What creams, supplements and other solutions exist to relieve hemorrhoids? And which ones are backed by scientific research?

Important: this article is provided for information purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The information presented here is based on scientific studies, but does not constitute a prescription or personalized diagnosis. If you suffer from hemorrhoidal symptoms or any other condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and treatment tailored to your situation.

Food supplements

Horse chestnut & fragon

Hemorrhoids are linked to the swelling and irritation of blood vessels in the anal canal. Horse chestnut and fragon improve blood circulation, and are therefore frequently recommended in pharmacies to relieve hemorrhoidal disease.

Several research articles support the efficacy of horse chestnut in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. Although food supplements cannot be considered medicines, they are nevertheless frequently recommended in pharmacies to treat hemorrhoids.

Research into the efficacy of fragon is less extensive. However, it also has veinotonic properties and is therefore often combined with horse chestnut in multi-ingredient supplements promoting circulation.

Psyllium

Hemorrhoids are closely linked to transit (fluid transit can relieve them, while constipation can exacerbate them). Fiber supplements are therefore recognized as effective in relieving symptoms.

A 2006 meta-analysis of 378 patients showed that taking a fiber supplement halved both bleeding and the risk of recurrence.

Psyllium is one of the most frequently recommended natural food supplements for improving transit. Its laxative properties help soften stools and reduce pressure on the anal wall.

Multi-ingredients

If you're looking for a dietary supplement that combines the circulatory effect of horse chestnut and fragon with the transit-enhancing effect of psyllium, all in a natural, organic formulation made in France, we highly recommend Butt Butter dietary supplement.

Creams

Lidocaine & benzocaine creams

Numerous creams are available to relieve hemorrhoidal symptoms. The most recommended are titanoreïne and sedorrhoïde.

Both creams contain anesthetics considered to be effective: titanoreïne uses lidocaine and sedorrhoid uses benzocaine.

Lidocaine/benzocaine creams are generally available in pharmacies without a prescription, and cost around 4.90€ à 6,99€.

Natural soothing creams

Some soothing creams for the external anal area use natural ingredients. Butt Butter soothing cream uses a combination of ingredients, including a derivative of Sichuan pepper, known for its anesthetic properties.

Medication

Oral medications

There are many oral medications available for the treatment of hemorrhoids. In France, the best-selling drug in pharmacies is Daflon.

If you are considering taking medication, your pharmacist will be able to advise you on the most appropriate solution.

Suppositories

Some of the cream brands (titanoreïne, sedorrhoïde) are also available in suppository form.

Suppositories enable active ingredients to be administered more directly, close to the anal area, thus improving efficacy. Some suppositories also have a lubricating effect that facilitates defecation and reduces pressure on the rectal wall.

Lifestyle changes 

Increase fiber intake

As we've mentioned several times, a high-fiber diet can reduce the intensity and recurrence of hemorrhoidal attacks.

You can consult our article on the subject for suggestions on low-cost, fiber-rich diets.

Good hydration

Still with a view to softening stools and facilitating defecation, good hydration can help reduce hemorrhoidal symptoms. The general recommendation is about 2L of water for a person weighing 60kg.

Similarly, as a diuretic, coffee can promote dehydration and thus hemorrhoidal attacks.

Better hygiene after going to the toilet

Finally, good hygiene after using the toilet is essential to avoid itching and long-terms problems, especially :

• Clean rectal area with a mild soap such as Saforelle
• Rinse thoroughly, preferably with cold water (which can stimulate circulation).
• Dry well without rubbing (rather, pat the area dry with soft toilet paper to avoid irritation).

Consult a doctor

There are many non-prescription solutions. They're handy if you want to buy another tube of cream or supplement without consulting a doctor again.

However, if you realize that you are suffering from hemorrhoidal symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional (doctor or pharmacist) should be your first reflex.

It may seem awkward to ask about these often taboo subjects, but doctors and pharmacists are used to dealing with them. They're also common problems in the general population, and won't seem at all surprising to them. We therefore encourage you to consult your health care professional for advice specific to your case.

Sources

• Hippocastanum, H. H. T. A. (2018). Aesculus hippocastanum (Aescin, horse chestnut) in the management of hemorrhoidal disease. Turk J Colorectal Dis, 28, 54-57.
• Fragon: active substance with therapeutic effect - VIDAL. (n.d.). VIDAL. https://www.vidal.fr/medicaments/substances/fragon-5120.html
• 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.
• Psyllium - phytotherapy - VIDAL. (n.d.). VIDAL. https://www.vidal.fr/parapharmacie/phytotherapie-plantes/psyllium-ispaghul-plantago.html
• Gordh, T., Gordh, T. E., Lindqvist, K., & Warner, D. S. (2010). Lidocaine: the origin of a modern local anesthetic. Anesthesiology, 113(6), 1433-1437.
• Ivane, N. M. A., Haruna, S. A., Zekrumah, M., Elysé, F. K. R., Hassan, M. O., Hashim, S. B., ... & Zhang, D. (2022). Composition, mechanisms of tingling paresthesia, and health benefits of Sichuan pepper: A review of recent progress. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 126, 1-12.
• De Foucaud, I. (2025, January 30). Servier targets sales of 1 billion euros by 2030 with Daflon, its golden goose. Challenges. https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/sante/servier-vise-1-milliard-deuros-de-ventes-en-2030-avec-le-daflon-sa-poule-aux-oeufs-dor_597456
• Haider, R. (2023). Hemorrhoids the Clinical Practice. J Surg Case Reports Images, 6(5), e166.
  
• Flich-Carbonell, J., Alegre-Martinez, A., Alfonso-Sanchez, J. L., Torres-Sanchez, M. T., Gomez-Abril, S., Martínez-Martínez, M. I., & Martin-Moreno, J. M. (2021). The potential link between episodes of diverticulitis or hemorrhoidal proctitis and diets with selected plant foods: A case-control study. Nutrients, 13(6), 1791.