Hemorrhoids are a common problem that can cause significant discomfort and pain. Fortunately, nature offers numerous herbal solutions that can help relieve symptoms. In this article, we will look at various herbal remedies for hemorrhoids that you can try at home.

 

1. Chamomile tea

 

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one of the most famous medicinal herbs in the world, used for millennia for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and soothing properties. In the case of hemorrhoids, chamomile tea can offer significant benefits by reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

 

How to prepare chamomile tea

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers
  • 250 ml of boiling water

 

Preparation:

  1. Put the chamomile in a glass.
  2. Pour over the boiling water.
  3. Leave to soak for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain and drink twice a day.

 

Safety and side effects

 

Chamomile is generally safe for most people, but should be used with caution in individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family ( such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies ).

 

2. Aloe Vera gel

 

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a plant that has been used for centuries for its healing properties. It contains various biologically active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. These components have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing effects. Applying aloe vera gel to hemorrhoids can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.

 

Gel from aloe vera

 

How to prepare Aloe Vera gel

 

Ingredients:

  • Fresh aloe vera leaf

 

Preparation:

  1. Wash the leaf well.
  2. Cut it lengthwise and remove the gel.
  3. Apply the gel directly to the hemorrhoids.
  4. Repeat 2-3 times a day.

 

Aloe vera is generally safe for external use, but it can cause allergic reactions in some people. Always test a small amount of gel on your skin before using it extensively. If redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use.

 

3. Sitz bath with herbs

 

Sitz baths with herbs are an ancient method for relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids. They help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids through the heat and healing properties of the herbs. The warmth of the water improves circulation in the affected area, which aids healing and reduces inflammation. The addition of herbs amplifies this effect, providing additional anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.

 

How to prepare a sitz bath with herbs

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dry oak bark
  • 1 cup dried hamamelis bark
  • 1 cup dried chamomile flowers
  • 5 liters of water

 

Preparation:

  1. Place the herbs in a large pot.
  2. Add the water and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Allow to cool to a warm temperature.
  4. Strain and pour into a bath.
  5. Sit in the bath for 15-20 minutes.

 

Benefits of the herbs used

 

Oak bark

Oak (Quercus robur) bark contains tannins that have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce swelling and irritation, which is especially helpful for hemorrhoids.

 

Witch hazel bark

Witch hazel bark (Hamamelis virginiana) is known for its astringent properties. It helps to tighten blood vessels and reduce inflammation and bleeding while relieving pain.

 

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) adds anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to the bath that help relieve irritation and promote healing.

 

How to use the sitz bath

 

Sitz baths should be used two to three times daily for optimal results. It is important that the water is warm, but not hot, to avoid further irritation of the hemorrhoids. After the bath, gently dry the affected area with a soft cloth.

 

Additional tips

For added comfort and benefit, you can add a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to the bath. These oils have additional antiseptic and soothing properties that can aid in the healing process.

 

4. Tea tree oil

 

Tea tree oil

 

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is known for its powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Used to treat a variety of skin problems, it can also be effective in relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Tea tree oil contains terpene hydrocarbons that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and prevent infection in the affected area.

 

How to use tea tree oil

 

Using tea tree oil to treat hemorrhoids is effective when combined with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, which also has soothing and antibacterial properties.

 

How to prepare tea tree oil mixture:

  1. In a clean bowl, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil.
  2. Mix well until a homogeneous mixture is achieved.
  3. Apply a small amount of the mixture directly to the hemorrhoids.
  4. Repeat the procedure twice a day for best results.

 

Precautions

Tea tree oil is very concentrated and can cause skin irritation if not diluted properly. Always dilute it with a carrier oil before use and apply a small amount to the skin to check for possible allergic reactions. If redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use.

 

5. Horse Chestnut Tea

 

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a traditional remedy used to treat hemorrhoids and other venous disorders. The main active ingredient in horse chestnut is escin, which has venotonic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties. These properties help reduce the swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

 

How to use horse chestnut

Horse chestnut can be used in various forms - as a tea, tincture or ointment. Here's how to make horse chestnut tea that can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms:

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried horse chestnut
  • 250 ml of water

 

Preparation:

  1. Put the horse chestnut in a glass.
  2. Pour over the boiling water.
  3. Leave to soak for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain and drink once a day.

 

Safety and side effects

Horse chestnut is generally safe for most people when used in recommended doses. However, in high doses or long-term use, it can cause side effects such as an upset stomach or skin irritations.

 

6. Calendula Ointment

 

Calendula ointment

 

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a popular herb known for its many beneficial properties. It contains numerous biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, triterpenoids and carotenoids, which have strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.

 

How to prepare calendula ointment

 

Making calendula salve at home is easy and allows for fresh or dried calendula flowers to be used:

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried marigold flowers
  • 250 ml of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of beeswax

 

Preparation:

  1. Mix the marigold flowers with the olive oil in a clean bowl.
  2. Heat over low heat for 1 hour, being careful not to boil.
  3. Strain the butter and add the beeswax.
  4. Melt the wax and mix well.
  5. Allow the mixture to cool and thicken.
  6. Apply the ointment to the affected area twice a day.

 

For additional effectiveness, you can add a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to the ointment. These oils have additional antiseptic and soothing properties that can aid in the healing process.

 

7. Nettle tea

 

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is known for its many medicinal properties, including its ability to reduce inflammation and promote circulation. Nettles contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C and K) and minerals such as iron and calcium.

 

How to make nettle tea

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of dry nettle leaves
  • 250 ml of boiling water

 

Preparation:

  1. Put the nettles in a glass.
  2. Pour over the boiling water.
  3. Leave to soak for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain and drink twice a day.

 

Precautions

Stinging nettle is safe for most people, but it can cause allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to nettle or other plants in the Urticaceae family, avoid using it. Consult a doctor before starting a new herbal treatment, especially if you have chronic health problems or are taking medications.

 

8. Herbal compresses

 

Compresses with herbal mixture are one of the most effective means for local treatment of hemorrhoids. They offer quick pain relief, reduce inflammation and help heal the affected area. Combining different herbs in compresses can significantly improve their healing effect.

 

How to prepare a herbal compress

 

To prepare an herbal compress for hemorrhoids, we will use three powerful herbs: chamomile, nettle, and oak bark. These herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing properties.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
  • 1 tablespoon of dry nettle leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of dry oak bark
  • 500 ml of water

 

Preparation:

  1. Mix the herbs and put them in a pot.
  2. Add the water and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Allow to cool and strain.
  4. Soak a compress with the herbal decoction and apply it to the hemorrhoids for 15-20 minutes.

 

Precautions

Always use fresh or properly stored herbs for making potions. Test a small area of skin to check for possible allergic reactions to the herbs. If redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use.

 

Herbal remedies for hemorrhoids offer a natural and effective way to relieve symptoms. It is important to consult a doctor before starting any treatment, especially if your symptoms get worse or last a long time. We hope these recipes help you find relief and comfort.

 

SOURCES:

1. Healthline: Hemorrhoids Home Remedies and OTC Treatment (24.05.2024)
2. Healthline: Tea Tree Oil for Hemorrhoids (24.05.2024)
3. Healthline: Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids (24.05.2024)