Haemorrhoids are characterized by a permanent dilation of the veins located in the rectum or anus. They take on the form of a varicose vein and cause small lumps to appear on the inside or outside portion of the anus. There are two main types of haemorrhoids, namely internal haemorrhoids and external haemorrhoids. The former are the most frequent and are usually not painful. The latter are more serious since they are pushed outside of the anus during defecation and do not go back inside on their own afterwards.
They are of two types of haemorrhoids, namely prolapsed haemorrhoids and haemorrhoidal thrombosis, which are usually caused by the formation of a clot in the varicose vein, thus leading to rectal constriction. The onset of haemorrhoids may be due to a poor diet, (too much spices or alcohol, for example) a sedentary lifestyle, or obesity. Sometimes, it can also be caused by a digestive disorder, pregnancy, cirrhosis of the liver or a rectal tumour.
The appearance of haemorrhoids is carried out in four stages. During the first and second stage, the varicose veins are still inside the rectum. The pain they cause is bearable and is often linked to bleeding. Haemorrhoids then manifest themselves through a painless anal contusion, a permanent desire to defecate and / or a burning sensation around the anus. In the more severe cases, they are the cause of anal fissures and trigger a painful contraction of the anal sphincter, especially after defecation.
At the third and fourth stage, the haemorrhoids become external and visible. In general, they can be pushed inward. However, they reappear once the patient gets into an upright position and starts walking. External haemorrhoids can be accompanied by headaches, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome and flatulence. But they are most felt by a feeling of heaviness, the sensation of having a foreign object inside the anus and / or shooting pains, itching and burning sensations. They can also cause irritation, inflammation or swelling around the rectal opening.
Homoeopathy provides several remedies to alleviate the pain during haemorrhoid attacks, regardless of whether they are isolated or recurrent. Thus, Hamamelis virginiana and Collinsonia canadensis can be used to relieve haemorrhoids resulting from constipation or pregnancy and characterized by more or less abundant bleeding. Aesculus is recommended to treat those who suffer from stinging sensations. Arnica montana helps to treat haemorrhoids accompanied by rectal contusion and Muriaticum acidum is the most suitable remedy in case the onset attacks is stimulated by the heat or if the haemorrhoids are sensitive to the touch.
Many homoeopathic remedies can make symptoms of haemorrhoids disappear. Aloe socotrina is recommended in case of diarrhoeal haemorrhoids and / or those characterized by sharp pain accompanied by uncontrollable oozing of faecal matter. Lachesis mutus is prescribed to women whose haemorrhoids occur before menstruation and the use of Kalium carbonicum is advised for those who also suffer from digestive disorders. As for Fluoricum acicum, it can be used to overcome itching that is aggravated by heat and alleviated by the cold.
Most of the time, homoeopaths prescribe Lachesis-based treatments, Graphites, Sulphur and / or Sepia to cure their patients. However, if haemorrhoids cause constipation, tenesmus or anal fissures, Nux vomica and Rathania are more effective alternatives. Moreover, if the haemorrhoids are of parasitic origin and cause an ulcer or suppuration inside the rectum, it is best to resort to Silicea. Finally, bleeding and dysenteric haemorrhoids can be treated with Ficus religiosa, a remedy that allows for rapid remission.
Given that stage 1 or 2 haemorrhoids are rather difficult to detect, it is better to seek medical attention in case of blood flow during and after defecation, or if pain or itching sensations are present inside or outside the anus. Thus, it will be possible to prevent the progression of the disease. Furthermore, given that the dosage of homoeopathic remedies depends on the patient’s sensitivity and the severity of his or her illness, it is best to consult a homoeopath before undergoing a treatment. Finally, if the haemorrhoids come out frequently and cannot be pushed back into the rectum, it is advisable to consult a doctor without delay.
• Aesculus Hippocastanum
• Aloe Socotrina
• Arnica Montana
• Collinsonia Canadensis
• Hamamelis Virginiana
• Nux Vomica
• Paeonia Officinalis
• Ratanhia
Good to know: Some homoeopathic remedies are very effective, not only for treating haemorrhoids, but also for curing affections of the colon that are, most of the time, responsible for the appearance of varicose veins in the rectum and that can result in cancer.
