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Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen tissues that contain veins and are located in the wall of anus and rectum.  Hemorrhoids can become inflamed and become a blood clot, forming thrombus.  Hemorrhoids that remain in the anus are called internal hemorrhoids.  Those protrude outside the anus are called external hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are caused and aggravated by sitting or standing for long period of time, violent coughing, lifting heavy objects, and straining at bowel movements (constipation or bouts of diarrhea).  Pregnancy and liver disease also increase the risk of hemorrhoids. 

The symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, burning, pain, inflammation, swelling, bleeding.  Hemorrhoids usually do not require treatments unless they cause symptoms.  The symptoms of hemorrhoids can be relieved by using local anesthetic ointments and warm sitz baths.  When hemorrhoids become a serious problem affecting daily life, they can be treated with injection sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation, laser destruction, infrared photo-coagulation, electro-coagulation, and surgery. 

The risk of hemorrhoids can be reduced when a person consumes foods high in dietary fiber and drinks plenty of water, avoids sitting or standing for prolonged period of time, and avoids straining during bowel movements.

Herbal supplements for hemorrhoids:

Horse chestnut

Butcher's broom

Witch hazel (topical application)

Dandelion

Yellow dock

Bayberry, Goldenseal, myrrh, white oak (used as salve)