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 products you can adopt straight away to soothe the uncomfortable sensation of haemorrhoids.

1. Use cold to relieve haemorrhoid flare-ups

Applying cold to the area, using a jet of cold water at the end of the shower, a cold sitz bath (think of the bidet used in former times) or ice packs, is a lifesaver when it comes tohaemorrhoids.

By causing vasoconstriction of the veins and arteries, the cold helps to tighten the swollen tissues. It is highly effective in providing rapid relief from discomfort, although it does not actually do anything to prevent the cause.

2. Physical activity to combat haemorrhoids

A sedentary lifestyle is now one of the main causes of haemorrhoids in industrialised countries.

Doing gentle physical activity (walking, swimming, etc.) during and after a haemorrhoid flare-up to prevent it becoming chronic is always a good idea! After all, movement gets the blood flowing.

3. Venous tonic plants to help treat haemorrhoids

Allopathic products for haemorrhoid flare-ups are based on the prescription of venotonics.

Certain plants themselves have tonic properties for the venous system, which are useful for preventing or curbing problems of this kind.

• Horse chestnut: an intrait of horse chestnut in a drinkable solution is a tried-and-tested traditional remedy for haemorrhoids. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

• Fragon, little holly: best taken as an herbal tea, about 2 to 3 cups a day, for a guaranteed vasoconstrictive effect.

• Witch hazel: a venous tonic and astringent, it is available as a hydrosol. Witch hazel water has the advantage of having no contraindications, and can be taken as a 3-week course of treatment, with a tablespoonful added to 1 litre of water, to be drunk throughout the day.

• Ginkgo biloba : this powdered superfood is rich in flavonoids known for their antioxidant and circulatory tonic properties. Take 1/2 heaped teaspoon (500 to 750 mg) a day in an herbal tea, glass of water, fruit/vegetable juice or sprinkled over your dishes. Do not use during pregnancy or breast-feeding, or on children. Consult your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or antidepressants at the same time.

• Red Vine: here too, enjoy 2 to 3 cups of this diuretic, circulatory and antioxidant plant every day.

4. Essential oils and haemorrhoids: the right combinations

Aromatherapy literature describes effective synergies to combat haemorrhoid flare-ups. These are based on circulatory, astringent and anti-inflammatory essential oils, carrier oils and macerated oils.

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.