Hemorrhoids are a frequent condition with a high recurrence rate. The chronic nature of hemorrhoids leads many patients to seek natural or homeopathic remedies. But do they work? We study the scientific literature to find out.
What is homeopathy?
Let's start by defining homeopathy. The word "homeopathy" comes from the Greek hómoios, "similar", and páthos, "disease". As its etymology indicates, it is based on the principle of "similitude", according to which a pathology can be treated by administering a very dilute quantity of a substance which, if concentrated, would cause symptoms similar to those of the disease.
A study by the Australian National Medical Council from 2015 covering 1,800 publications and 225 studies indicates that homeopathy has no greater effect than the use of placebo. Caution should therefore be exercised when choosing to use homeopathic solutions to address hemorrhoidal pathology.
Homeopathy and hemorrhoids: what does the research say?
There are a number of publications which seem to indicate that homeopathy is effective in treating haemorrhoids. However, it's worth taking a closer look at the methodology of these publications to understand the likely causes of improvement.
Wrong definitions of homeopathy
A first factor causing confusion about the efficacy of homeopathy is the use of incorrect definitions. For example, an ingredient can be natural and highly dosed without constituting a homeopathic treatment.
A published in Russia in 2021 entitled "Homeopathic therapy for patients with acute hemorrhoids" indicates a positive effect of homeopathy on hemorrhoids. However, the study involved the administration of 1,000 mg of Diosmin, a highly dosed synthetic venotonic. Published research indicates that venotonics such as horse chestnut are effective in relieving hemorrhoidal disease, but this is not a homeopathic treatment.
Confusion bias:
Many of the studies addressing homeopathy for the treatment of hemorrhoids also suffer from a confounding bias. This is because, in addition to homeopathic treatment, patients were given lifestyle recommendations (sitz baths, dietary changes) that could affect the development of hemorrhoids. For example, a high-fiber diet has a significant impact on the development of hemorrhoidal disorders.
Examples include the publication "Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Hemorrhoids: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial", which analyzes the efficacy of homeopathy in combination with other lifestyle adjustments, making a conclusion difficult.
Unclear results
Lastly, some studies indicating the efficacy of homeopathy are vague about the results obtained. For example, they consider treatment to be successful if the patient continues it, without any clinical analysis of improvement.
Some studies also lack rigor in terms of statistical analysis.
Lack of evidence for the effects of homeopathy on hemorrhoids
In view of the above, it is difficult to support the efficacy of homeopathy on hemorrhoids. The studies we have been able to observe suffer from a lack of scientific rigor that prevents us from supporting their conclusions.
Natural solutions for hemorrhoids
However, as we have indicated, the lack of scientific literature supporting the efficacy of homeopathy against hemorrhoids in no way means that natural ingredients cannot be effective.
Venotonics: horse chestnut and tarragon
There is a large body of research indicating the effectiveness of ingredients that improve blood circulation (venotonics) on hemorrhoids. This is the case, for example, with horse chestnut.
These veinotonics can be derived from all-natural formulations, or even from organic farming, as in the case of the formulation of Butt Butter.
Fibre: psyllium
A high-fiber diet is known to facilitate transit and improve the symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease.
This fiber intake can come from several sources: a change in diet (fruits, nuts, vegetables) or a supplementation.
Better hydration
Finally, one solution for improving stool fluidity and transit is better hydration.
To encourage water consumption, it can be useful to use flavored unsweetened drinks. For example, we recommend anti-nausea herbal tea herbal tea from Daylilybrand, particularly useful for pregnant women suffering from hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
It's hard to find convincing scientific proof that homeopathy is effective against hemorrhoids. However, there are many natural solutions that seem to bring relief, particularly by helping to improve transit or blood circulation.
As always, if you suffer from hemorrhoids, consult a health professional as soon as possible for medical advice.
Sources:
[1] National Health and Medical Research Council. (2015). NHMRC Information Paper: Evidence on the effectiveness of homeopathy for treating health conditions. National Health and Medical Research Council.
[2] Koley, M., Vimal, V. K., Verma, A. K., Pal, S. S., Sonkar, D. K., Vimal, S., ... & Saha, S. (2024). Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Hemorrhoids: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine.
[3] Ezberci, F., & Ünal, E. (2018). Aesculus Hippocastanum (Aescin, Horse Chestnut) in the Management of Hemorrhoidal Disease. Turkish Journal of Colorectal Disease, 28(2), 54.
[4] Alonso-Coello, P., Mills, E. D., Heels-Ansdell, D., López-Yarto, M., Zhou, Q. I., Johanson, J. F., & Guyatt, G. (2006). Fiber for the treatment of hemorrhoids complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology| ACG, 101(1), 181-188.