Hemorrhoids are veinous cushions around the anal opening which can be internal or external. Almost 50% of the western population develops unhealthy hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, and in my profession working with the colon, I see it daily.
Symptoms can be swelling, itchiness, bleeding, irritation and pain. They can make life miserable – traveling, driving – sitting anywhere. Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and wall of the anus. It happens when there is too much pressure and this causes the small veins to swell and fill with blood. Hemorrhoids are exactly what varicose veins in the legs are- just different areas of the body. For most people, straining during bowel movements or chronic loose stools -both from an improper diet - along with sitting too long, very little exercise and even pregnancy can create the problem.
Hemorrhoids can be treated and prevented using natural remedies. What are a few things you could do? Read on below….
THINK FIBER!
We have such a high incidence of hemorrhoids in North America because of refined food and a fast-food lifestyle. Changing the diet, exercising, drinking plenty of water and taking a serious look at stress levels can all make an impact on your well-being. Good fiber from the right sources is my mantra!
Fiber ends constipation, can stop hemorrhoids, firm up loose stools, absorb toxins in the gut – and on top of all that - feed the good flora within our gut ecosystem.
Home made bone broth from chicken/beef/bison or fish along with steamed vegetables are valuable for GI tract recovery right down to the hemorrhoids in the rectum. Avoid higher starch vegetables like white potatoes and eating grains. Rice, wheat, corn, soy and even pseudo grains like quinoa can produce inflammation and constipation. Seed Oils like Canola and Soybean Oils which are a regular occurrence in restaurant food and even ‘healthy’ salad dressings - watch out! Alcohol is a classic hemorrhoid causer - and something I have consistently noticed in the lifestyles of my clients with problematic hemorrhoids for over 20 years.
I do not consider fiber from crackers/bread - wheat or any grains/cereals as proper fiber to help the intestinal tract. For many of my clients I give them a simple recipe that you can shake in a jar with a lid. In 1/4 c purified water -add a Teaspoon of Organic Psyllium Husk powder, 1 tablespoon Slippery Elm Bark POWDER and 1 Teaspoon of liquid bentonite clay -shake and drink immediately (it will thicken quick) Take 2x a day on an empty stomach. Drink plenty of water.
Psyllium husk powder - link - https://amzn.to/4ehGp81
Slippery Elm Powder - link - https://amzn.to/4dVYtF4
Liquid Bentonite Clay - link - https://amzn.to/3ZkCkfe
HERBAL REMEDIES
WITCH HAZEL
Use Witch Hazel topically, in the form of a cream, liquid or compress. The leaves and bark of this plant have been used as a remedy for hemorrhoids since ancient times. It will help to shrink the swelling of the hemorrhoid, reduce the bleeding, and relieve the pain and itchiness. You can buy pads pre-soaked with Witch Hazel, or apply pure Witch Hazel yourself to the affected area, using a cotton ball. Aloe Vera gel could be added to this if you desire. A warm bath is soothing - add witch hazel to the water and soak until the discomfort has ceased. Witch Hazel is a versatile herb that is used topically for various conditions.
STONE ROOT, BUTCHER’S BROOM, HORSE CHESTNUT & WITCH HAZEL
I highly recommend a product called “Hem-Control” - A Fast Effective Hemorrhoid Treatment Supplement - Powerful Formula Promotes Symptom Relief, Shrinking of Hemorrhoids, Ease Discomfort - 180 Vegan Capsules -
link - https://amzn.to/4glzxrW
This is a comprehensive product with more than just these 3 above highlighted ingredients. Butcher’s Broom herb tightens and strengthens the veins while acting as a vasoconstrictor that narrows the blood vessels and is anti-inflammatory. It can also be consumed as a tea. Stone Root which is also called - Collinsonia Root -is commonly used for the treatment of hemorrhoids - vascular irritation of the rectal area with a general sense of “constriction” or pain in the lower abdomen. Collinsonia root is used in particular for symptomatic hemorrhoids, the most common complaint in anus and rectal health issues. Symptoms can include rectal bleeding, tissue protrusion, and mucous discharge. Collinsonia Root can also be taken in tea form. Horse Chestnut is in this product as well and is highly valuable for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
SQUAT!
After over 20 years as a National Board Certified Colon Therapist, the #1 most important nugget of truth is that there is only one way to have a bowel movement that has health benefits. SQUAT! All throughout Asia and the Middle East – in the best hotels – are toilets that you squat over. You strain less and this in itself is hemorrhoid prevention. In countries where people squat when going to the toilet, hemorrhoid problems are almost non-existent.
You can add a step-stool that would fit around the base of your toilet at home. If you are handy, you could make one – they are very basic. Using it will put your rectum (anal opening) into a tilted position where your bowel movement will slide out painlessly and easily. It is the most natural way to open up the bowels.
If you are interested in buying a squatty potty - heres a Squatty Potty link - https://amzn.to/4ezZ3s7
THANK YOU for reading and supporting my Substack.
Probably all good I'm sure, but you didn't mention an absolute miracle for hemorrhoids--Hesperidin and Diosmin; both bio-flavonoids from citrus fruits. My wife's cleared up in just a matter of a couple days after starting these.