If you're heading to the drugstore for relief for hemorrhoids, you'll want to shop carefully. Before choosing an over-the-counter hemorrhoid product, be sure to look carefully at the ingredients. Because, instead of products packed with chemicals, you may prefer to choose ones containing these medicinal plants.

Medicinal Plants Provide Relief for Hemorrhoids

Two plant-based ingredients to look for are witch hazel and horse chestnut. They temporarily relieve symptoms such as swelling and itching. And recent research reveals that they can do more. Study authors concluded that, “Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) contains astringent tannins that constrict blood vessels, reduce local inflammation, and alleviate minor bleeding and irritation. Similarly, horse chestnut seed extract is rich in aescin, a saponin with venotonic and anti-inflammatory properties that promote vascular tone and diminish venous congestion, leading to reduced swelling and discomfort.”  In plain language, they're saying that these two plant-based products relieve painful, swollen hemorrhoids; they can also address mild bleeding.

While noting the benefits of witch hazel and horse chestnut, the study authors do say they are most effective for external hemorrhoids. For that reason, people who need relief for internal hemorrhoids must seek different treatment options for lasting results.

Help for Internal Hemorrhoids

Patients with Grade 2 to 3 internal hemorrhoids rarely find relief from topical products. In such cases, Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization [HAE] provides a more effective pathway to relief. This minimally invasive procedure relieves your symptoms with a lower risk for side effects as compared to other treatment options. It also allows you to avoid staying overnight in hospital, and you don't require general anesthesia to receive treatment. To learn more about HAE and to explore your candidacy for treatment, you can request a consultation  at one of our three locations in the greater Atlanta region.