Hemorrhoids are swollen veins occurring in the rectal and anal area.  Weakening of the vessel walls and extra pressure in the area are the culprits.  This can be caused by constipation, poor diet, obesity, hormonal changes like pregnancy and long periods of sitting or standing.

Hemorrhoids may be asymptomatic, only symptomatic during flare-ups or constantly bothersome.  Pain is the most common symptom.  It is usually worse during and after a bowel movement.  Bleeding, itching and burning can also occur.  In some cases the hemorrhoid protrudes externally and can look like a “bunch of grapes.”

Conventional treatment of hemorrhoids involves pain medication, suppositories and surgery.  Do not treat hemorrhoid pain with aspirin or ibuprofen because they can thin the blood and increase bleeding.  Acetaminophen is a better choice.  Commercial preparations may contain substances like anaesthetics and heavy metals.  The colonic mucosa is an absorptive surface so by using suppositories some of the medication is systemically absorbed.  Pregnant women should exercise caution when using suppositories.  There are many surgical techniques that can be performed to shrink or remove the hemorrhoids but they will not correct lifestyle factors to prevent reoccurrence.

Lifestyle changes to help with hemorrhoids include regular exercise and stress reduction.  Never suppress the urge to defecate.  Do not strain to pass stool because it can contribute to hemorrhoid formation.  Minimize straining by ensuring that your thighs are parallel to the floor when sitting on the toilet.  Use a footstool if necessary.  Avoid strong laxatives because they also increase straining. 

To prevent hemorrhoids avoid staying stationary for long periods of time because it stagnates circulation.  Practice pelvic rocking and pelvic circling to increase circulation to the area.  Sit on soft surfaces but do not use a donut shaped pillow.  Those pillows actually increase pressure on the vessels.

Topically apply aloe vera gel to the anus to relieve pain and soothe the burning sensation.  Witch hazel is an astringent that shrinks the vessels and stops bleeding.  It can be applied several times daily with a cotton pad. 

There are numerous herbs that can be made into teas and used as a poultice.  These are often as effective as conventional creams and ointments.  Try bayberry, calendula, chamomile, goldenseal, elderberry, slippery elm and yarrow.  These teas may also be used as a wash after bowel movements.  It is important to keep the area clean to prevent infection.

Dietary changes involve a high fibre diet.  Fibre adds bulk to the stool and maintains regularity.  Eat whole grain products, fruits and vegetables.  Eat one salad of raw vegetables daily.  Consume dark green, leafy vegetables for vitamin K to help blood clotting.  Eat citrus fruits and berries for bioflavinoids, which strengthen capillaries.  Be sure to drink 2L of filtered water daily to soften stools and maintain regularity.  Use 1 tbsp of flax seed oil with each meal to combat constipation.  Avoid constipating and irritating foods such as, dairy products, spicy food, fats, processed foods, salt, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, cola and black tea. 

The following list of supplements can be used for preventing and treating hemorrhoids.  Adult doses are given.   (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).