Hemorrhoids: causes and natural treatments
It's not easy to talk about hemorrhoids... except at Butt Butter. We're here to explain, with a light touch and scientific references, what hemorrhoids are, and how to treat them naturally!
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are an inflamation of the veins of the anal canal. This network, called the "venous plexus", plays an important role in occluding the canal (in other words: it makes sure your salts don't escape when you're out of the toilet!). But when these veins become inflamed, it can cause scratching and bleeding.
There's no definitive explanation for the causes of hemorrhoids, but the consensus is that it's excessive pressure on the wall of the anal canal that causes hemorrhoids. A number of factors have been identified as favouring attacks:
- Constipation
- Pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period
- Certain genetic factors (if your parents suffered from hemorrhoids, you're more likely to have them too)
But how do you treat hemorrhoids, and what natural remedies are available?
What are the natural treatments for hemorrhoids?
Food supplements
The food supplements market is strictly regulated at European level. It is therefore not possible to make claims relating to the treatment of hemorrhoids when promoting food supplements.
However, much research indicates that fiber supplements are extremely effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
One of the best studies on the subject was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. It is a meta-analysis (a meta-analysis brings together the results of several studies, and is therefore considered more accurate and less biased) of 7 double-blind studies covering 378 patients.
The study shows that taking fiber supplements doubles the chances of healing and halves the risk of bleeding. Interestingly, while hemorrhoids suffer from a very high relapse rate, follow-ups at 6 weeks and 3 months show that the effect of dietary supplements lasts over the long term.
Food supplements can be considered natural solutions, as there are 100% natural and even 100% organic fiber supplements.
Buy fiber supplementsButt Butter offers a line of 100% natural and organic fiber supplements.
Natural creams
The most common treatment for hemorrhoids is a topical cream or balm.
Corticosteroids are most often prescribed for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Corticoids are synthetic hormones, manufactured in laboratories and inspired by cortisone naturally produced by the body. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
However, numerous research articles testify to the negative side effects perceived by patients receiving corticosteroid treatment. These perceived side effects, together with a long tradition of natural hemorrhoid treatments, have led to a great deal of research into natural hemorrhoid treatments.
This research suggests, for example:
- Coconut oil has been shown to be an effective remedy for hemorrhoids, in a study published in 2020
- A mixture of honey, beeswax and olive oil can be effective in treating hemorrhoids
- Shea butter suppositories can reduce the size of hemorrhoids
- Shea butter may be as effective as Lidocaine 2% in reducing anal pain
These results are extremely encouraging in terms of the efficacy of natural topical treatments. Given the highly recurrent nature of hemorrhoids.