Have you ever heard anyone admit that they have hemorrhoids? Of course, you haven’t. This condition is considered as one of those embarrassing ailments that no one will admit they have it unless necessary.
What is the haemorrhoidal disease?
Hemorrhoids are not growths but swollen veins of the rectum and anus. Categorized in two types, it can either be internal or external. Hemorrhoids that are found outside the anus’ opening are the external ones while the internal ones are those inside the lower rectum or anus. However, a large internal hemorrhoid can leak out of the anus resembling an external one.
In the early stages, the condition may just be itchy even if some bleeding is spotted. The painful ones are hemorrhoids that are irritated or severe in condition.
Causes of the disease
The primary cause of hemorrhoids is the intense pressure on the veins of an individual’s rectal or pelvic area. This is often experienced when one strains too much during bowel movement or baby labor. The pressure can also be experienced by a pregnant woman or an obese person.
The Cure for the disease
Hemorrhoids do not really require immediate medical attention. However, home treatments using natural products are recommended to prevent worsening. This is where witch hazel comes in. Witch hazel doesn’t involve witchcraft or anything. It is just a small plant with huge healing properties. Individuals started to use witch hazel to cure hemorrhoids when they had discovered that it can dry, harden, shrink and tighten skin tissues.
Its Latin name is hamamelis virginiana (from the hamamelidaceae family). Its common names are: witch hazel, hamamelis, striped alder, spotted alder, winter-bloom, hazel nut, snapping hazel and tobacco wood.
An ingredient that’s typically found in facial toners to heal and eliminate pimple scars and marks, many people also use witch hazel to cure the haemorrhoidal disease. Soaking a cotton ball with witch hazel and applying it on the hemorrhoids is an effective treatment. For added efficacy, soak gauze pads in witch hazel and wring out the excess. Place the pads on top of a wax paper sheet and freeze. Once cold enough, put the cold gauze pads unto the hemorrhoids. The coolness helps reduce swelling and numb the pain. Additionally, witch hazel also stops the haemorrhoidal bleeding.
To also help reduce appearance of blood in the stool because of severe diarrhea, constipation or hemorrhoid irritation, drinking tea made from witch hazel plus mint, chamomile and mint is strongly recommended.
Witch hazel is available in different forms but people suffering from hemorrhoids prefer the convenience of the suppository and hemorrhodial pad types.
Care of Use
When using witch hazel, individuals must always practice proper care. This is because some witch hazel formulations contain alcohol which can be quite damaging if used inappropriately.
Severe Hemorrhoids
Individuals who have severe hemorrhoids and are feeling a great deal of pain should see a medical specialist immediately. While using witch hazel is quite effective, only a doctor can help treat the worsening condition. After a thorough assessment of the hemorrhoids, the appropriate medical treatment can be done. Among the possible treatments are surgery, banding, and cauterization. All of these treatments are effective in permanently removing hemorrhoids but can cost a lot of money.
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