There are many over-the-counter products for hemorrhoids for sale in every drugstore in the country. Some of these are only effective in treating the symptoms without addressing the real problem. Some people are not aware that there are many natural remedies for hemorrhoids that they can implement right at home. These remedies are also much more cost-effective.
First of all, hemorrhoids are made worse by straining during a bowel movement. Straining is often caused by constipation, or hardened stools. So, the most logical of the natural remedies for hemorrhoids is to get more fiber into your diet. This may sound like a really simple solution, but it actually works.
There are many simple ways to add more fiber to your diet. Start by analyzing which type of bread your family eats. If you only eat white bread, you are asking for trouble. Switch to a bread made of whole grain wheat. If you already buy whole grain wheat bread, you can check to see if there is a wheat bread with even more fiber. There are also many cereals you can buy with a high fiber content to keep things moving down there.
Also, eat more fruits and vegetables, and also eat the peeling of potatoes, apples, pears, cucumbers, and other fruits and vegetables whenever possible. You might like to sprinkle flax seed on your cereal or oatmeal for a quick and nearly tasteless boost of fiber. And whatever you do, be sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids.
The second of the natural remedies for hemorrhoids is to up your intake of bioflavonoids. These plant compounds stabilize and strengthen blood vessel walls and also decrease inflammation. You can increase your intake of bioflavonoids naturally by eating more citrus fruits. If you want to buy bioflavonoids in the store, they are not taken internally, but are sold as a topical application to be applied to the anal area.
Witch hazel is a bioflavonoid and is readily and inexpensively available in most drugstores. It acts as an astringent and therefore is thought to decrease bleeding and relieve the pain, swelling, and itching that comes with hemorrhoids.
Butcher's broom extract is another natural remedy that you may choose to try out. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that also work to constrict veins. This means that it can help shrink the swollen tissue and improve the overall integrity of your veins. It comes in capsule or tea form. If you choose to drink it in tea form, add a bit of honey to counteract the naturally bitter taste. Those with high blood pressure, pregnant and nursing women, or those who take alpha blocking drugs should steer clear of this remedy though, unless advised by a doctor.
As we have seen, there are many natural remedies to implement when trying to treat hemorrhoids. First of all, get more fiber and drink more water. Second, use bioflavonoids such as witch hazel to alleviate annoying symptoms. And lastly, try butcher's broom extract to help your veins.
