The popular interest in alternative and traditional medicine has fueled an increasing number of clinical studies demonstrating that certain herbs are very effective in relieving anal pain, itching and bleeding.

The following is a list of herbals with documented positive effects on the most troublesome symptoms.*

* Horse Chestnut: The Europeans have approved dietary horse chestnut extract as an accepted treatment for venous insufficiency, a condition in which circulation to the legs is impaired. In the U.S., the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, an independent council that evaluates alternative therapies, gives horse chestnut an “A” grade for the treatment of venous insufficiency because of the breadth of documented evidence. Since hemorrhoids can be aggravated by circulatory problems, some drug researchers–and marketers–speculate that anything which increases the body’s circulatory capacity must therefore be of benefit. So, horse chestnut to the rescue! Warning: Because raw horse chestnut contains potent toxins, only use products containing the processed, refined extract (called “HCSE”).

* Butcher’s Broom: Its active compound, ruscogen, is an anti-inflammatory which can shrink and heal swollen hemorrhoidal tissues. Butcher’s broom is usually taken orally as a dietary supplement. Since there are at least two studies reporting contact dermatitis after using anal ointments containing ruscogens, stick with the supplement form.
* Bioflavonoids: These plant metabolites, such as diosmin, hesperidin and rutin, are becoming more widely used as dietary supplements to treat circulatory ailments. Dietary products containing extracts of bilberry or citrus fruits promote vein strength and tone. Bioflavonoids also help reduce inflammation and swelling. Most famously, bioflavonoids are potent anti-oxidants, promoting tissue repair throughout the body.
* Psyllium seed husk: For constipation relief plus great digestion, try formulas with a blend of psyllium and spirulina algae (which help make a good home for lactobacilli and other beneficial intestinal bacteria) or chlorella algae (rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants). Psyllium husk powder is so gentle, doctors often recommend it to ease the pain of that first bowel movement after childbirth, hemorrhoidectomy or fissure repair. Reminder: You must drink at least one full glass of water per teaspoon of psyllium powder.
* Witch Hazel: This tissue-shrinking herb is a time-honored treatment for hemorrhoids. Apply with a cotton ball a few times a day to soothe swollen, inflamed anal tissues. You can also buy processed witch hazel powder at health food stores and make your own cooling compress.
* Yarrow: Another astringent herb, yarrow can be boiled into a tea and applied with a cotton ball several times a day. This will help stop minor anal bleeding.
* Chamomile: Contains oily substances known as bisabolols and chamazulenes, which are proven to soothe irritated tissues. In fact, many top-of-the-line skin care products contain these extracts. A 1996 German study measured the effectiveness of chamomile-based ointment on hemorrhoid surgery patients: they healed faster than those who didn’t receive the ointment.
* Mullein: Mullein is an herb that has been proven in laboratory research, such as a 2007 Turkish study, to help relieve localized pain such as earache. The oil, readily available from health food stores, can be applied directly to anal tissues without problem.
* Cypress and Frankincense: Resins from these trees have been used throughout history as antiseptics and anti-inflammatories. Traditional Chinese piles remedies often contain these healing botanicals. The literature shows mild vein-constricting effects, which can be helpful in promoting good anal circulation.
* Geranium: Extracts called “geraniols” are showing promise in the treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids. Geraniols also possess antiseptic and pain-relieving properties.
* Aloe: Did you know that you can freeze a sliver of aloe vera plant and insert it as a soothing suppository? Aloe, the age-old burn remedy, relieves anal pain and swelling. Bonus: No side effects.
* Common Household Ingredients: Some dietary staples have been proven to help some people escape hemorrhoid pain. Peeled garlic cloves, peeled onion slivers, and raw potato are reported to ease swelling. Even the horrific-sounding cayenne and garlic enema has some basis in fact: the same chemicals that make cayenne “hot” also work as pain relievers. Personally, I think you’d have to be really desperate to even think of trying a spicy enema. But medical research does exist to support the use of capsaicin and hot pepper extracts in pain management.

Remember, herbs are not inert substances. They may conflict with other herbs, or even medicines. But typically, herbal-based treatments have few to no side effects when used as directed. As always, do your homework before buying any herbal ointment, oil, or capsule. And ask your doctor if you’re still not sure.

For a treatment for hemorrhoids that contains all natural ingredients, many consumers turn to a product such as Avatrol. Avatrol is a product developed by Progressive Health; the product is presented in a capsule form so that consumers can avoid the use of creams or other topically applied products.  This product is made up of a series of all natural ingredients, which also makes it incredibly appealing to consumers.

Ingredients in Avatrol:

Avatrol contains the following ingredients, many of which are organic and have been used for the successful treatment of hemorrhoidconditions for years:

• 4.1 milligrams of Zinc
• 100 milligrams of Citrus Bioflavonoids
• 82 milligrams of Horse Chestnut
• 82 milligrams of L-Arginine Base
• 61.5 milligrams of Oat Straw
• 61.5 milligrams of Plantain
• 61.5 milligrams of Oat Fiber
• 49.2 milligrams of Cascara Sagrada
• 41 milligrams of Bilberry
• 32.8 milligrams of Butcher’s Broom
• 20.5 milligrams of Mullie • 12.3 milligrams of Red Root
• 12.3 milligrams of Cayenne Pepper

All of the above ingredients have been proven effective ingredients in the treatment of hemorrhoid conditions.  Bioflavionoids promote the strengthening of the anal wall; and many of the other ingredients offer anti-inflammatory properties and/or promote natural healing.  This product can therefore be used to successfully manage the swelling, inflammation, and pain that hemorrhoidal conditions produce.

Avatrol Use and Benefits:

Hemorrhoid sufferers can take as many as two capsules of Avatrol per day.  If the consumer does not mind taking a pill every day for a period of two months, and if the consumer does not face problems with consuming pills, he or she can derive the benefits affiliated with Avatrol’s use.

People tend to, for the most part, prefer taking pills like Avatrol for the treatment of hemorrhoid simply because the act of using creams, ointments, and suppositories is somewhat problematic and troublesome.  With pills, there are no messy applications, and no discomfort involved with the use of a product such as Avatrol.  Creams, ointments, and suppositories take considerable effort to apply, and when compared with the simplicity of a use associated with Avatrol, consumers opt for the latter.

Sufferers looking to take Avatrol need to be aware that the product seemingly delivers different results for different people.  Some people, after taking Avatrol tablets for a period of a few weeks, see relief of hemorrhoidal conditions.  Still other individuals may witness near immediate improvements of hemorrhoidal conditions.  The manufacturers of Avatrol recommend that the product be taken each day for a period of 45 to 60 days.  Therefore, relief of hemorrhoidal conditions is not immediate for every user of Avatrol.

avatrol hemorrhoids capsule

Notes on the Use of Avatrol:

No prescription is necessary for a product like Avatrol, but a consumer should still consult with his or her selected physician before taking the product.  The latter advice is particularly true for women who are breastfeeding or pregnant as well as individuals that may have any kind of pre-existing health conditions.  While there are no tests indicating potential side effects, anyone interested in using Avatrol should watch for signs of allergic reaction and cease use if such signs should appear.

Don’t forget to also check out our best hemorrhoid treatment page, for reviews on some of the top hemorrhoid treatments and products.