Hemorrhoids: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus, caused by increased pressure from straining during bowel movements, poor diet, lack of fiber, and prolonged sitting or standing.

This condition can cause severe discomfort, itching, pain, and bleeding, ultimately affecting daily life. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like witch hazel, aloe vera, and chamomile can be used in topical creams or compresses to reduce inflammation and soothe the affected area.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have allergies or underlying health conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of hemorrhoids, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of hemorrhoids?

The main causes of hemorrhoids are primarily attributed to increased pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus due to prolonged straining during bowel movements, which can be caused by a low-fiber diet, chronic constipation, and obesity.

Prolonged sitting or standing, particularly among individuals with jobs that require prolonged periods of sitting, such as drivers and office workers, can also increase the risk of hemorrhoids. Pregnancy is another significant risk factor due to increased pressure on the pelvic veins and the pressure of the baby on the rectum. Other contributing factors include genetic predisposition, aging, and certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and liver cirrhosis.

Additionally, factors like inadequate hydration, spicy or heavy foods, and prolonged use of laxatives can also contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.

• Poor Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to constipation, which increases the pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, causing hemorrhoids.
• Physical Inactivity: A lack of regular physical activity can contribute to constipation and weight gain, both of which increase the pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, making hemorrhoids more likely.
• Genetic Predisposition: People with a family history of hemorrhoids are more likely to develop them due to inherited factors that affect the strength and elasticity of the veins in the rectum and anus.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can cause increased blood flow to the pelvic area, leading to swelling and pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus.
• Straining During Bowel Movements: Forcing or straining during bowel movements can cause the veins in the rectum and anus to become swollen and irritated, leading to hemorrhoids.
• Age-Related Weakening: As people age, the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken, making them more susceptible to becoming swollen and irritated, leading to hemorrhoids.
• Prolonged Sitting: Prolonged sitting or standing can cause increased pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, making them more likely to become swollen and irritated.
• Obesity: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, making them more likely to become swollen and irritated.
• Chronic Diarrhea: Chronic diarrhea can cause the muscles in the rectum and anus to become weakened, making them more susceptible to becoming swollen and irritated.
• Anal Sex: Anal sex can cause irritation and trauma to the veins in the rectum and anus, leading to hemorrhoids.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hemorrhoids?

The main medicinal herbs used for hemorrhoids are Hamamelis virginiana, Aloe barbadensis, Aesculus hippocastanum, Plantago lanceolata, Vaccinium myrtillus, Aloe vera, Cinchona officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Psidium guajava, Vaccinium macrocarpon.

Hamamelis virginiana contains tannins that reduce inflammation and relieve pain by constricting blood vessels and reducing bleeding due to its astringent properties. Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the skin, which help to reduce swelling and itching. Aesculus hippocastanum, Plantago lanceolata and Ginkgo biloba have flavonoids that improve circulation and reduce inflammation, while Cinchona officinalis has quinine that helps to reduce bleeding and pain due to its vasoconstrictive properties.

Vaccinium myrtillus, Psidium guajava, and Vaccinium macrocarpon have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the rectal area.

• Hamamelis virginiana: Hamamelis virginiana, or witch hazel, helps with hemorrhoids due to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, which reduce swelling, pain, and bleeding in the affected area.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, helps with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in the affected area.
• Aesculus hippocastanum: Aesculus hippocastanum, or horse chestnut, helps with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory and venotrophic properties, which reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the affected area.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata, or plantain, helps with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in the affected area.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus, or bilberry, helps with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in the affected area.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in the affected area.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, does not have a specific association with the treatment of hemorrhoids, but its anti-inflammatory properties may provide some relief.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, or ginkgo, does not have a specific association with the treatment of hemorrhoids, but its anti-inflammatory properties may provide some relief.
• Psidium guajava: Psidium guajava, or guava, helps with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in the affected area.
• Vaccinium macrocarpon: Vaccinium macrocarpon, or cranberry, does not have a specific association with the treatment of hemorrhoids, but its antioxidant properties may provide some relief.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hemorrhoids?

The main herbal preparations used for hemorrhoids are Tincture, Decoction, Cream, Ointment, Suppository, Salve, Capsule, Gel, Poultice, Enema.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, of herbs like witch hazel, contains tannins that reduce swelling and pain. Decoction, an infused liquid, of herbs like calendula and plantain, applied topically, soothes and protects irritated tissues. Cream and Ointment, topical preparations, of herbs like aloe vera and tea tree oil, provide moisturizing and antiseptic properties to reduce discomfort and prevent infection.

Suppository, Salve, Capsule, Gel, Poultice, and Enema preparations, often containing herbs like psyllium and slippery elm, help to soften and eliminate hemorrhoidal masses, reduce itching and discomfort, and promote bowel regularity.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the root of the Hamamelis virginiana plant helps with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and promoting venous constriction.
• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis plant helps with hemorrhoids by soothing and calming the affected area, reducing itching and inflammation.
• Cream: A cream made from the extract of the Hamamelis virginiana plant helps with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation, itching, and discomfort, while promoting wound healing.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the extract of the Plantago lanceolata plant helps with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and itching, while promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the extract of the Aloe barbadensis plant helps with hemorrhoids by directly applying soothing and anti-inflammatory agents to the affected area, reducing itching and discomfort.
• Salve: A salve made from the extract of the Plantago lanceolata plant helps with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and itching, while promoting wound healing and tissue repair, and providing a protective barrier.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the Viscum album plant helps with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and promoting venous constriction, when taken orally.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of the Hamamelis virginiana plant helps with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and itching, while providing a soothing and protective barrier to the affected area.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis plant helps with hemorrhoids by applying soothing and anti-inflammatory agents directly to the affected area, reducing itching and discomfort.
• Enema: An enema made from the extract of the Hamamelis virginiana plant helps with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and promoting venous constriction, while providing a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect to the affected area.