Hemorrhoids
Piles
Definition
A mass of dilated, tortuous veins in the anorectum involving the
venous plexuses of that area. There are two kinds: external, those
involving veins distal to the anorectal line (a dilated vein or veins
at the junction of anal mucosa with the anal skin); and internal,
those involving veins proximal to the anorectal line (dilated veins
of the lower rectum at the anal-rectal junction). Usually related
to constipation, pregnancy, improper diet, lack of exercise, prolonged
periods of sitting, heavy lifting, obesity, liver damage, and allergies.
Approximately half of the population of the United States over fifty
years of age suffer from hemorrhoids.
Causes
Wrong eating habits may cause the majority of hemorrhoids. Eating
a diet that contains a large amount of refined foods that are low
in bulk (fiber), tends to cause small, hard stools, resulting in straining
and constipation; this causes the pressure inside the colon to increase.
Taking ordinary commercial laxatives that are on the market may also
be a cause, as many of them irritate the membranous lining of the
colon.
Symptoms
Swollen veins are present around the anus or inside the rectum. These
swollen blood vessels frequently become irritated and bleed. Hemorrhoids
may itch, burn (sting), tear, and bleed, causing discomfort and pain.
Severe hemorrhoids should be evaluated and treated by the doctor.
Treatment
Depends on the severity of the symptoms, not the extent of the hemorrhoids.
In many instances, the only therapy required is improvement in anal
hygiene and administration of stool softeners to prevent straining
to have a bowel movement. The decision concerning the necessity of
surgery or ligature with rubber bands should not be made until acute
symptoms and inflammation have subsided. This allows tissues to regain
their usual shape.
Nutrients
Calcium chelate, 1,500 mg. per day, is essential for
blood clotting and helps prevent cancer of the colon. Magnesium, 750
mg. per day. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 100
mg. per day, aids in healing and normal blood clotting. Vitamin
E, 600 IU per day, promotes normal blood clotting
and healing. Vitamin B complex plus vitamin B6,
vitamin B12, choline and inositol, 50 mg.
3 times with meals, for improved digestion, thus reduced
stress on the rectum. Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg.
per day, increases cellular oxygenation and assists in healing. Vitamin
A and beta-carotene, 15,000 IU each
per day, aids in healing of mucous membranes and tissues. Vitamin
D, 600 IU per day, aids in healing of mucous membranes
and tissues and is needed for calcium absorption.
Herbs
TB
- Aloes
- Alum, white, root tea
- Arnica flowers
- Balm
- Balm of Gilead
- Balmony
- Balsam fir
- Basil, wild
- Bayberry bark
- Bearberry (Uva ursi)
- Bittersweet
- Blackberry
- Blackroot
- Bloodroot
- Broomsedge
- Buckthorn bark
- Burdock
- Burnet, salad
- Butcher's broom
- Butter-and-eggs
- Capsicum
- Cascara bark
- Castor bean
- Catnip
- Cayenne pepper
- Celandine
- Chamomile
- Cheese plant
- Chestnut
- Chickory
- Chickweed
- Clover, sweet
- Collinsonia root
- Comfrey root
- Cotton root
- Cubeb
- Cypress
- Daisy fleabane
- Dock, yellow
- Elderberry
- Eryngo
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel seed
- Figwort
- Fireweed
- Flaxseed
- Garlic
- Geranium, wild or spotted
- Ginger
- Ginkgo
- Golden seal
- Grape, red vine leaves
- Horehound
- Horse-balm
- Horse chestnut
- Horsetail
- Horseweed
- Hound's tongue
- Indian hemp, black
- Indigo, wild
- Ivy, ground
- Lemon juice
- Licorice root
- Marjoram, sweet
- Milfoil
- Mullein
- Myrrh
- Nettle
- Oak, red bark
- Oak, white bark
- Oat fiber
- Origanum
- Papain tablets
- Parsley
- Persimmon calyx
- Pilewort
- Pimpernel
- Plantain
- Pokeweed
- Poppy seeds
- Psyllium
- Raspberry leaves
- Rattlesnake-master
- Red root
- Rue anemone
- Sage, wild, leaves
- St. John's wort
- Senna
- Sesame seeds
- Shepherd's purse
- Smartweed
- Solomon's seal
- Spearmint
- Spikenard
- Squaw vine
- Star grass
- Stillingia
- Stone root
- Sweet gum bark
- Sweet weed
- Tamarack
- Thuja
- Toadflax, yellow
- Valerian, Greek
- Wallwort
- Water pepper
- Willow bark
- Wintergreen
- Witch hazel
- Yam, wild
- Yarrow root
- Yellow dock
- Yerba santa
Recommendations
Learn not to strain when moving the bowels. Keep the bowels clean
and avoid constipation. Include foods high in fiber and cellulose
in the diet. Apples, beets, brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage family
foods, carrots, green beans, guar gum, oat bran, lima beans, pears,
peas, psyllium seed, and whole grains should be considered for the
diet.
Exercise is important. Drink plenty of liquids. Linseed oil helps
soften stools. Use one or two tbsp. daily. Take a sitz bath daily.
Some recommend a peeled clove of garlic or a raw potato made into
a suppository to help hemorrhoids (3 times per week).
Vitamin K is excellent for bleeding hemorrhoids. Food
sources for vitamin K are: alfalfa, kale, and all dark
green leafy vegetables.
Suggestions
Elderberry poultices can relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids.
A plain warm water enema will relieve pressure and pain in most cases
and is fast acting.
A healing herb enema for hemorrhoids:
Willow bark (8 parts)
Red oak bark (8 parts)
Wild sage leaves (3 parts)
Pilewort (3 parts)
Horseweed (3 parts)
Boil 1/2 tsp. mixture slowly in 1 pint of water. Let
stand until cold, then strain. Use as a rectal enema before going
to bed.
Two healing mixtures to relieve hemorrhoids internally:
| 1. |
|
Alder buckthorn bark
Milfoil
Licorice roots
Fennel seed |
Mix in equal parts. Steep 1 tbsp. in 1/2 cup boiling-hot water for 10
minutes. Drink hot.
| 2. |
|
Balm (3 parts)
Blackthorn flowers (3 parts)
Milfoil (3 parts)
Arnica flowers (5 parts)
Alder buckthorn bark (15 parts) |
Soak 1 tbsp. of the mixture in 1/2 cup cold water for 6 hours
then bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Take 1
cup per day.
|
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