No one likes to talk about hemorrhoids, but they’re a common problem that many people suffer from.

Hemorrhoids are dilated swollen veins that occur in the lower rectum and anus area.  They can be considered as varicose veins in the lower bowel. Blood clots may form inside the hemorrhoids, which makes them hard, painful and swollen.

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort or pressure to extreme pain in the back passage and anus, making it impossible to sit down. Hemorrhoids may cause itching of the anus, a mucous discharge or bleeding, with bright red blood seen in the toilet bowl and/or on the toilet paper after wiping. Hemorrhoids should always be assessed by a doctor to exclude more sinister causes of bleeding from the bowels.

It is best to try and control hemorrhoids with natural therapies and diet because surgery may only be temporarily effective. Furthermore hemorrhoids often recur years after surgery. The surgical techniques most commonly used today are cryotherapy (freezing of the hemorrhoid), or placing rubber bands around the neck of the hemorrhoids to strangle them.

What causes hemorrhoids?

The causes of hemorrhoids include –

  • Chronic constipation
  • Pregnancy
  • Liver diseases or liver congestion
  • Obesity
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Stress
  • Lack of vitamin C

Strategies to overcome hemorrhoids

  • Increase fiber in the diet by eating raw vegetables and fruits, nuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, ground flaxseeds or LSA. Fibertone is an excellent gluten free fiber powder and contains slippery elm, rice bran, ginger, carob and other herbs.
  • Drink plenty of fluids such as water, dandelion coffee, vegetable juices and herbal teas. The best herbal teas are horse chestnut and nettle.  Dandelion coffee can also be beneficial.
  • Drink organic apple cider vinegar in a dose of 2 tablespoons in a small glass of water with every meal. This helps to shrink the hemorrhoids as well as improve digestion.
  • Take a powerful liver tonic containing St Mary’s Thistle, selenium, taurine and B vitamins to support liver function, such as Livatone Plus. A congested or fatty liver can lead to hemorrhoids.
  • Take vitamin E 400 IU daily with food. Avocados are high in Vitamin E so try to eat them regularly.
  • Take vitamin C in a dose of 1000 to 2000 mg daily. Rosehips and bioflavonoids can also help to heal hemorrhoids. Other sources of bioflavonoids include all citrus fruits and their white pith, buckwheat and berry fruits (especially red and black colored); these strengthen blood vessel walls.
  • Creams or suppositories can be applied to the hemorrhoids or inserted into the rectum. These typically contain local anesthetic/steroid drugs for quick short-term relief of the pain of hemorrhoids which are swollen or have blood clots in them. For long term treatment, use herbal creams/ointments containing the herbs witch hazel, calendula, golden seal and/or hypericum. Castor oil and zinc cream can also be soothing.
  • Sit in a warm salt bath with 3 tablespoons of sea salt dissolved in the water. This will provide cleansing and soothing of the anal area.
  • Regular exercise and the avoidance of prolonged standing or sitting are important.
  • Avoid straining during bowel movements.

For information about a range of different bowel conditions, see Heal Your Gut: An A to Z Guide.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.