Hemorrhoids affect nearly 50% of adults in the US within the age range of 45-65. Hemorrhoids are generally asymptomatic, however, some adults may experience discomfort from having swollen external hemorrhoids and seek treatment to resolve the condition.
The traditional treatment of hemorrhoids involves the use of stool softeners, topical ointments, and certain behavioral therapies, however, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of essential oils for a more natural treatment. In this article, we’ll discuss what hemorrhoids are and review the 4 best essential oils that can be used to naturally treat hemorrhoids.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins within the rectum and anus that may lead to discomfort and bleeding. Most internal hemorrhoids go unnoticed and resolve on their own within a few weeks, however, external hemorrhoids may present further issues and require treatment of some form.
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What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Although the exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown, there are several associated conditions which include:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Obesity
- Cirrhotic Ascites
- Low-fiber diet
How to Treat Hemorrhoids Naturally
Many people seek treatment for hemorrhoids outside of traditional methods. One of the most popular and effective natural forms of treatment for hemorrhoids includes the use of essential oils. Essential oils are best known for their anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects which make them an ideal solution for hemorrhoid treatment.
Benefits of Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids
Essential oils may help treat hemorrhoids in the following ways:
- Shrink veins back to their normal size
- Strengthen blood vessels
- Improve circulation
- Provide antibiotic effects
- Relieve itching or burning
- Reduce overall pain
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce swelling
Research has shown that the use of essential oils in the treatment of hemorrhoids is most effective when applied topically. Essential oils that are selected for topical use should have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties to ensure the effective treatment of hemorrhoids and also provide comfort throughout the treatment process.
Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids
We recommend the following 3 products from Healing Natural Oils for the natural treatment of hemorrhoids.
H-Hemorrhoids Formula
H-Hemorrhoids Formula provides fast relief from hemorrhoids through the use of its active ingredients: Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-Chestnut Oil) and Collinsonia canadensis (Stoneroot Oil). This product quickly reduces swelling and provides relief for the following types of hemorrhoids:
- External Hemorrhoids
- Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
- Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoids with Minor Bleeding
This product’s homeopathic ingredients relieve vascular engorgement and inflammation, thus providing relief from discomfort and shrinkage of the hemorrhoidal veins.
Horse-Chestnut Oil contains the key compound of aescin that has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces edema. Research has shown that horse chestnut seed extract may improve pain and reduce swelling when used for the natural treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins and that horse chestnuts preparations can be used for every stage of hemorrhoidal conditions.
Stoneroot Oil contains flavonoids, tannins, and saponins which are effective in the reduction of swelling, improve circulation, and have antioxidant properties.
Buy H-Hemorrhoids here.
H-Bl Hemorrhoids Formula
H-Bl Hemorrhoids Formula provides fast relief from bleeding hemorrhoids through the use of its active ingredients: Calendula officinalis (Calendula Oil) and Hamamelis virginiana (Witch HazelOil). This product quickly reduces swelling and is known for being extremely gentle and soothing.
This product’s homeopathic ingredients have been selected for their function on minor bleeding and rawness of the anus associated with hemorrhoids. This product is intended to provide relief from discomfort and its use should be followed up with H-Hemorrhoids Formula in order to tackle the symptoms of the actual hemorrhoids.
Calendula oil is included in this product to treat swelling, help wounds heal faster, and reduce skin irritation. Research has shown that calendula extract has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is an effective natural remedy for venous conditions, such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Witch Hazel Oil is also included as an active ingredient due to its ability to treat hemorrhoids, reduce minor bleeding, and relieve skin irritation. This type of essential oil contains tannins that reduce inflammation and slow down bleeding.
Buy H-Bl Hemorrhoids here.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil contains 100% pure Australian Tea Tree oil extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia of the Myrtaceae family.
Tea tree oil may be applied topically to skin wounds and has been used for centuries in treating cuts and curing skin infections. It also kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing, making it ideal for the treatment of hemorrhoids when diluted with carrier oils, such as coconut or jojoba oil.
Research has shown that tea tree oil contains the anti-inflammatory compound terpenen-4-ol that helps soothe irritated skin. Its other components have antiseptic properties that reduce the risk of an infection surrounding broken skin. Finally, studies have shown that tea tree oil significantly reduces pain and bleeding as well as relieves itching.
Buy Tea Tree Oil here.
References
[1] Abascal, Kathy & Yarnell, Eric. (2005). Botanical Treatments for Hemorrhoids. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 11. 285-289. 10.1089/act.2005.11.285.
[2] Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut). Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Sep;14(3):278-83. PMID: 19803552.
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2011). Hemorrhoids. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0715/afp20110715p215.pdf
[3] Brand C, Grimbaldeston MA, Gamble JR, Drew J, Finlay-Jones JJ, Hart PH. Tea tree oil reduces the swelling associated with the efferent phase of a contact hypersensitivity response. Inflamm Res. 2002 May;51(5):236-44. doi: 10.1007/pl00000299. PMID: 12056511.
[4] Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical microbiology reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
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[6] Djilani, A., & Dicko, A. (2012). The therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Nutrition, Well-being and Health, , 155-178. Retrieved from www.scopus.com
[7] Hashempur, M. H., Khademi, F., Rahmanifard, M., & Zarshenas, M. M. (2017). An Evidence-Based Study on Medicinal Plants for Hemorrhoids in Medieval Persia. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(4), 969–981. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216688597
[8] Jayant Shankar Raut, Sankunny Mohan Karuppayil, A status review on the medicinal properties of essential oils, Industrial Crops and Products, Volume 62, 2014, Pages 250-264, ISSN 0926-6690, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.05.055.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669014005196)
[9] Mott T, Latimer K, Edwards C. Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment Options. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Feb 1;97(3):172-179. PMID: 29431977.
[10] Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Nov 14;11(11):CD003230. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003230.pub4. PMID: 23152216; PMCID: PMC7144685.