Herbal Treatments for Hemorrhoids: Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel - Hamamelis virginiana

A soothing astringent that relieves pain and swelling, contracts and shrinks veins, heals bleeding hemorrhoids and helps with anal prolapse.
Apply locally as an ointment, lotion or in a compress; used in most commercial hemorrhoids preparations or available full strength.

Witch Hazel is the most applicable and easy-to-use astringent for common usage. Very valuable for stopping either internal or external bleeding, this herb is especially useful in the easing of hemorrhoids. Witch Hazel is also used for the treatment of bruises and inflamed swellings, as well as varicose veins.

NOTE: Never drink Witch Hazel purchased from the pharmacy; it contains an alcohol that is not intended for internal use.

Other common names: Snapping Hazelnut, Winterbloom, Hamamelis, Hazel Nut, Snapping Hazel, Spotted Alder, Striped Alder, Tobacco Wood.

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids may result from straining during a bowel movement or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy, among other causes.

A sometimes embarrassing topic of discussion, hemorrhoids are one of the most common ailments. By age 50, about half of adults have had to deal with the itching, discomfort and bleeding that can signal the presence of hemorrhoids.

Fortunately, many effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Most people can get relief from symptoms using home treatments and lifestyle change.

You can temporarily relieve the mild pain, swelling and inflammation of most hemorrhoidal flare-ups with the following self-care measures:

- Use topical treatments. Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a topical numbing agent.

- Keep the anal area clean. Bathe (preferably) or shower daily to cleanse the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Soap isn't necessary and may aggravate the problem. Gently drying the area with a hair dryer after bathing can minimize moisture, which can cause irritation.

- Soak regularly in a warm bath. Do this several times daily.

- Apply cold. Apply ice packs or cold compresses on the anus to relieve swelling.

- Use a sitz bath with warm water. A sitz bath fits over the toilet. You can get one at a medical supply store or some pharmacies.

- Don't use dry toilet paper. Instead, to help keep the anal area clean after a bowel movement, use moist towelettes or wet toilet paper that doesn't contain perfume or alcohol