Herbs for Topical Hemorrhoid Relief

If you’ve had treatment for hemorrhoids before, you know the trouble that comes with them. They itch. They burn. They bleed. Hemorrhoids can severely impact your quality of life, making you think twice about what you wear, the places you go and who you are with, just in case the unbearable itch comes back with no bathroom in sight.

When a hemorrhoid first develops it is often small. These minor hemorrhoids can grow and become more painful over time. When hemorrhoids become large and painful your best bet is to speak with your colorectal specialist about your surgical treatment options. But before they reach this point, there are several things you can try at home to alleviate the itching and burning.

Increasing your fiber intake, drinking plenty of water and taking a shallow bath after a bowel movement to clean the rectal area can lessen the intensity of a hemorrhoid, but sometimes these aren’t enough to offer immediate relief. Topical solutions can provide instant relief, and you can find them at the pharmacy and perhaps even in your garden.

Here are a few herbs that can help ease the discomfort of hemorrhoids when applied topically:

• Witch Hazel: This herb is often used to alleviate pain, heal wounds and reduce scar development. You can grow witch hazel in your garden or purchase it as oil. Witch hazel is often combined with vitamin E for added pain relief.
• Aloe Vera: The same herbal solution you turn to for sunburn relief might help your hemorrhoids, too. The sap or juice from your aloe vera plant is great for treating cuts, bruises and burns. If you have aloe growing in your yard, break a leaf of the plant and apply the internal sap to the area in need.
• Horse Chestnut: Another herb that is commonly grown in gardens, this can be turned into a cream that is especially great for relieving itchiness. The cream can also be purchased at many pharmacies and health food stores.

These herbs aren’t going to provide the same relief that hemorrhoid treatment would, but they can offer some instant reprieve from the itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Always remember to ask your colorectal specialist before attempting any at-home treatments.