How To Use Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids

Okay, so you want to know how to use Witch Hazel for hemorrhoids in the most effective way possible? If this sounds like you, and you are looking for a treatment for hemorrhoids that works, then you have come to the right place.

Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids

Many people have successfully used home remedies such as witch hazel to successful deal with hemroid problems. Witch hazel has a few different types of species, one of them being hamamelis virginiana.

It Is a natural herbal remedy that has been found helpful in dealing with conditions affecting circulatory processes as well as the body’s venous system. When taken internally, this treatment has been found to lend strength to the veins and vessels in the body, particularly those that are prone to becoming swollen, stretched, inflamed, or varicose.

Usually, Witch Hazel is used as a tincture that is topically applied to external piles, since Witch Hazel for hemorrhoids is also used for dealing with swelling. This product is an all-natural astringent that can minimize the bleeding associated with external piles as well.

A Bit About Witch Hazel

Where to buy Witch Hazel for hemorrhoids and what is it? Well, Witch Hazel is an ingredient found in some over-the-counter remedies for hemorrhoidal conditions. Therefore it can be bought in many different kinds of shopping outlets.

This herb comes from a small tree or shrub native to the Eastern regions of the US. Witch Hazel is sometimes called Hamamelis water, winterbloom, tobacco wood, spotted alder, snapping hazel, or hazel nut. The shrub has small, brightly colored yellow flowers that actually bloom during the wintery months.

Herbalists and pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize the bark and leaves from this shrub for its natural healing properties. The volatile oils in this herb are what make this product an excellent antimicrobial treatment as well.

Witch Hazel comes in powdered, bulk, dried, lotion, gel, and tincture form. The Native American Indians relied on Witch Hazel as a treatment for inflammation and swelling. The term "witch" is rooted in the term "wych:" an Anglo-Saxon term translating as "flexible." Ironically, this herb got its name due to its bendable or flexible branches, but the uses for Witch Hazel are equally flexible.

Internal Use

Many cultures, through out the ages have used Witch Hazel for hemorrhoids. The Native American Indians relied on Witch Hazel as a healing tonic; they often consumed the herb in tea form. You can use four ounces of Witch Hazel Bark brewed in an equal amount of hot water for fifteen minutes.

The decoction must be strained to remove any floating particles. This mixture should be allowed to cool and it should be stored in a refrigerator for no longer than four days. You can drink two to four ounces of the decoction up to three times each day. If you choose a tincture, you can dilute one to thirty drops in water and consume the mixture twice daily until you experience relief.

Topical Application

If you make a decoction out of Witch Hazel tea, the cooled tea can be used externally and applied to formations topically. You can create a wet compress; the cooled and refrigerated mixture will help in reducing the swelling you experience from piles.

You can also take some of the decoction and mix it in with Vaseline so you have a homemade Witch Hazel ointment that can be directly applied to the affected anorectal region. If you want to make an ointment out of Witch Hazel extract, you can mix an ointment-based product with five grams of the extract.

Cleansing Astringent

Since Witch Hazel for hemorrhoids contains volatile oils and eight percent tannins, it makes an outstanding astringent. The tannins in this herb give Witch Hazel anti-oxidizing properties.

As an astringent, Witch Hazel serves as a natural defense against bodily infection and this herb can numb the surface area of swollen, inflamed hemorrhoids when topically applied. The astringent action of this herb helps in minimizing burning sensations, to reduce swelling, and it also helps in the cessation of minor bleeding.

Sitz Bath and Herbal Blends

A warm Sitz Bath three times a day helps improve blood flow in the affected area; if you add an herb like Witch Hazel to the waters, you help alleviate itchiness, swelling, burning, and skin irritation too. You can also mix Witch Hazel with other hemorrhoid healing herbs like Aloe Vera, Horse Chestnut, and Pilewort.

Over-the-Counter Medicated Treatments:

There are OTC suppositories containing Witch Hazel: these can be used for dealing with internal formations. The medication will typically contain .0 to 1 full gram of Witch Hazel; these suppositories can be used 1 to 3 times each day until relief is experienced. You can also get Tucks® Medicated Pads containing Witch Hazel or Preparation H® ointment for topical treatment of hemorrhoidal flare-ups.

Cautions When Using Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids

If you plan to use Witch Hazel internally, you will need to be aware of a few precautions you need to take. First, this herb contains tannins that can disrupt the digestive functioning of some individuals. In addition, by using Witch Hazel on a long-term basis, you are at risk of developing liver complications.

If you are chronically ill, are elderly, or if you have a compromised immune system, the amount of Witch Hazel you use might have to be adjusted to meet your specific needs: you will want to discuss this with your physician.

Although Witch Hazel is great as a topical remedy for many people, those with sensitive skin may develop skin irritations when using this herb. If you have sensitivity issues, make sure you dilute the Witch Hazel you are using to minimize the potential for irritation.

The side effects that some people experience with the internal use of Witch Hazel include things like stomach cramping, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and/or vomiting. Too much Witch Hazel can lead to constipation too. Finally, the internal use of this herb can interact with the use of blood thinner medications, codeine, atropine, and other Alkaloid containing medications.

Now that you understand more about Witch Hazel for hemorrhoids a lot of people that visit our website then go on to read our how to get rid of hemorrhoids page.