Understanding Hemorrhoids Before Using Witch Hazel
Before treating hemorrhoids with witch hazel, the first thing that you need to do is making sure that you really have hemorrhoids. What is hemorrhoid? Basically, hemorrhoids are veins that are located at the canal of your anal that are swollen. These swollen veins could appear either inside or outside your body.
What Is Witch Hazel Used For
The benefit of witch hazel is used for medicinal uses because of its properties in healing illness. Native American tribes have been using witch hazel to treat skin irritations due to anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial substances.
For now, the benefits of witch hazel is good for treating so many diseases. It is usually used as a natural home remedy and known works well to help :
- Hemorrhoids
- Diarrhea
mix witch hazel for hemorrhoids remedy
Not all application witch hazel extract against diseases above gives the same results for every person. There were reports that witch hazel worked very well, but there was also found that this natural pain relief did not help at all.
How Long Can I Use Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids
Witch hazel can be used in a variety of ways for hemorrhoids. The continued application is dependent on the symptoms and extent to which the condition has progressed.
Hemorrhoids can be internal, external or thrombosed and in mild conditions, Witch hazel can be used for a couple of days to study improvements.
Since there are no exclaimed side effects, the treatment can be applied for weeks if reasonable improvements to the condition is felt.
In more severe cases, over-the-counter medications may be combined with Witch hazel applications and gynecologists or hemorrhoid doctors must be consulted if symptoms do not improve or begin to worsen after application.
Most Witch hazel applications are done topically , while pure witch hazel can be applied by soaking cotton balls or pads with the Witch hazel extracts to wipe the affected area.
The use of Witch hazel on baby wipes or toilet tissues may also bring results for some people while application of Witch hazel creams and ointments are other proven ways that bring results.
Before using Witch hazel on any material, pads or tissues, be sure to confirm that these materials do not have potentially irritating substances, perfumes or dyes that can worsen the symptoms of the hemorrhoids. Check out this blog post for a peek at the best hemorrhoid wipes
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Does Lemon Juice Help Hemorrhoids
Whether the lemon juice is applied topically or consumed, it is very effective in treating hemorrhoids. You can also freeze the lemon juice and apply it to area for the twofer of a cold compress and the anti-inflammatory property of the lemon juice. Make a tea with lemon juice, warm water, ginger and honey.
Are Witch Hazels Safe For Use
Witch hazel is generally classified as safe and will not cause side effects for most people. In some rare cases where the extract is applied on the skin, there may be little complaints of irritation and itching, but the Witch hazel is often very safe that even with applied in moderate dosages, it is safe for use.
Witch hazel helps to reduce hemorrhoid pain and itching by working as an astringent. In small cases, a small number of people might also experience side effects like stomach upset.
Before applying Witch hazel in any way other than topical means, a physician and doctor should be consulted as some Witch hazel treatments that are not homemade may contain other substances that can be toxic to the body system on consumption.
Large doses of Witch hazel can cause serious problems like liver and other organ damages which is why it is imperative to adhere to the dosage recommendations as in indicated on the labels .
Tucks Medicated Pads are a witch hazel product specifically for hemorrhoids. Take a look at our Tucks Reviews to see if it’s the medicated pad you should choose.
For Pregnant women, any treatment to be used for caring for the hemorrhoid condition should be discussed with Doctors before use.
Witch hazel can also be used as suppository treatment but it is also equally important to consult with your hemorrhoid doctor to avoid the risk of complications or damage to the fetus.
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Are Suppositories An Option
Some drugs can also be used in the form of normal suppositories, or suppositories with gauze inserts . These are inserted into the anus, where they stay and release the drug unlike normal suppositories that release the drug further up the bowel. It’s not clear whether suppositories can relieve the symptoms of enlarged hemorrhoids.
Reducing Future Hemorrhoid Flare
Natural treatments such as a sitz bath soak or a witch hazel compress are effective, natural and relatively easy treatments for hemorrhoids. Pure witch hazel and aloe vera gel are available at most drug stores, and all that you need for a sitz bath soak is a bathtub and a little bit of your time. All three of these home treatments have helped people reduce hemorrhoid symptoms.
Hemorrhoid prevention is recommended once you get your symptoms under control. Eat right, get regular exercise and keep your trips to the toilet brief. If youre having trouble going to the bathroom right now, try stool softeners until you can up your fiber intake. If you do continue to get flare ups, be sure to see a doctor who can tell you how your lifestyle may be triggering your hemorrhoids.
Finally, while at-home treatments sound simple enough, sometimes you may want a professionally developed product. Going professional doesnt mean avoiding natural ingredients, and Doctor Butlers has a great selection of witch hazel and aloe vera hemorrhoid sprays, organic chemical free wipes, therapeutic Epsom salts and essential oil infused creams that can help you leave the pain behind!
About Robert Cutler, D.O.
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When Should You See The Doctor For Hemorrhoids
Before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. And please, no “selfies”!
If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence , you should definitely see your doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.
Can Hemorrhoids Cause Cancer
Many people confuse hemorrhoids with cancer. When you see blood for the first time in your stool, it can be quite frightening. Many diseases like colorectal cancer, anal fissures, angiodysplasia , peptic ulcers, etc. may cause bleeding. It is best to consult a doctor before drawing any conclusion.
Hemorrhoids are common and can be very painful. Most people hesitate to consult a doctor or get embarrassed to talk about their problem. However, if untreated, the symptoms can worsen and it can be very painful. Doctors recommend treating hemorrhoids early when the symptoms start to appear. Common symptoms include bleeding from the anus, difficulty in bowel movements, feeling of soft tissue in and around the anus, irritation, burning sensation, and persistent pain. Hemorrhoids can be of different types. When you visit a doctor, he/she will examine you and decide the mode of treatment. Hemorrhoids that are in the early stage can be treated with medications, ointments, and some lifestyle changes. However, some hemorrhoids may require surgery.
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Sitz Baths With Epsom Salts
A sitz bath is a localized, medically recommended soak of the affected area to relieve swelling and symptoms like itching. In other words, its just a warm bath for your hemorrhoids! There are sitz bath bowls you can buy that fit on your toilet, but you can also use your tub for a sitz bath treatment right away.
Sitz baths are helpful for hemorrhoids because they clean the area of any particulate, provide relief and help start the healing process, and they work even better for flare ups when the water is combined with therapeutic Epsom salt for hemorrhoids.
Here are directions for using a sitz bath with Epsom salts to soothe irritation and pain from hemorrhoids:
Witch Hazel Pads For Hemorrhoids
These are simply pads soaked in witch hazel tincture. You can soak a pad in the tincture at home and slightly dab it. Witch hazel pads are also available at medical stores.
Witch hazel pads can be applied post bowel movement to get relief from rectal pain. Witch hazel pads for hemorrhoids are ph balanced and provide relief for a long duration. These wipes are usually hypoallergenic, free of any dye, and biodegradable.
While many surgical and non-surgical options are available to cure hemorrhoids, people are moving towards homemade and herbal remedies. A high fiber diet, using the restroom as soon as you feel bowel pressure, and exercise will keep hemorrhoids at bay. Using witch hazel for hemorrhoids is a tried and tested method to get pain relief from hemorrhoids.
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How Do Hemorrhoids Happen On Someones Body
Hemorrhoids will be formed when the veins get excessive pressure which will cause the veins to swell. This condition will occur when you have strain due to bowel movement or as the effect of becoming overweight.
Hemorrhoids also could happen due to pregnancy as well. And you can find the answer to whether hemorrhoids can cause by stress.
And you must understand how to make hemorrhoids go away without suffering you anymore. And you will not know how long does hemorrhoid last if you never treat it properly.
Image of hemorrhoids with internal and external swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum
Using Other Pain Relief Methods
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What Are Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a natural part of the human anatomy, though they can sometimes become irritated, which is when they become a problem. An abnormal hemorrhoid is simply an inflamed or swollen blood vessel. It becomes inflamed under pressure or irritation to the anorectal region from exercise, abnormal bowel habits due to diet or IBS, pregnancy, straining on the toilet, etc.
Hemorrhoids come in two broad types, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are hidden from view and line your rectum wall. They can bleed when irritated, and bright red blood on your toilet paper is a likely sign of them. External hemorrhoids are the ones most associated with itching and burning and protrusion. They are easily irritated by rough toilet paper, etc.
Both internal and external hemorrhoids can be treated at home with common and natural ingredients, which well learn more about in the following sections. Well also talk about treatments you should avoid, but which sometimes get thrown around as home remedies for hemorrhoids.
What Is Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a topical astringent made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis Virginiana or witch hazel shrub. It has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years when people would boil the plant to treat burns and skin irritations. Today, witch hazel is touted as effective in toning skin, fading bruises, brightening eyes, stopping bleeding, as an after-shave, to treat damaged gums, to ease a sore throat and to alleviate the discomfort from bug bites, sunburn, diaper rash and swimmers ear, and of course for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
The Truth about Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids.
Reviewing the list above, its easy to think that witch hazel must be an effective topical agent for alleviating pain and discomfort associated with the surface symptoms of many conditions. While witch hazel may help temporarily ease pain and itching associated with hemorrhoids, it will not cause permanent relief. In some cases, it may even lead to further irritation, worsening symptoms.
The Danger of Leaving Hemorrhoids Untreated.
Heal Your Hemorrhoids
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How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last
Some hemorrhoids can last for few days while others may take time to heal. Some hemorrhoids can heal on their own with some lifestyle changes and would need medical intervention while others may require treatments and even surgeries.
Internal hemorrhoids like prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful like external hemorrhoids if they protrude out of the anus. These hemorrhoids may take time to heal and need treatments.
Many women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancies. During pregnancy, there is increased pressure on the fetus on the abdomen, especially during the third trimester. The veins of the anus and rectum may swell up and cause hemorrhoids. These hemorrhoids generally resolve after childbirth.
How To Treat Hemorrhoids Naturally
Many people soak a cotton ball in liquid witch hazel and apply it to the anal region. Often, this provides at least some symptom relief right away and helps reduce swelling within a few days of treatment. Some people also use witch hazel for hemorrhoids by chilling liquid witch hazel and using it to make cold compresses.
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Work Wonders With Witch Hazel
A dab of witch hazel applied to the rectum with a cotton ball is one of the very best remedies available for external hemorrhoids, especially if theres bleeding, says Marvin Schuster, MD. Witch hazel causes the blood vessels to shrink and contract. While anything cold, even water, can help kill the pain of hemorrhoids, icy cold witch hazel provides even more relief. Chill a bottle of witch hazel in an ice bucket or the refrigerator. Then take a cotton ball, soak it in the witch hazel, and apply it against your hemorrhoids until its no longer cold, then repeat, suggests Schuster.
Can You Use Witch Hazel On Your Vag
WITCH HAZEL is a botanical astringent from the plant Hamamelis virginiana. The wipes and pads are used to relieve itching, burning, and irritation caused by hemorrhoids or bowel movements. They may also be used to clean the outer vaginal area after childbirth or the rectal area following rectal surgery.
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Use Cotton Or Any Absorbent Clothing
Surgical cottons are the best way to go to avoid the hassle of picking out small portions from standard cottons. Dip the cotton in the Witch Hazel astringent and directly apply to the hemorrhoids. Keep the cotton on the afflicted area for up to 3 minutes and change them with a new batch of cotton dipped in Witch Hazel. After a bowel movement get a new set of cottons dipped in Witch Hazel and apply again on the anus. Do these 15 minutes after defecating for 2 to 3 days. Apply new Witch Hazel dipped cotton when you are going to sleep to expose the hemorrhoids on Witch Hazel overnight.
Why Do Hemorrhoids Occur
While hemorrhoids sometimes seem like they develop for no reason at all, there are actually a lot of different causes you might not know about. Simply spending too much time on the toilet, for example, can cause flare ups. Sitting for a long time primes the blood vessels lining the rectum wall for inflammation as blood cells pool into the area.
General bowel trouble like anxiety induced diarrhea or a diet-related case of constipation can lead to hemorrhoids by way of extra straining on the toilet. In fact, chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements and prolonged sitting on the toilet are the most common causes of hemorrhoid discomfort, along with pregnancy and strenuous exercises like deadlifting.
Reduce the risk of hemorrhoids occurring in the first place by eating a fiber rich diet and staying hydrated and active with regular, low-stress exercise. If you dont have the luxury of prevention and need help with painful hemorrhoids now, lets go over medically backed natural hemorrhoid treatments.
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