There are four general categories of natural treatment options for hemorrhoids: diet, lifestyle, herbs and supplements/vitamins.
Each of these areas is important and integral to the others.
Although it is possible to obtain relief from hemorrhoids by focusing on only one or two of these categories, the best approach is to address all four.
Diet Diet is by far the most important area that has an impact on whether or not a person develops hemorrhoids.
A diet high in fiber is essential to good intestinal and overall health.
If you frequently suffer from hemorrhoids, you almost certainly are not getting enough good fiber in your daily diet.
Some common, excellent food sources of high-quality fiber are raw vegetables, and fresh fruits.
Snacking on dried fruits such as prunes every day is an easy way to boost your daily fiber intake.
Of course, the flip-side to eating high-fiber foods is to also avoid foods that tend to cause constipation.
These problematic foods include refined sugar, white flour, and excessive salt.
Finally, drink plenty of water throughout the day and keep meal sizes reasonable.
Lifestyle Based on numerous studies, most researchers also believe that a person's lifestyle can contribute to the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
Sitting at a desk all day and then coming home and sitting in a chair or couch to relax tends to make for weak abdominal muscles.
This, in turn, results in a poorly performing intestinal tract and a greater incidence of constipation.
A proven method of reducing the odds of this involves strengthening the abdominal muscles through sufficient exercise.
Daily stretching exercises, specific abdominal exercises, and jogging are great for your midsection.
Also, many studies show that even mild exercise like walking can help reduce constipation, which frequently is a precursor to developing hemorrhoids..
Herbs Many herbs may be beneficial in a natural hemorrhoid treatment.
Because of the powerful nature of many herbs, it is usually advised to speak with an herbal consultant or health professional before taking certain herbs.
For cleaning out your colon on a regular (but not daily) basis, consider cascara sagrada, fennel seed, butternut bark, licorice root, and rhubarb.
Herbs with an anti-inflammatory property include Comfrey, Aloe Vera, alfalfa, and garlic.
Some other herbs that can be beneficial in promoting good colon health are horse chestnut, grape seed extract, evening primrose oil, and butcher's broom.
Supplements/Vitamins Vitamins and supplements alone are rarely effective at relieving or preventing hemorrhoids.
They generally only help to strengthen the benefits of the above areas.
Some researchers even believe that they are totally unnecessary if a person has a healthy diet.
However, most health advisers also feel that at worst, they do no harm.
Some vitamins that may be helpful are Vitamin C, bromelain, Vitamin K, and Vitamin E.
Potentially beneficial supplements include psyllium husk, aloe vera juice, and flax seeds.