Can hemorrhoids be treated with herbs and oils? As they are prominent and swollen veins in the anus and in the lower part of the rectum, which are formed as a result of exertion during the work of the intestine or as a result of severe pressure on these veins as happens during pregnancy, and hemorrhoids are divided into external, internal and prolapsed hemorrhoids And thrombosed, hemorrhoid disease is one of the very common diseases and its symptoms are itching, discomfort and bleeding.
Treatment with herbs and oils
Oils and herbs are used for many purposes, such as cooking, adding flavor to foods, industry, or treatment due to the therapeutic properties they contain. Herbs are nutritional supplements that come in many forms, including: capsules, tablets, dried and fresh herbal extracts such as powders or tea bags, People tend to use herbal remedies to maintain and improve general health, and it should be noted that some people believe that all herbs are safe to use and this is not true, as herbs can cause serious harm due to their interaction with a health problem or taking medicines, so before taking herbs you should check Information from reliable sources, as well as consulting a doctor and informing him about all the herbs that are taken.[1]
In the context of talking about treating hemorrhoids with herbs and oils; Hemorrhoids are defined as swelling in the veins in the anus and lower rectum, and it is possible for hemorrhoids to grow inside the rectum and form internal hemorrhoids or around the anus as in external hemorrhoids, and the reasons for the appearance of hemorrhoids are many, but in some cases the cause of infection is unknown,[2] External hemorrhoids are more common and described as very unpleasant, as they cause pain, inability to sit still, irritation around the anus, and bleeding that may result in the process of excretion. Although hemorrhoids are painful, they are not dangerous, and most of the time they go away on their own without treatment. Some of the possible causes are as follows:[3]
- Chronic constipation for long periods of time.
- Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet.
- The patient has a family history of hemorrhoids.
- Sensation of discomfort in bowel movement.
Treatment of hemorrhoids with herbs and oils
For hemorrhoids, a person may consider home remedies or herbal remedies, and as we mentioned earlier that hemorrhoids are not dangerous, and it should be noted that there are many methods used to reduce the pain of hemorrhoids and treat them, and these methods include treatment with herbs and oils at home as follows:[4]
witch hazel
It is known that witch hazel reduces pain, itching, or even bleeding associated with hemorrhoids, and while this information has not been scientifically proven, some have used it to treat hemorrhoids and have shown improvement, as it contains important tannins and oils to reduce inflammation, and some studies indicate that it helps Tighten the skin as if it were a natural anti-inflammatory, and according to the advice of doctors, witch hazel can be used directly on hemorrhoids.[4] Some parts of this plant, such as its leaves and bark, are used in the manufacture of medicines. In addition, there is distilled water from witch hazel, known as hamamelis water. It is a liquid made from dry leaves, bark, and branches of the plant. Witch hazel has many benefits, and its most important uses are:
- Treating diarrhea, colds and vomiting.
- Tumors, cancer, fever and mucosal colitis.
- In addition, some people apply the herb directly to the skin to treat infections, varicose veins, vaginal dryness after menopause, acne, insect bites or skin irritations. When treating hemorrhoids with hazelnut water, it temporarily relieves itching and irritation, in addition to increasing Comforts the person and reduces other anal disorders.[5]
Apple cider vinegar
Some people believe that apple cider vinegar helps to immediately relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids, in addition to reducing pain and itching, and doctors advise not to use this remedy excessively, as apple cider vinegar burns the skin and exacerbates the problem.[4] It is most likely that apple cider vinegar is about adding yeast to apple juice, which turns the sugar in the juice into alcohol, and this process is called fermentation, and there are many uses related to it, as it is a home remedy for sore throat and varicose veins, although there is not enough information yet To prove this information, most apple cider vinegar is put in salads, bread and cooking, and as a result of it containing a lot of acids, it should not be drunk directly, and a spoon or two of apple cider vinegar can be added to water or tea.
tea tree oil
Where tea tree oil contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce swelling and itching resulting from hemorrhoids, some research has indicated that tea tree oil reduces symptoms, but studies have not yet appeared, and doctors advise not to use these solutions because they are not well studied.[4]
Tea tree oil is known as an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the original Australian plant, and this oil contains many anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, in addition to that, it has become used in cosmetics, and it should be noted that tea tree oil is never eaten, Rather, it is applied topically to the site of infection, and as for the dose, it in turn depends on several factors, including the condition that requires treatment and the severity and concentration of the oil.[7]
aloe vera
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help soothe hemorrhoid infections, but due to insufficient research and studies, its use may not be medically supported for hemorrhoids in particular, but it has certainly shown many benefits for other inflammatory skin conditions, and doctors recommend trying if the product is natural and not a cream or cream. other products,[4] Aloe vera may be a treatment for hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and it may have few side effects, as the inflammatory properties in it reduce the inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues and reduce blood secretion, in addition to that it helps to calm the symptoms and relieve burning, itching and swelling, it is necessary to know that it is in the case of treatment Hemorrhoids with aloe vera, it is better to use the leaves of the aloe vera plant directly and put the gel directly on the anus, and if the hemorrhoids are internal, the aloe vera leaf is washed with distilled water and peeled on one side, then folded as if it were a suppository and set aside while keeping the peeled side out, and as another solution it is possible to give Aloe vera gel by enema and placed inside the rectum overnight, which in turn reduces symptoms of internal hemorrhoids such as pain, bleeding and burning.[8]
- Psyllium plant: also known as psyllium seeds, and it is available as dietary supplements that can be obtained from pharmacies. It increases the amount of dietary fiber that an individual receives, which in turn reduces constipation and thus reduces hemorrhoid symptoms. However, care must be taken about the need not to multiply while taking Fiber, as this can cause stomach cramps or gas, and you should drink enough water with it.[12]
- Horse chestnut: Horse chestnut is used as an herbal remedy for swelling and poor blood flow to the organs. It has been shown that horse chestnut is able to improve blood circulation in the microvascular channels and capillaries, all of which are beneficial for hemorrhoids.[11]
- Butcher’s broom: Butcher’s broom can help reduce swelling and inflammation in hemorrhoids. A 2002 study conducted in Germany indicated that butcher’s broom is an effective method for treating patients with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow through the veins, causing leads to blood supply.[12][11]
- Olive oil: Olive oil is considered one of the first natural remedies in the treatment of hemorrhoids, especially external hemorrhoids, which are located around the anus and rectum. Olive oil reduces the size of the swelling of blood vessels inside the anal canal and works to soften these vessels, and it is used through; Take a spoonful of olive oil and massage it in the anal area, thus improving the excretion process and reducing the occurrence of infections. Another method of treatment can be prepared with olive oil by dipping a few plum leaves in a small amount of olive oil, then placing it on the area affected by hemorrhoids to remove the swelling. pain and inflammation.
- Cinnamon oil: Cinnamon oil is used to relieve hemorrhoid infections, and it also encourages cell growth, but care must be taken when applying it to the skin, especially for sensitive skin, and it can be used by placing 3 to 5 drops of basic cinnamon with about 30 milliliters of coconut oil or almond oil. sweet, then placed externally on hemorrhoids.[13]
- Clove oil: Clove oil can be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, by using it in its pure form or by mixing it with an ointment that can relieve hemorrhoids. With a gentle effect on the skin, then placed on hemorrhoids.[13]
- Peppermint oil: It is believed that peppermint oil has an effective effect in treating irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to containing soothing menthol that relieves pressure on the anus and reduces pain resulting from the bowel process.[13]
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used to treat hemorrhoids, because it is a natural moisturizer that helps relieve hemorrhoid symptoms, and this oil also helps reduce irritation, swelling, and itching.[9]
Warnings and side effects of using herbs in the treatment of hemorrhoids
Side effects or warnings and contraindications for some oils and herbs when treating people with hemorrhoids include:
Warnings and side effects of witch hazel in the treatment of hemorrhoids
Although witch hazel is safe for adults when applied topically to the skin, it can cause mild skin irritation in some people. Adults do not experience any problems when taken in small doses by mouth, but some people have an upset stomach and it is It is necessary to point out that high doses of witch hazel cause liver problems, moreover it contains a carcinogenic chemical called safrole, with regard to precautions for use:[5]
- Children: Witch hazel is safe for infants when applied directly to the skin.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Until now, there is no reliable information about the safety of consuming witch hazel during pregnancy or during lactation, so you should avoid using it to stay in good shape.
Warnings and side effects of apple cider vinegar in the treatment of hemorrhoids
As mentioned earlier, consuming too much apple cider vinegar, due to its high acidity, can cause damage to the teeth, damage to the throat, and upset stomach, and although studies are still looking into the matter, it is still needed to prove that apple cider vinegar helps. In losing weight, and its side effects:[6]
- Extremely low levels of potassium.
- Apple cider vinegar slows the passage of food and liquids from the stomach to the intestines, so the slow digestion process disturbs blood sugar levels, especially in patients with type 1 diabetes.
- Apple cider vinegar may interfere with the way some medications work, including: heart disease medications, diabetes medications, diuretics, and laxatives.
- Its strong flavor may not be suitable for everyone.
Precautions and side effects of tea tree oil in the treatment of hemorrhoids
Tea tree oil is safe for everyone when applied directly to the skin, but some people are allergic to it and the conditions can cause skin irritation and swelling, in addition to the fact that people with acne may experience dry skin, itching, redness, burning, and stinging. Below are the contraindications for using tea tree oil. :[9]
- Children: It may not be safe to use tea tree oil with lavender oil for boys who have not reached the age of puberty, as it may interfere with the natural hormones in the body of boys, and it has been noted that its use on young boys leads to the phenomenon of gynecomastia that they are exposed to, with regard to safety These products are not yet known to girls.
- Taking Tea Tree Oil Orally: Undiluted essential oils should never be taken because they can cause serious side effects. Results of oral tea tree oil include: inability to walk, skin rashes, confusion, instability, and coma.
Warnings and side effects of aloe vera in the treatment of hemorrhoids
It is very important to consult a doctor before using any herbal remedies to treat hemorrhoids, and it is important to ask the doctor about using aloe vera as the researchers warned against the chronic use of aloe vera, but in the event that the aloe vera product does not contain aloin, which is an extract found between the outer leaf of the aloe vera and the sticky gel from the inside It has been found to cause rectal and colon cancer in mice, and it may be safe to treat sunburn. Side effects of aloe vera include:[10]
- Topical aloe vera for prolonged periods irritates the skin.
- The colon is not seen well during a colonoscopy, so it should not be used for a month before a colonoscopy.
As for the warnings and contraindications for the use of aloe vera, they are limited to not applying it to deep wounds or burns, and people may suffer from an allergy to aloe vera, especially for people who are allergic to garlic, onions and lilies, and the last contraindications are not to take aloe vera in large doses.
In conclusion, this article answered the question posed, is it possible to treat hemorrhoids with herbs and oils?, and the caveats of some herbs and oils in the treatment of hemorrhoids were also explained.
