Herbal Relief For
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are an increasingly common condition that afflicts many people each year. How does hemorrhoids start in the first place? Many people don’t understand how this condition develops. Let us begin with a bit of anatomy. The anal canal is packed with many small veins. Internal pressures or excessive irritation from sitting can sometimes cause these little veins to swell like balloons. This in turn may cause itching, burning, and sometimes even bleeding. These are the classic telltale signs of hemorrhoids. If you find yourself suffering from hemorrhoids, there are plenty of over-the-counter preparations that can provide you with immediate relief. However, most of these commercially available hemorrhoid preparations will soon fizzle out. If you want to find more long-term relief, you may want to consider turning to herbal preparations. Herbal ointments will admittedly not work as quickly as most commercially available over-the-counter medications. But herbal ointments are free of side effects, and they often work better in treating more chronic irritation associated with hemorrhoids. Moreover, many commercially available hemorrhoid creams are notorious for causing irritation to the surrounding tissue. This means that they can even damage vaginal tissue in some women. Herbal-based preparations, on the other hand, are generally free of these harsh side effects. They contain natural and safe ingredients that can be safely absorbed into the body. Here are some of the most helpful herbs for dealing with the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids. Butcher’s Broom: This traditional herb is thought to help shrink swollen tissues. It has more or less the same effect as conventional hemorrhoid creams that you can find at your local drugstore, but without all the nasty side effects. Butcher’s broom is often described as an astringent herb, and it works by shrinking down the swollen tissues that cause hemorrhoids to flare up in the first place.
An Interesting Herb FactThe Healing Beauty of BorageThe borage flower (Borago officinalis) is well known for its lovely blue color. The flowers have been used since Elizabethan times for both decoration and for its healing beauty. Recent modern research has shown that the plant may actually stimulate the adrenal glands, encouraging the production of adrenaline, that famous 'fight or flight' hormone that is responsible for getting our bodies geared up during the most stressful times in our lives. Herbalists describe the character of the borage... Most traditional herbalists and naturopathic doctors recommend taking butcher’s broom in tincture form, or to purchase a powder that can be made into an ointment. As a tincture, take a spoon to mix 10 to 15 drops of tincture with beeswax. This will create a soothing ointment that you can apply generously to the affected area. You can also use butcher’s broom powder to make a soothing and healing ointment. To speed up the healing of the area and to help reduce inflammation, you can also add a few drops of vitamin E and pure aloe Vera gel to the butcher’s broom ointment.
Many herbalists also recommend also taking butcher’s broom tea at the same time that you are using the butcher’s broom ointment. Make the butcher’s broom tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over half a teaspoon of dried butcher’s broom herb. Steep the herb for about ten minutes.
Strain the herb from the liquid and drink up to four cups of butcher's broom tea each day. You can also take butcher’s broom in capsule form. The recommended dosage for butcher’s broom in capsule form is 200 milligrams three times a day for hemorrhoids. |