Do you seek relief from bothersome hemorrhoids, but don’t want the irritation and side effects that usually accompany conventional treatments? If you suffer from hemorrhoids, consider going the natural route. Once considered lightweight stuff, natural medicine has been increasingly recognized as a viable treatment option from everything from stress relief, migraines, to the embarrassingly irritating problem of hemorrhoids. So how can you use natural medicine to your advantage in the battle against hemorrhoids? Simply integrate healing herbs into your treatment process. Using natural herbs to heal your hemorrhoids is inexpensive, reasonably accessible and easy to use, and they can provide substantial relief without the side effects of other treatments.

One of the most commonly used herbal remedies that can help alleviate many of the symptoms of hemorrhoids is butcher’s broom. Butcher’s broom got its name for its traditional use in Europe, where medieval European butchers used it to clean their chopping blocks and instruments. What is it about butcher’s broom that can help alleviate the symptoms of mild to moderate cases of hemorrhoids? Butcher’s broom contains ruscogen, an active compound with known anti-inflammatory properties. Ruscogen can help soothe, tone, and shrink the active, inflamed veins that can make hemorrhoids so painful and irritating.

What is the best way to use butcher’s broom to treat your hemorrhoids? Butcher’s broom is most commonly ingested as a tea, or in capsule form. Visit your local natural health food store to purchase fresh butcher’s broom. Butcher’s broom is sometimes also referred to as sweet broom and box holly, so be sure you look for it under any of these names. Once you have found the herb, steep approximately one teaspoon of butcher’s broom in a cup of hot water. Because of its slightly bitter taste, it is recommended that you sweeten your tea with honey. If you are not much of a tea drinker and prefer to ingest butcher’s broom in a different form, it can also be prepared into an ointment that can be applied topically.

Another popular herbal remedy for treating hemorrhoids involves the use of horse chestnut. Like butcher’s broom, horse chestnut can be ingested in either capsule form, or as a hot tea. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been known to reduce swelling and irritation, while promoting the structural repair of the veins. When using horse chestnut, you must be careful to harvest the correct part of the plant. Never ingest parts of the plant that are not connected to its young branches. Only prepare parts of the young branches, including the bark and the seeds. Also, be aware that horse chestnut is not recommended for individuals that suffer from blood disorders, or those who take blood thinners. Although rare, it has also been known to produce side effects in some individuals with these disorders.

Prepare horse chestnut in much the same way as butcher’s broom. In addition to a hot tea and topical ointment, horse chestnut can also be applied as a compress. This is especially helpful if you are trying to combat swelling related to hemorrhoids.

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