What natural remedies are there for haemorrhoids?

The term haemorrhoids refers to the entire superficial anal vascular network. A distinction must be made between external haemorrhoids, which are present on the surface, and internal haemorrhoids, which are located higher up under the mucous membrane of the anal canal.

At times, these vessels may appear swollen and irritated, causing varying degrees of discomfort (pain, burning, tugging, itching, heaviness). This is known as a haemorrhoidal crisis.

The problem is not having haemorrhoids, but preventing them from becoming inflamed. Haemorrhoids are most common between the ages of 40 and 65, and affect both men and women.

However, certain situations are more likely to cause them: pregnancy, the aftermath of childbirth, chronic constipation, excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, certain drug products, alcohol, coffee or spice abuse, and the relaxation of local tissues as part of the ageing process.

The first thing to do if you suspect haemorrhoids is to rule out any other disorder of the anal region (prolapse, fistula, fissure, etc.) which would require prompt medical consultation.

You will know if the discomfort you're experiencing is indeed a haemorrhoidal crisis if it ticks the following boxes:

• sensation of heat and acute tingling in the anus;

• anal swelling on exertion, after a bowel movement or on a continuous basis;

• improvement of symptoms when lying down;

• possible presence of blood at the time of defecation.

If you have haemorrhoids, all the symptoms described will disappear on their own within a few days, but they also tend to reappear.

It may therefore be helpful to be aware of the natural steps you can take to quickly alleviate flare-ups when they first occur, but also to space them out over the long term.

Precautions

Please note that if you have haemorrhoids, the bleeding is always painless.

If you have the slightest doubt, feel free to consult your GP, who will refer you to a proctologist if necessary.

A healthy lifestyle is essential for treating the causes of haemorrhoid flare-ups and providing effective relief.

At the first signs of a haemorrhoid flare-up, it's important to lighten up your diet (cut out alcohol, stimulants, spices and saturated fats in favour of carrier oils rich in omega-3, plenty of vegetables and high-quality drinking water) and support the work of the liver with specific herbal teas (rosemary, chrysantellum, dandelion, etc.).

Aroma-Zone has put together a list of 5 natural remedies to help relieve the discomfort caused by haemorrhoids.

1. Cold therapy to relieve haemorrhoid flare-ups

Applying cold to the area – whether via a jet of cold water at the end of a shower, a cold sitz bath (think of the bidets used in the old days) or the use of ice packs – is a lifesaver for haemorrhoids.

By causing vasoconstriction of the veins and arteries, cold helps to constrict the swollen tissue. It is very effective at providing rapid relief from discomfort, although it does not address the underlying cause itself.

2. Physical activity to combat haemorrhoids

A sedentary lifestyle is now one of the main causes of haemorrhoid problems in our industrialised countries.

Taking part in gentle physical activity (walking, swimming, etc.) during a haemorrhoid flare-up and afterwards to prevent it from becoming chronic is always a good idea! After all, moving around helps the blood to circulate.

3. Venotonic herbs to support haemorrhoids

Allopathic treatments for a haemorrhoidal flare-up are based on the prescription of venotonic agents. 

Certain plants (2) possess their own venous tonic properties, which are useful for preventing or alleviating problems of this kind.

• Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) : Horse chestnut seed extract is rich in aescin, a saponin with venotonic and anti-inflammatory properties that promote vascular tone and reduce venous congestion, leading to a reduction in swelling and discomfort in patients with venous insufficiency and haemorrhoids. Ask your pharmacist for advice. (2)

• Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus): by activating alpha-adrenergic receptors, it improves vascular resistance and promotes lymphatic drainage, leading to a reduction in swelling and discomfort associated with haemorrhoidal flare-ups. Ask your pharmacist for advice. (2)

• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): contains astringent tannins which constrict blood vessels, reduce local inflammation and relieve minor bleeding and irritation.

• Red vine (Vitis vinifera): although red vine is known to boost blood circulation and relieve heavy legs, science has not yet properly investigated the effect of this plant on haemorrhoids. To date, only one study has demonstrated the effectiveness of red vine in combination with vitamin C, Centella asiatica and Vaccinium myrtilles (3).

4. Essential oils and haemorrhoids

The aromatherapy literature reports effective synergies against haemorrhoidal flare-ups. These are based on essential oils, vegetable oils and oil-based macerates that promote circulation, are astringent and anti-inflammatory.

5. Protecting the venous system from the effects of ageing

If you have ever experienced one or more haemorrhoidal flare-ups during your lifetime, it may be helpful to take steps to guard against a likely worsening of the condition linked to the ageing of tissues and the blood vessels (loss of tone, suppleness and elasticity).

We advise you to choose based on the contraindications for each of the formulas set out below, as well as the textures you prefer to use (oil, cream, gel, etc.).

The link between haemorrhoids and the liver is not well known to the general public.

However, from a physiological point of view, the link is clear: an increase in the volume of the liver compresses the vena cava and causes reflux, which is favourable to causing haemorrhoids and varicose veins.

If you are affected by recurrent haemorrhoid flare-ups, you may want to consider some in-depth focus on your liver (drainage and supporting its functions), under the expert advice of a naturopath.