Hemorrhoids are extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant to have; just about anyone can get affected. There are a number of possible causes for hemorrhoid, but the majority of the time the cause is unknown. Trying to get rid of hemorrhoids might be difficult, especially if you have a severe case. There are plenty of home remedies that can be used, but witch hazel remains one of the best and most effective methods.
Why witch hazel?
This super remedy has been used for centuries and it contains anti-oxidants, oils, and tannins. These three 3 components are perfect for reducing inflammation, killing bacteria and drawing tissue together, which help prevent tissue damage.
How to treat hemorrhoids with witch hazel?
Now, before talking about treatment it’s important to discuss the different classifications of hemorrhoids. This will help determine how you should treat the hemorrhoids and how much witch hazel to actually use.
Hemorrhoids have four different classifications and all of these are serious and should be dealt with accordingly. Depending on how severe the hemorrhoid is, follow our guide to treating hemorrhoids.
To start out, we have broken down the different degrees of hemorrhoids
First-degree hemorrhoids
The first degree is minor compared to the rest. Here, you will notice enlarged hemorrhoids; however, they will not be visible from outside the anus.
To treat minor hemorrhoids you can grab a cotton pad and dip into some witch hazel astringent and apply once a day on the affected area. Leave the absorbed cotton pad on the areas for 4-5 minutes.
Second-degree hemorrhoids
The second-degree is more extreme than the first degree. The hemorrhoids prolapse from the anus when there might be some strain (when passing stool). Once the strain is reduced the hemorrhoids goes back in.
Treatment for second-degree hemorrhoids should be 3 times a day; once in the morning, once in the evening and once before bed. Apply witch hazel astringent to the area and leave on for 4-5 minutes.
Third- degree hemorrhoids
Third-degree hemorrhoids are more extreme and here the hemorrhoid comes out when the anus is strained. The hemorrhoid needs to be physically pushed back into the anus.
You should apply witch hazel after every bowel movement and leave the cotton pad for 10 minutes each time. If you do not have regular bowel movements then apply 4-5 times a day.
Fourth-degree hemorrhoids
The most serious sort of hemorrhoids is the fourth degree. The hemorrhoid hangs out of the anus all the time and cannot be pushed back in. A rectal prolapse might even occur; this is when the lining of the anus comes out.
Since this is by far the most severe case, witch hazel should be applied often throughout the day. Try and apply witch hazel directly the to the affected area right before bed. This will ensure that the area is well exposed and absorbs the witch hazel overnight.
What witch hazel product should you use for hemorrhoids?
There are a few different types of witch hazel products that are available to use to treat hemorrhoids. This includes witch hazel extract, astringent, suppositories, and creams. You can choose one of these based on your personal preference.
Suppositories might be slightly uncomfortable to use, but they allow the area to be exposed by witch hazel throughout the day. Lotions are definitely the easier way out because they do not cause further discomfort. The only downside is that you will need to keep reapplying creams and lotions to the area all through the day.
*Witch hazel can also be made by grinding the leaves and adding it to water.
Before treating hemorrhoids with witch hazel
Witch hazel is a natural remedy and there has been no scientific evidence that proves its treatment. However, many people who have suffered from hemorrhoids have used this remedy and found it to work for them.
If your hemorrhoids are not treated with witch hazel, try making some dietary changes too. Eat foods that are high in fiber and drink lots of fluids. The fiber in food eases constipation and reduces strain on the anus area. This helps a great deal when trying to treat hemorrhoids; the less strain in this area the better your chances of getting better and healing.
Always seek professional help from a doctor or physician before self-diagnosing to make sure that you are using the correct treatments.