Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids: Pads, Wipes, And Creams

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, do not require prescription treatment in most cases.

You can use simple home remedies as a treatment for hemorrhoids.

Some of the best natural remedies that soothe hemorrhoids are:

Witch hazel for hemorrhoids is a proven home remedy. It is perhaps the most popular natural remedy for piles used for centuries.

What is witch hazel?

The leaves and bark of the witch hazel have been used in folk remedies by Native Americans for hundreds of years.

The species name of this plant is Hamamelis virginiana. It is a member of the Hamamelidaceae plant family, native to North America. This plant is also called “winter bloom.”

This plant contains oils, tannins, acid, and other substances with excellent medicinal potency.

The plant’s leaves and bark are extensively used for formulating several natural medicines for various diseases and infections.

Health benefits of witch hazel

This herb is a popular herbal product that you will easily find in most of the drug stores near you.

It is commonly used as an astringent, which helps tighten torn tissues and constrict blood vessels.

Hamamelis virginiana extract is widely used for various health issues, such as:

  • Itching
  • Varicose veins
  • Inflammation
  • Burns
  • Bruises
  • Piles
  • Injury
  • Insect Bites

Some herbal medicine experts recommend taking witch hazel by mouth. Consuming it internally may help in managing issues like:

  • Colitis
  • Common cold and flu
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Tumors
  • Cancer
  • Tuberculosis

No scientific proof supports the claims about the benefits of taking witch hazel internally.

However, it is effective in dealing with many infections and inflammations on the skin.

Traditional medicines use it for treating hemorrhoids, irritations, itching, and microbial infections on the skin. Witch hazel’s astringent properties stop minor bleeding and reduce the swelling around the anal area.

The antioxidant properties of witch hazel help protect against sunburn.

There are a lot of positive vibes about the effectiveness of utilizing witch hazel for inflammatory diseases and skin issues.

Does witch hazel for hemorrhoids work?

According to a report published by the Cleveland Clinic, “witch hazel is reputed to reduce pain, itching, and bleeding until hemorrhoids fade out.”

There is not much scientific evidence to support the efficacy of hazel in managing piles.

The tannin and oil contained in this plant may help reduce bleeding and inflammation.

It has some of the best-known natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

Herbal remedy experts say it tightens the skin as an anti-inflammatory agent.

The tannic acid contained in it is believed to constrict the blood vessels and skin at the end of the rectum. This is beneficial for reducing bleeding from internal and external hemorrhoids.

It is a natural remedy without any adverse effects on health.

Doctors say it is safe to use directly on the hemorrhoids.

How does witch hazel help heal your hemorrhoids?

  • Helps shrink the swollen veins
  • Stops bleeding
  • Makes the skin tight and normal.
  • Works as a disinfectant.
  • Stops itching

How do I use witch hazel?

How To Use Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids

This shrub works best when used externally on hemorrhoids. It can also be used in suppositories to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

However, some supporters of hazel shrub say that consuming it by mouth also affects the faster healing of piles.

It can be drunk as herbal tea. But do not consume more than two grams of it at a time or more than three times a day.

Let us look at some of the methods of using witch hazel for the treatment of hemorrhoids:

1. Witch hazel suppository

A suppository is a solid medical preparation in a roughly conical or cylindrical shape, designed to be inserted into the rectum or vagina to dissolve.

Inserting it into the rectum is effective for healing internal hemorrhoids. Also, it reduces strain during bowel movements.

One insertion per day is sufficient. It keeps the hemorrhoids exposed to hazel extract for the whole day.

Ingredients:

Preparation and use:

  • Press the garlic into a pastelike consistency.
  • Mix the three ingredients and blend them well.
  • Take saran wrap or baking paper and roll it into a conical shape.
  • Transfer the mixture to a conical-shaped piece of baking paper.
  • Keep the mixture in the refrigerator until it becomes thick and pastelike.
  • Cut out the pointed edge of the conically rolled baking paper.
  • Insert the edge of the container into the anus and squeeze its content into the rectum.
  • Repeat the treatment once a day till the hemorrhoid disappears.

2. Witch hazel pads

Many natural astringents and skin toners contain hazel shrub extract as a key ingredient.

A witch hazel solution for piles is also available in the form of witch hazel pads. These pads are infused with witch hazel extracts.

Many companies sell medicated pads, and many of them also contain other herbal ingredients.

Different brands produce witch hazel wipes in varying formulations according to the particular treatments for which they are formulated.

Some are made for wiping the face, while others are specially formulated to ease the hemorrhoid symptoms.

Use the pads to clean the hemorrhoid-affected region. It is an ideal substitute for toilet tissue paper.

3. Witch Hazel wipes

Hazel wipes for hemorrhoids are a simple natural remedy that works great.

It involves wiping the infected area of the anus with witch hazel pads or cotton balls soaked in witch hazel water.

Dip a cotton ball or surgical cotton bandage in the hazel solution and directly apply it to the hemorrhoids.

You can also wipe the hemorrhoids with pads infused with the hazel extract.

The treatment outcome will be much better if you can keep the cotton ball soaked in witch hazel solution on the affected area for a couple of minutes each time you use it.

When you have a bowel movement, get a new set of cotton balls dipped in this solution and apply them again on the anal region. It helps reduce swelling and pain.

4. Witch hazel cream

Witch hazel cream is a water-soluble cream-based remedy with homeopathic formulations.

It is a popular topical remedy for treating skin problems like acne, wrinkles, microbial infections, crow’s feet, and many more.

This cream is an OTC solution for preventing sunburn and hyperpigmentation. This cream can help to stop capillary bleeding, scars, spots, and warts.

Topical application of this cream on the hemorrhoids-affected region. This helps alleviate bleeding, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids.

When you clean the hemorrhoids, apply this cream to the anal region.

Apply a pea-sized amount to the affected area thrice daily after every bowel movement.

5. Sitz bath with witch hazel extracts

Sitz baths are a very effective home remedy for hemorrhoids recommended by doctors and herbal experts.

A hip bath is a treatment process in which only the buttocks and hips are immersed in warm water.

Hip baths work exceptionally well for relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids when Epsom salt and witch hazel extracts are diluted in the warm water you use.

Add 10 grams of witch hazel leaves or bark to the warm water each time you have a hip bath.

If possible, mix ¼ a cup of Epsom salt along with the witch hazel extracts in the moderately hot water you will use for the hip bath.

Witch hazel dosage for piles

How much hazel extract should you use for treating hemorrhoids and other skin problems:

For applying externally to the affected area:

  • Use 5 to 10 grams of leaf and bark.
  • Boil the extract in 250 ml of water.
  • Soak a surgical cotton ball or piece of cotton bandage in the witch hazel water and use it for applying on hemorrhoids,
  • Repeat the application 3 to 5 times a day.

For preparing hemorrhoids suppository:

  • Use 2 grams of witch hazel bark and leaf powder for each suppository.
  • Administer the suppository once a day.

Using witch hazel in a sitz bath:

  • Add 10 to 20 grams of hazel leaves and bark to the warm water used for a sitz bath.

Taking witch hazel by mouth:

  • Add 1 to 2 grams of hazel leaf per 1 cup of herbal tea.
  • Stop drinking hazel tea if you experience any discomfort after drinking it.

Possible Side Effects And Warning

Witch hazel is relatively safe.

Doctors recommend the use of witch hazel for cleaning the hemorrhoids.

Side effects

Consuming witch hazel internally can upset the stomach and cause constipation.

Applying witch hazel water or cream to the skin does not cause skin irritation. Even children can tolerate it well on the skin.

Risks

Using a large quantity of witch hazel extract and other herbal ingredients can cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin.

Taking high doses of witch hazel by mouth may damage the liver and kidney in the long run.

There is no scientific backing for the effectiveness of witch hazel. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Unlike foods and drugs, herbal remedies like witch hazel are not regulated by the FDA.

Interactions

There are no known interactions with drugs, foods, or other herbs or supplements.

Warning

If your bleeding hemorrhoid conditions do not improve after 3 to 5 days of using witch hazel extract, you should consult a physician for prescription treatments.

You are recommended to diagnose the cause of your hemorrhoids through proper medical examinations. Treatments and remedial measures for piles should be adopted according to their causes.

Witch hazel for hemorrhoids is a folklore medicine. So far, no scientific studies have been done to ascertain this herb’s medicinal capacity in hemorrhoid treatment.

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