Hemorrhoid Treatments: Simple Alternative Hemorrhoids Treatment Options

In simple terms, hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the rectum. No exact reason could be attributed for the enlargement of these veins. Some are of the opinion that hemorrhoids form due to the pressure and continued straining exerted during bowel movement. Others blame it on less intake of fiber. Most pregnant women suffer from this condition but with most of them this disappears with childbirth. Even here the reason is not known. Studies have shown an increase in the number of people who suffer from this condition. With the inability of the mainstream medicinal system to offer a permanent solution, patients have slowly drifted to alternative systems in search of a cure. Some age old medicinal systems like Siddha and Ayurveda offer excellent and time tested remedies for this condition.

The chief symptom of hemorrhoids is the pain and bleeding while passing stools particularly hard stools. In case of constipation, the hardened stool causes pain in the anal region during bowel movement. In most of the cases, chronic constipation leads to hemorrhoids. Here due to the consistent pressure exerted during painful evacuation acts on the veins in the rectal region resulting in enlargement of the veins. There is an associated anal itching in most of the cases. This is due to the moisture in the anal area due to constant leaking of mucus due to the hemorrhoids.

Examination of the anus and rectum by an anoscope helps in confirming the presence of hemorrhoids. This examination helps to rule out other causes of bleeding like polyps, colon cancer, or colitis.

Hemorrhoids are graded into four degrees.  First degree haemorrhoids bleed but do not prolapse, second degree haemorrhoids prolapse and retract, third degree haemorrhoids prolapse and needs to be pushed in, and fourth degree haemorrhoids remain external and cannot be pushed back in.

Some treatment modalities of conventional system for haemorrhoids include topical application of creams and gels, suppositories.  Local anesthetics are used to relieve pain in the anal region.  Vasoconstrictors are drugs that constrict the veins and make the blood vessels become smaller.  Intake of this drug either via injection or oral can cause side effects like sleeplessness, tremor, aggravation of diabetes etc.  Surgical alternative in case of advanced haemorrhoids is also fraught with risk.

Siddha and Ayurveda systems recommend a change in lifestyle and food habits for permanent cure.  Constipation is regarded as one of the causes of haemorrhoids.  Another reason is the stress and tension that accompanies a hectic lifestyle of modern man.  A diet consisting of fresh fruits and leafy vegetables rich in fiber content is recommended.  Meditation and yogasanas like sarvangasana, padmasana help in bringing down the intensity of haemorrhoids.  

Yam is regarded as an excellent cure for this condition.  It is rather strange that the appearance of yam resembles an external haemorrhoid.  Siddha doctors would recommend karunai legiyam made from yam for patients suffering from haemorrhoids.  Adding yam in any form to the diet would help immensely.

For those suffering from hemorroids which is of recent origin, some simple remedies given below can help in getting rid of this painful condition.

Powder 10 gm of cumin seeds and add to it juice of plantain flower.  Oral intake of this simple remedy helps to stop bleeding of haemorrhoids.

50 gm pepper and 60 gm fennel seeds are powdered to a fine consistency.  This mixture is then added to 350 gm of pure honey to form a thick paste.  One teaspoon of this preparation taken in the mornings and evenings on empty stomach is found to be very beneficial.

Fried onion mixed with butter and applied around the anal region complements the above recommended dietary changes.

Observing all the above-mentioned simple recommendations can help in treating hemorrhoids.