Is the Witch Hazel extract good for Hemorrhoids treatment?
Exactly what is witch hazel and how can I use it to treat hemorrhoids? If you suffer from piles, you probably have heard that using the witch hazel can help in alleviating the symptoms.
Well, various plants are used for their inflammatory and healing processes.
Nevertheless, what properties does the witch hazel possess and does it have any healing properties when it comes to the treatment of hemorrhoids.
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What Is Witch Hazel?
The witch hazel is also referred as Hamamelis virginiana scientifically. This plant is native to North America and is usually harvested by cutting it by the stem. Once harvested the twigs back and leaves are dried and then processed.
This yield to a liquid extract which is used in making the drug. One of the properties of the extracted witch hazel liquid is that it has potent astringent properties. For this reason, this plant is useful in most natural drugs medications.
Besides being a astringent, the hazel fluid extract has several ingredients. These include:
- Gallo tannins
- Calcium Oxalate
- Carvacrol
- Safrole
- Tannins
- Eugenol
- Saponins
- Flavonoids
- Catechins
- Phenolic acids
Most of these ingredients are considered as an essential oil. This is why it is commonly used for medicinal purposes. Since time immemorial, the witch hazel has been used for treating skin irritation.
This is because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as antimicrobial properties. Today the studies reveal that this product can be useful in managing and treating various diseases
These include:
- Hemorrhoids
- Blister
- Pimples
- Acne
- Sunburn
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Bug Bites
- Yeast infection
- Insect bite
- Bruises
- Skin care
It is good to note that different individuals will get different results after using the extract in treating the various conditions listed above. Some user’s reports positive results are stating that it acted a pain reliever while other reported no help.
Forms of Commercial Witch Hazel Extract
Traditionally, the hazel extract was purely liquid since it was only used for treatment purposes. However, with the growth of innovations, the witch hazel extract is now available in the following various forms.
- Lotion
- Cream
- Ointment
- Gel
- Liquid
- Pills
- Suppositories
- Tincture
- Solution
- Pure extract
Is Witch Hazel Good for Hemorrhoids
Am sure that this is a question running through minds of many people. Fortunately, the answer is yes. Witch hazel is one of the few home remedies that help in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Despite the fact that we have other home remedies that help in dealing with hemorrhoids, this product stands out in terms of its efficiency.
Besides, using it in the treatment of skin ailments, witch hazel is also useful in treating pain that is associated with hemorrhoids; when using this herb to treat hemorrhoids, you need a witch hazel tincture or a solution made by combining witch hazel and alcohol.
It is also important to note the treatment of hemorrhoids using witch hazel will also depend on how you apply it and the types of hemorrhoids you are dealing with.
How Does Witch Hazel Help Hemorrhoids
Plants have been used for many centuries to treat various illnesses and conditions that affect our bodies. For instance, the Aloe Vera has been used in treating burns calendula for treating skin conditions while mint indigestion.
As you can see, each herb has its properties that help in addressing specific problems. Now turning our attention to witch hazel, we will look at its efficiency in treating hemorrhoids.
The witch hazel is an excellent home remedy for relieving hemorrhoids pain, burning sensation, as well as itching. This plant contains potent chemicals in the form of tannins, which plays a significant role in reducing the discomforts.
Before you can start using witch hazel, it is crucial first to know that you have hemorrhoids for sure. So precisely what are hemorrhoids? Well, hemorrhoids are usually swollen veins that are located in the canal of your anal area.
How Does It Work?
The witch hazel is known to have the astringent and antiseptic properties. These properties help to shrink the hemorrhoids, minimize the symptoms as well as preventing the decoration of the condition.
This herb contains high tannin content referred as hamamelitannin(1). When it is synthesized, it makes a potent natural astringent, which can shrink the skin pores. This product works as an anti-inflammatory since the hemorrhoids occur when there is swelling of the vessels.
For this reason, this product is often considered as a natural and safe treatment for hemorrhoids. This is probably the reason why is utilized in some of the renown brand names in medicine such as the Venapro.
Using Witch Hazel
The witch hazel products can treat both external and internal hemorrhoids. You will find it in hemorrhoids pads, creams, tinctures, and suppositories. When you want to treat the internal hemorrhoids, you can use the product that is formulated as suppositories.
As mentioned, the hemorrhoids are usually inflamed veins that usually develop in the bottom of your rectum as well as in the anus. Some of the things that may cause this swelling include diarrhea, pregnancy, and constipation amongst others.
Step by Step Guide on using Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids
To treat the hemorrhoids, you can apply the witch hazel topically or ingest to treat the hemorrhoids in the insides. When you are using the witch hazel topically, follow the following procedure.
Clean the Anal Area
To ensure proper hygiene, it is crucial to clean the anal area when you bath. Experts recommend taking a bath rather than a shower. This is because a bath will allow the anal area to remain in hot water for an extended period. You do not necessarily need to apply soap when cleaning the anal area. Instead, make use of warm water. Avoid scrubbing the anal area as this could lead to irritation.
Avoid using a Towel to dry the Anal area
After bathing, you should either make use of a hair dryer or let the anal area dry naturally. Avoid using a towel. When you rub the affected area against a towel, it will make the hemorrhoids worse.
Applying Witch Hazel
Applying the witch hazel to the affected area is simple. You simply need to look for a clean cloth and immerse it in the witch hazel extract. Rinse off the excess extract and blot the cloth tenderly on the area affected. Holding the cloth on the area for a while will allow the area to absolve the extract, speeding the healing process.
Allow the Affected Area Dry for Several Minutes
After removing the cloth from the affected area, allow it to dry naturally. Some of the other products that you can use to apply this extract are special pads that are specifically designed to help in the treatment of hemorrhoids topically. Remember, the topic application only deals with the eighth hemorrhoids that are in the external part of the anus.
Making a Witch Hazel Suppository at Home
It is also possible to make a homemade suppository while using the witch hazel. This suppository is great when dealing with the internal hemorrhoids. For effective results, you should use it at least three times a day. Make sure you follow the below steps to create a homemade witch hazel suppository.
Mix a Half Tablespoon of Witch Hazel Tincture and a Little bit of Cocoa Butter
Use a small plastic wrap to contour the mixture so that you can come up with a suppository
Put the suppository in the fridge for about 30 minutes
Using gloves, remove it from the fridge. Unwrap the plastic wrap and slice it in half if you find that it is too big.
Lubricate your anus well
While bending your knees, lie on a flat surface and lift one part of your buttocks using one of your hands
Slide the suppository gently to your anus. Ensure that you slide the suppository inside until it reaches your sphincter
While pressing the sphincter, lie down, and let the suppository settle for around -10 minutes
Dispose of the cloves and use lukewarm water and soap to clean your hands.
How often should I apply Witch Hazel to treat Hemorrhoids?
The main reason for using the witch hazel is to clean the affected area. For this reason, the frequency of application should be customized according to your activity level.
However, if you walk a long distance or take part in physical activity that makes you produce a lot of sweat, you should use it at least three times a day. The main benefits that come with the use of witch hazel extract in treating hemorrhoids are the fact that it helps in tightening the tissues as well as drying up the secretions.
Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Sometimes hemorrhoid reaches a point where you need doctor intervention. When you find that the hemorrhoids do not go away even after frequent use of the hazel extract, you need to make some changes to help reduce their occurrence.
Some of the options that the medical expert can recommend include introduction of lifestyle change, taking of medications such as venapro(2) or OTC medication. You can also discuss surgical procedures that can help get rid of this problem for good.
We have a variety of medical surgeries. Your doctor will go through all the options available so that you can come up with a consensus on the best method. Some of the surgeries that help to deal with hemorrhoids include regular hemorrhoidectomy, stapled hemorrhoidectomy, laser therapy, rubber band ligation, and sclerotherapy(3).
The reason why the hemorrhoids get worse is that many people feel embarrassed talking to their doctors about their condition. However, remember this is a condition like any other, and medical intervention may help you get faster results where the homemade remedy not to work.
Where to Buy Witch Hazel
You can purchase the witch hazel extract in various forms from pharmacies and drug stores around you. It is also easy to find this product from various online stores. Online stores tend to have better deals than the local stores. Furthermore, they are more convenient especially where you have the free shipment.
Any Side Effects Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids
While witch hazel is excellent in treating hemorrhoids, you should approach its use with some extent of caution. Some users have reported cases of irritation when applied to the affected area.
However, these situations arise where the user has purchased witch hazel extract that has a high amount of harsh alcohols. Ensure you have obtained the witch hazel extract from a reputable manufacturer to avoid these issues.
Conclusion
Last few words. Bear in mind that, similar to any other medicine, Witch Hazel is only useful when you use it correctly. Follow the step we have listed in this guide strictly to get the optimum results. The best thing about this extract is that is natural and proven to work.
For this reason, you shouldn’t have any doubts when picking it to relieve the discomforts that come with this embarrassing condition.
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