Witch Hazel as a Hemorrhoids Treatment
Witch hazel is a natural remedy which has long been used to treat a variety of ailments, including hemorrhoids. It is distilled from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant to create creams or tinctures which can be used to shrink swollen tissue and provide relief from itching and irritation.
As a natural anti-inflammatory, witch hazel can help relieve the pain and irritation of hemroids by helping to shrink the inflamed tissue. Since hemroids are comprised of swollen veins in the anus and rectum, witch hazel can provide an immediate effect on hemorrhoidal tissue and offer relief from the itching, burning and discomfort that accompanies hemroids. Witch hazel can help relax the anal veins and reduce overall pressure in the area. That is important because it can prevent future hemroids from developing as well as relieving existing hemroids symptoms. Witch hazel can also be used to stop the bleeding of external hemroids.
Witch hazel can be found in most pharmacies and is sold as a treatment for hemroids in a number of forms including hemorrhoidal pads, lotions, tinctures and suppositories. You can also brew a witch hazel tea that can be used in compresses that are applied directly to external hemorrhoids. In addition to being used for hemorrhoids, witch hazel also has applications for varicose veins and a prolapsed uterus.
There are two main advantages to using witch hazel as opposed to more conventional hemorrhoids medications. First, witch hazel is relatively inexpensive compared to other hemroids medications, but just as effective at treating hemroids. Since most hemorrhoids treatments have to be repeated frequently to be effective, costs can add up quickly.
The other great advantage of using witch hazel to treat hemorrhoids is the fact that it is an all-natural remedy. Unlike conventional over-the-counter hemroids medications, witch hazel does not contain chemicals which can cause unwanted side effects or an allergic reaction. This is important because the last thing you want when dealing with irritated hemorrhoidal tissue is something that will further aggravate your hemroids.
As with any hemorrhoids treatment, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before embarking on a new hemorrhoid treatment method. He or she can best advise you on the most suitable potential remedies for your particular case of hemroids. However, if your doctor gives the okay, witch hazel can be a safe and inexpensive way to treat your hemorrhoids effectively in the privacy of your own home.