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Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids: Does It Work?
Yee-ouch! Those cursed hemorrhoids–back again, and this time with a vengeance. And, no matter how carefully you keep things clean, eat right, and avoid sitting for long periods, there is just no way to keep them from feeling even more raw, painful, and itchy as the day goes on–or you from feeling even more miserable.
So, what to do? Ignore them and tough it out? Go with a “cure” which a pharmaceutical company created in a lab, and you are unsure of the long-term effects of (particularly since you can’t even pronounce any of the ingredients on the label…)?
Or, perhaps there is a better solution—one which is natural, has been used for centuries, and grows wild right here in North America.
Enter Witch Hazel—no, not just the name of a Bugs Bunny character, but a medicinal herb which Native Americans have been using for centuries to reduce inflammation, sooth wounds, relieve muscles soreness, and to relieve the itch of insect bites and plant toxins.
Sound like black magic? Not really—just something which can help you get some relief!
Just What is Witch Hazel Anyway?
Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana–known of more commonly as Winter Bloom or Potted Alder–is a shrub found growing in Eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Florida, and as far west as Texas.
However, what we know of as witch hazel today is usually the extract of this plant which is produced from its dried leaves, branches and bark. This extract contains a soothing astringent which consists of tannins and oils which are effective in helping to control bleeding, reduce swelling, tighten skin, and dry up excess skin oils. This makes it ideal in helping to relieving your hemorrhoids, along with other skin afflictions.
Witch hazel can be purchased over the counter either as a pure extract, or in creams, balms, lotions, suppositories or liquid tinctures, and there is even witch hazel tea and capsules for internal use.
Products such as VenaPro can also offer a homeopathic combination of ingredients which work together to help you eliminate your piles, so that you can take a multi-pronged approach to getting rid of your hemorrhoid symptoms.
How Does Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids Work?
There is a reason witch hazel is common in natural hemorrhoid medications, and that is because for most of us, it works. Many hemorrhoid sufferers in fact swear by it, and to them, a medicine cabinet without it is like a doctor without penicillin.
To use witch hazel for hemorrhoids, it is best to apply it directly to the affected area, or use it in a suppository form. While it can be consumed internally, it may not be as effective as the direct approach, although if you have internal hemorrhaging, you may want to give pills or tea a try.
Most of us, however, find topical use to offer the best and most immediate relief from our piles.
Witch hazel is naturally soothing, so using a bit on toilet paper or a cotton ball can make the clean-up process less painful and irritating than using toilet paper alone, and you can also apply it again once you are done cleaning up.
You can also buy pads which have been medicated with it, if you would prefer, although whatever form you choose, remember to leave it in contact with the swollen area for a couple of minutes when possible, and many also prefer to use it at night before bed, so that it can remain and do its work overnight.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Witch hazel is natural and non-pharmaceutical, which means you are not risking the use of dangerous chemicals with questionable origins and unknown side-effects. However, as with anything else, some may have different reactions to it, and it may not be effective for everyone.
For instance, in rare instances, adverse reactions such as skin irritation have occurred, and the internal use of it can also cause gastric upset, such as an aching stomach.
If you are using it internally, either as a tea or in pill form, it is recommended that for reasons of a potentially upset stomach, you keep your dosage low, particularly when first using it.
You should also be aware NOT to overuse it, since there is evidence which suggests that in very high doses, liver damage may occur, so read the label and follow the recommended amounts carefully.
It isn’t Black Magic—It Really does Work!
So, step up to the cauldron and join the coven! Since most have a positive reaction to the benefits of using witch hazel for their hemorrhoids, there is a strong chance you will too.
Plus, with so many other uses for witch hazel such as tightening pores, removing makeup, treating varicose veins, bug bites and skin rashes, you will want to have some on hand all the time.
But for now, you can sit comfortably—relief is on the way!