Keeping the mosquitoes at bay

A cooperative doctor-patient relationship has inherent therapeutic value. The physician is a catalyst for healthful change, empowering and motivating the patient to assume responsibility. It is the patient, not the doctor, who ultimately creates healing. Sharing knowledge and understanding with my patients has always been a priority so that they are able to make informed decisions about their health care. Once we share knowledge we help empower one another to reach optimum health.

Question. Hi Natalie, is there any herbal or medicinal cure for prolapsed hemorrhoids as an alternative to surgery?

Answer. Prolapsed Hemorrhoids, which are distinguished by an external lump of inflamed tissue protruding from the anus, can be treated with a variety of interventions, depending on their severity.

Inflammation can be reduced by bathing in warm water, which assists the blood vessels in the rectal area to relax. Consuming bulk fiber products like psyllium seed husk and plantain produces softer stool, which is easier to pass and therefore less likely to induce new hemorrhoids or inflame preexisting ones.

Adopting a squatting position when making a bowel movement is thought to ease stress to the anal walls and aid in easier defecation.

For individuals whose poor circulation is the cause of their hemorrhoids, it is recommended to use a pillow to raise the legs while sleeping to assist in eliminating altogether the presence of external hemorrhoids. The use of soothing compounds and substances such as Witch hazel, Cranesbill, Aloe Vera and honey provide relief for some of the symptoms associated with the condition.

Certain dietary interventions will also help, such as Butcher’s Broom, Horse-Chestnut, as well as bioflavanoids.  Because compounds such as Butcher’s Broom contain naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents such as ruscogenins, they are often sought out by patients who wish to try an organic approach to addressing the symptoms that accompany Prolapsed Hemorrhoids.

Bioflavonoids are a type of plant compound that work by stabilizing and strengthening blood vessel walls and by decreasing inflammation. They reduce anal discomfort, pain, and anal discharge during an acute hemorrhoid attack (shouldn't be used by people taking tamoxifen for breast cancer).

The major flavonoids found in citrus fruits, diosmin, herperidin, and oxerutins, are also beneficial. The plant butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus), which is also known as knee holly, box holly, and sweet broom has a long history of traditional use for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It is often used when there is underlying poor circulation in the veins.

How does butcher's broom work? Butcher's broom extract contains anti-inflammatory and vein-contricting properties that improve the tone and integrity of veins and shrink the swollen tissue. The active compound is called ruscogen. Butcher's broom is usually recommended in capsule or tea form. The tea has a slightly bitter taste, so a bit of honey can be used to sweeten it. The tea can be made by steeping one teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Butchers broom is also effective when applied topically as an ointment or compress. Butcher's broom should not be used by people with high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), by pregnant or nursing women, or by people taking alpha blocker or MAO inhibitor drugs unless otherwise recommended by their doctor.
I also recommend using a topical application of chamomile or calendula. You can apply this as a compress or ointment.