Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen or dilated (varicose) veins around the anus or in the wall of the rectum. They are generally itchy and painful, and may bleed during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are often the result of a fiber-poor diet, which leads to hard, dry stools and chronic constipation. This causes straining while defecating, which pushes the veins out of the anus. Contributing factors include prolonged sitting and lack of exercise. Hemorrhoids can also be caused by improper lifting and pregnancy. Regular exercise, especially walking, and abdominal-strengthening exercises help prevent hemorrhoids. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements To prevent hemorrhoids, eat a high-fiber diet based on whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Avoid dietary irritants such as coffee, hot spices, and alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids to keep bowel movements soft. Nutrients that help heal hemorrhoids include: vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams daily, or to bowel tolerance: strengthens the capillaries and veins vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, 25,000 IU daily: for tissue health vitamin E, 400 IU daily: helps heal blood vessels Add either of the following fiber supplements to the diet to prevent constipation and to create soft, bulky stools: psyllium, 1 teaspoon of powder in a glass of water, followed by another glass of water, with meals pectin, 1 tablespoon three times per day BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies Herbal lotions, ointments, or tinctures can be used externally on the anus to help heal hemorrhoids. Place the herbal preparation on a cotton ball or your finger and apply it to sore tissue around the rectum after each bowel movement and as needed. calendula: has antibacterial properties, stops itching and speeds healing aloe gel: soothing and astringent witch hazel: soothing and astringent, helps shrink blood vessels stoneroot (Collinsonia canadensis): strengthens the veins; apply externally and also take internally two capsules twice a day BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Take one of the following single remedies, depending upon the presence of the accompanying symptoms: Aesculus: for a sharp, burning pain in the rectum accompanied by a dull ache in the lower back Arnica: for hemorrhoids that come on after childbirth Collinsonia: if there is chronic bleeding, itching, and a sensation of sharp sticks in the rectum Nux vomica: for overwhelming itching or a constant uneasy feeling in the rectum Sulphur: if the rectum feels sore and bruised and there is redness around the anus Apply a homeopathic ointment prepared from Aesculus or Hamamelis to help relieve pain, itching, and inflammation. BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Methods for using essential oils for hemorrhoids include compresses applied to the anal area and warm sitz baths. Use any of the following essential oils: cypress: antiseptic, astringent, constricts blood vessels myrrh: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use