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Hemorrhoids are a 50-50 deal: about 50 percent of Americans older than age 50 suffer with this condition. If you are one of them you can turn to natural remedies to soothe, ease the pain and discomfort, and often provide lasting relief.

What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are a painful condition in which varicose veins form inside the rectum or around the opening of the anus and become swollen, inflamed, itchy, and uncomfortable. Rectal bleeding is common, and the pain can range from mild to severe and debilitating.

The most common causes of hemorrhoids are sitting for long periods of time (typical of truck drivers as well as many office workers), chronic or frequent constipation, and dietary irritants (e.g., coffee, alcohol, red pepper, mustard). Hemorrhoids often develop during pregnancy because the fetus exerts pressure on the abdominal area. Hormonal changes can cause the veins to enlarge, while stress is another cause of hemorrhoids.

Dietary treatment of hemorrhoids
The most important action you can take to treat (and prevent) hemorrhoids is to increase the amount of fiber in your diet to prevent and/or relieve constipation. The best sources of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and beans.

The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 to 30 grams, but most adults get only about half that amount. You can calculate the amount of fiber in your diet now and then gradually add high-fiber foods to your diet each day until you reach the desirable amount.
 

Aloe Vera/Public Domain Photos

Another way to get more fiber is to take natural fiber supplements, such as:
• Psyllium seed husks: To add more fiber to your diet, take 2 to 4 teaspoons daily with water. If you have constipation, take 4 to 10 teaspoons daily. You can purchase psyllium seed husks in bulk or as a commercial product (e.g., Metamucil).
• Triphala: This Ayurvedic herbal combination is available in health-food stores. Take according to package directions.
• Ground flaxseed: Take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily with food: it can be added to cereal, smoothies, soups, salads, and stews.

Natural and herbal remedies for hemorrhoids
Several natural and herbal remedies are effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Topical treatments can help ease inflammation and pain. Keep these items in the refrigerator so they will be cool when you use them.

• Aloe vera gel: Apply three to four times daily, or as needed.
• Ayurvedic remedy: Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric and 1 teaspoon clarified butter and apply at bedtime three nights in a row. Then stop for two nights and resume for three nights. Repeat this pattern until the hemorrhoids have disappeared.
• Witch hazel solution: Soak cotton compresses with witch hazel and apply to the hemorrhoids for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily.
• St. John’s wort: The salve can help relieve itching and burning. Apply according to package directions.

Oral herbal remedies that have proven to be helpful include the following:

• Bromelain: Although this supplement is mostly known as a digestive enzyme, it also can stop swelling and inflammation.
• Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus): The extract of the root contains ruscogenins, which has the ability to narrow blood vessels, reduce swelling and inflammation, and strengthen vein walls.
• Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): The extract contains aescin, which reduces inflammation, improves vein elasticity, strengthens vein walls, and reduces fluid retention.
• Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica): Extracts may strengthen veins walls and help maintain healthy veins, while also providing relief from hemorrhoid symptoms—itching, pain, and discomfort.

You can find the remedies mentioned in this article at pharmacies, health and natural food stores, and some supermarkets. In the Phoenix area, some suggestions are as follows:

Arnie’s Health Foods, Phoenix

General Nutrition Centers (various locations)

Hi-Health (various locations)

Sprouts Farmers Markets (various locations)