Witch hazel has a plethora of uses owing to it being a natural astringent. It helps reduce swelling, stops capillary bleeding, and is commonly used to treat hemorrhoids. If you are wondering is witch hazel good for hemorrhoids, note that topical treatments and lifestyle changes have shown to have satisfactory outcomes for people with hemorrhoids.
Knowing how to use witch hazel for hemorrhoids depends on the type of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. Hemorrhoids are caused by tremendous pressure around the rectum, usually due to constipation. Constipation can push the swollen veins out of the rectum, making the hemorrhoids external.
How do you know if you have hemorrhoids? Look for a small lump around your anus. External hemorrhoids would be a swollen chunk of mass, which may pain when you pass stool. Internal hemorrhoids would usually be noticed only if there is rectal bleeding.
Facts
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Witch hazel has been used to treat hemorrhoids due to tannins and oils in this medicinal plant(1). There are many ways to use witch hazel for hemorrhoid treatment, which are topical or internal.
Witch hazel cream for hemorrhoids and witch hazel wipes for hemorrhoids are common non-surgical methods to get rid of hemorrhoids. Over the counter, non-prescription creams are readily available. While allopathic creams contain zinc and panthenol, their herbal counterparts contain witch hazel and aloe vera(2). The usage of this cream applies only to external hemorrhoids.
[Read: Essential Oils For Hemorrhoids]
Witch hazel cream for hemorrhoids can be used in the form of suppositories for internal hemorrhoids. Anal suppositories are available over the counter. They comprise of paracetamol that relieves pain and reduces itchiness and swelling. Suppositories are bullet-like stiffened creams available in doses of 150mg and 250mg of paracetamol.
Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids Treatments
1. Witch Hazel Suppository
You can make the suppository in your home following these simple steps
Ingredients
- Witch hazel tincture
- Cocoa butter
Directions
Mix one tablespoon of witch hazel tincture with one tablespoon of cocoa butter. You would be able to make 2 suppositories using this. Shape it in the form of a suppository by hand. You can also put the cream in plastic to mold the suppository. Keep this in the fridge for at least 12 hours.
Usage
Insert the suppository rectally. In case you experience too much pain in inserting the suppository, you can apply a local anesthetic in consultation with your doctor and then insert the suppository. This helps in relieving pressure caused by passing stool and reduces the inflammation of hemorrhoids.
[Read: Benefits of Witch Hazel]
2. Witch Hazel Tonic
Witch Hazel for Tonic is also a common form of witch hazel derivative used to cure hemorrhoids. You can even make witch hazel tonic following the below steps
Ingredients
- Witch hazel bark – ½ pound
- Distilled water
- Pure grain alcohol
Directions
Add witch hazel bark and distilled water in a pot and bring to boil. Simmer it for half an hour till it gets a tea-like appearance. Let it cool. Strain and add pure grain alcohol or vodka. The quantity of alcohol should be half of the tea. Store this tonic in the fridge for a week and keep it in a cool, dry place after that. Keep away from sunlight.
[Read: Treat Hemorrhoids Using Turmeric]
Usage
Simply dab the tonic onto a sterilized cloth and apply directly to hemorrhoids. This is applicable only for external hemorrhoids.
While applying witch hazel for hemorrhoids in any of its forms, ensure that your hands are clean and sanitized. Hand gloves or finger gloves are also easily available for this purpose. Warm sitz baths and a diet rich in fiber will also relieve pain caused by hemorrhoids.
Another standard method to get relief from hemorrhoids is to use witch hazel pads for hemorrhoids.
3. 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.
[Read: Best Exercises for Hemorrhoids]
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.
[ Read: Foods To Avoid With Hemorrhoids ]
FAQs
1. Can Hemorrhoids Return If Cured Once?
Hemorrhoid flare-ups can happen time and again. There are surgical ways to remove hemorrhoids. However, there is always a possibility for them to return. A lifestyle change is recommended to reduce hemorrhoids.
2. Can Pregnant Women Use Witch Hazel Oil to Cure Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are prevalent during pregnancy. The topical application of witch hazel is safe for use in pregnant women.
3. Does Using Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids Have Side Effects?
In controlled amounts, witch hazel is relatively safe. However, if the dosage exceeds the prescribed one, it can lead to kidney or liver cancer.
