Note: The information presented in this article is provided for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or qualified health care professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. The information contained herein is not intended to replace the advice or prescriptions of your physician.
External hemorrhoids are a common problem, whether it's the result of pregnancy, a diet with too much spice or too many starchy foods. But the subject is taboo and full of preconceived ideas. Here are 3 of them.
Myth #1: Honey is effective in treating hemorrhoids
Honey is often presented as an effective natural solution for treating hemorrhoids. However, there is no solid scientific evidence that honey is effective in treating this condition.
On the contrary, a double-blind study published in 2014 indicates that honey is ineffective in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Some patients even complained of burning following local application of honey to their hemorrhoids.
Myth #2: Witch hazel is effective for treating hemorrhoids
Hamamelis is a shrub native to North America, Japan and China. Its leaves are one of the most frequently cited remedies for hemorrhoids.
However, as in the case of honey, it is difficult to find serious, conclusive studies showing its effectiveness in treating external or internal hemorrhoids.
Myth #3: Natural treatments are never effective against hemorrhoids
However, we must not lump all natural treatments together. Some natural treatments are supported by a number of published articles indicating their likely effectiveness:
- Horse chestnut: promotes blood circulation and is frequently recommended in pharmacies. Its effectiveness is supported by several published research articles
- Fiber supplements: considered effective in both treating hemorrhoids and preventing their recurrence by a meta-analysis of several research articles.
- Fragon Petit Houx: aids circulation and has been used in double-blind studies to combat heavy legs.
Conclusion
There are many preconceived ideas about hemorrhoids and how to treat them naturally, but these are not always borne out by published research.
Just one word of advice: if you suffer from hemorrhoids, consult your doctor! He or she will know the best treatment for your particular case.