Homeopathy Help for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are common. And embarrassing. They can be painful, even debilitating, large and grape-like or hardly noticeable. How amazing then that the body can heal them, make them disappear just as swiftly as they came – but that’s the body for you, and it never ceases to amaze.

Of the five top remedies for hemorrhoids, you’ll notice that the first three, Aesculus, Collinsonia and Hamamelis, are also common herbs. As a homeopath, I find the homeopathic medicines  are best suited when symptoms are strong, clear and troublesome as they are powerful to facilitate healing, while the herbal choices support the system long term and are great when you aren’t clear on symptoms. Of the five remedies listed below, you’ll find the Nux vomica and Sulphur in most homeopathy home remedy kits, but know that they will only work if the symptoms fit, so choose wisely. If the symptoms are unclear or you don’t see results within a few days to a week, find a homeopath to choose a better fit.

Dosage and potency

While you can choose a 30ch potency, I prefer the lower potencies of 6ch or 12ch for repetition over a week or more in the case of hemorrhoids, as it’s such a physical problem that typically needs a little more time to heal. Take the 6ch or 12ch potency two to three times daily until symptoms improve, and then once daily until all the symptoms disappear. If only the 30ch potency is available, repeat two to three times daily for 3 days and then once daily for the rest of the week. Stop when symptoms are better – you can always take it sporadically if you notice a return of symptoms.

Top Hemorrhoid Remedies:

Aesculus hippocastinum is a remedy made from horse chestnut and it’s an herb as well. You’ll find it as Vogel’s Venaforce, an herbal tablet for vein support and hemorrhoids. Choose the homeopathic remedy when the hemorrhoids are large, swollen and painful. The pain can feel sharp, like sticks, or heavy and hot, raw and sore, especially when walking or after a bowel movement. Other symptoms may include backaches and varicose veins.

Collinsonia is another remedy to consider if the hemorrhoids are painfully sharp like sticks (Aesculus) or instead, there can be a heaviness, aching and a sense of weight. In fact there may be a feeling of swelling even when there is not a lot. To compare with Aesculus, consider Collinsonia when there is sluggishness and constipation aggravating the condition. Anxiety or stress may be make matters worse. Collinsonia is often needed during and after pregnancy, if there is pain, hemorrhoids and bleeding.

Hamamelis, witch hazel, is another homeopathic remedy that is specific for hemorrhoids and is used in herbal medicine. In homeopathy, choose hamamelis if bleeding with the hemorrhoids is pronounced. The venous congestion and hemorrhoids may burn, feel bruised and be sore. Resting and lying quietly improves all symptoms, although symptoms do worsen at night. You can find Hamamelis in its herbal form as well, including Tucks wipes, Frida’s perineal foam and even, as Thayer’s facial astringent, which works well in its alcohol free version, to apply after every bowel movement. Applying an herbal remedy topically while using a homeopthic remedy internally is always a nice complement.

Nux vomica is such a common remedy for our sedentary overworked lifestyle, it often fits the picture even for hemorrhoids. As is typical for all things Nux vomica, irritability is one of the hallmark symptoms calling for it. While there are frequent calls to the toilet, there is straining and urging without complete satisfaction. There may be spasms of pain, especially after stool. Nux vomica is often needed in times of stress, overwork and too much sitting.

Sulphur (also Sulfur) is a common remedy for burning and itching, and should also be considered for hemorrhoids. In this case, the hemorrhoids are accompanied by a lot of itching, burning and heat. Rather than constipation, stools tend to be loose and more frequent, with urging peaking in the morning on waking. For more information on Sulphur and some tips for occasional diarrhea, see this blog on traveller’s diarrhea.

Not sure which to take? Homeocan has an ointment and Boiron a suppository that contains both Aesculus and hamamelis, among others, which can also be used.

A Few Practical Tips:

Hemorrhoids, like varicose veins, are usually a case of susceptibility. Some people get them a lot, and others never do. If you’re susceptible, pay attention to a few simple but practical tips.

Avoid constipation and straining, whenever possible. Eat healthy whole unprocessed foods, and add pre-soaked flaxseeds and prunes to your morning breakfast if needed. The body likes regular times, so keep a regular habit and avoid being in a rush. Finally, use a stool that elevates the feet and lowers the rectum. It’s an odd design that our western toilets sit so high off the ground, making bowel movements an almost unnatural process. Let gravity help you do some of the work and keep you regular.

The Schuessler cell salt Calc fluor 6x can also be added three times daily, to help strengthen lax body tissues, as in the case of sluggish veins and hemorrhoids – add it three times daily for a few months if you have a susceptibility.

Note of caution: Hemorrhoids are so much more common that colon cancer, but some of the symptoms are the same. If symptoms don’t quickly resolve or you’re not sure, do get a diagnosis.