Factors that increase venous congestion in the region of the rectum can precipitate hemorrhoid formation.  This includes increasing intra-abdominal pressure (e.g., straining during defecation, pregnancy, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and physical exertion), a low-fiber diet, liver damage, and standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Pain occurs when there is acute inflammation of external hemorrhoids.  Bleeding is usually associated with internal hemorrhoids and may occur before, during or after defecation.  If bleeding is excessive, it can produce anemia.  Hemorrhoidal itching can result from using harsh toilet paper (which causes tissue damage), Candida albicans, parasitic infections (especially if you’ve recently returned from a trip abroad), and allergies.

While hemorrhoids can be itchy, painful, and uncomfortable they are not cancerous. Yet bleeding from the rectum can indicate conditions other than hemorrhoids, such as polyps, fissures, and even cancer, and should always warrant a trip to the doctor.

Royal Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment

1.                  Hemorrhoids are most often caused by constipation, or “straining at stool.”  Just as the veins in your temples pop out when you’re trying to lift something heavy, the veins in your anus can pop out when you try too hard, for too long, to have a bowel movement.

2.                  Increase your fiber intake.  This includes increasing your consumption of raw fruits and vegetables, beans and grains.  Oat bran, brown rice, psyllium husk, and guar gum are natural bulking agents that can be used to reduce fecal straining and improve bowel habits.  (See “Constipation.”)  If hemorrhoids are bleeding, increase your consumption of vitamin K by including alfalfa, kale, and all dark green leafy vegetables into your dietary regimen.

3.                  Increase your water intake (especially if you are also increasing your fiber intake).  Consuming between 6-8 glasses of distilled, spring, or reverse osmosis water daily is good for constipation and a good habit in general for those who are concerned about their health.

4.                  Avoid processed foods (e.g., white flour), refined foods (e.g., white sugar), and dairy products.  Avoid excess salt, which causes fluid retention in the circulatory system and can cause bulging of the veins in the anus and elsewhere.  (See “Allergy—Food.”)

5.                  Avoid using scented or colored toilet paper containing chemicals.  These can irritate the tender skin of anus.  Don’t ignore Nature’s call when the urge strikes.  When you do evacuate, don’t sit on the toilet longer that several minutes.

6.                  Exercise.  Increasing your activity level speeds the movement of waste through the intestines, even if it’s only walking for 20 minutes three times a week.  It may also help you to keep your weight down, decreasing your risk of developing varicose veins such as hemorrhoids.  Avoid any heavy lifting that might cause you to strain.

7.                  Keep your bowels clean.  (See “Coffee Enema.”)  Squirt some water into the area of the anus after defecating.  Avoid scratching and doing damage to the local area.

8.                  In general, over the counter medications are painkillers designed to relieve discomfort but not get rid of the problem.  However, zinc oxide and witch hazel are the exceptions.  Apply them directly to the hemorrhoid to reduce pain and swelling as well as shrink hemorrhoidal tissue.

9.                  If hemorrhoidal pain is severe, take a sitz bath daily.  The water temperature should be between 100-105 degrees. This will help take the pressure off of the anal sphincter and increases blood flow to the area.  Using a doughnut-shaped pillow to sit on will also take the pressure off of the rectum.

10.             Supplement with vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, Bioflavonoids, and the minerals Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc.  Flax seed oil (1-2 Tbsp. daily) will help to soften stool.

11.             Herbs found useful in the treatment of this condition include butcher’s broom, collinsonia, and elderberry.

12.             Homeopathics for the treatment of hemorrhoids are available in drops, tablets, ointments, creams, and suppositories.  Some of the most common remedies are:  Aesculus (when associated with pain), Hamamelis (esp. when bleeding), Pulsatilla (if they occur after pregnancy), Carbo Vegetabilis (if associated with poor circulation), Fluoricum Acidum (for simple, uncomplicated cases), Silicea (if associated with infection somewhere in the body), and Aconite (when due to fatigue and long periods of standing).