a special hemorrhoid toilet sea which has an innovative shape with a narrow opening that is said to prevent the hemorrhoid veins from stretching while regulating the bowel movement time so that the pain caused by any bleeding is reduced or even eliminated.

As you can see, there are many different ways in which you can help your hemorrhoids to heal without resorting to strong over-the-counter or prescription medications.