The advantage of using natural methods to treat bleeding hemorrhoids is that many other remedies (though not by any means all) involve steroids which can sometimes have side-effects including eczema and allergic reactions. Natural solutions are less likely to have these problems and, particularly when bleeding has only just occurred and the problem is minor, may well be an appropriate remedial choice. Why is this?
Most hemorrhoids flare up for brief periods and bleeding is often associated with them. In order to encourage the hemorrhoid to stop bleeding it is necessary to reduce the level of inflammation and in principle there is no reason that natural treatments cannot achieve this effect – after all aspirin, possibly the most successful remedy of all time, was originally obtained from willow bark and has as a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Homeopathic treatments are also specifically available for hemorrhoids and sometimes included in the natural category. Some celebrities such as Prince Charles advocate homeopathy. David Beckham, Martina Navratilova, and Nancy Lopez have all received homeopathic treatments at some time. Personally I am highly skeptical that they work, except as a placebo, and there is no scientific evidence whatever that supports the view that they do so. On-the-other-hand the likelihood that they could be dangerous is low and some people might wish to experiment this way, though the active ingredients are so dilute that not a molecule of them usually remains in the solutions used.
Fortunately other treatments available are likely to be far more effective and have more substantial claims for success. Here are four potential natural treatments that are worth considering and available online:
1. Butcher’s Broom is a popular herbal remedy for hemorrhoids and comes from an asparagus like shrub native to the Mediterranean. This long used natural anti-inflammatory substance works in a way not similar to that of steroids. The claim made is also that that it tightens veins and strengthens capillary walls while giving the anti-inflammatory effects of steroid compounds. It contains steroidal saponins are responsible for the herbs medicinal effects.
2. Horse Chestnut is an astringent, anti-inflammatory herb and a natural treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids. Its active substance is called aescin. Aescin strengthens vein tissues and reduces swelling. There is some evidence from Germany that it alters the collagen content and architecture of veins to improve their health.
3. Cayenne is not used as a hemorrhoid treatment as commonly as either Butcher’s Broom or Horse Chestnut — it is however well known as a flavoring spice. All kinds of claims suggest that is can be used for conditions affecting the prostate to toothache, blood pressure and ulcers. Does it work for hemorrhoids? I don’t know, but this is what some herbalists suggest. It does seem to have strong circulatory benefits and so this may well be the case. Capsaicin is the active ingredient and it contains carotenoids and vitamins C and E as well.
4. Mullein has claims to be one of the best and safest herbal remedies for hemorrhoids. For hemorrhoids use in the form of a leaf poultice applied externally. Its active ingredient is capsaicin and the leaves have been as a remedy for various ailments since time immemorial. Respiratory and skin irritations also have some claim to respond to this herb.
Herbal remedies are well worth considering as a hemorrhoid treatment. Note that if bleeding persists then, whether the treatment is natural or not, it is advisable to have the problem checked out by a physician. Very occasionally the symptoms of hemorrhoids may mask a far more serious underlying cause and it is important to be aware of this. Also be aware that natural treatments have active ingredients so can also have side effects.