Using herbal remedies for hemorrhoids is a natural extension of hemorrhoid treatment. Most doctors will tell you that the vast majority of hemorrhoids are best treated at home, and many of the most common home remedies, such as witch hazel, are herbal in nature to begin with. However, the large and unfamiliar territory of herbal remedies can be daunting, to say the least. It helps greatly to know what herbs work on hemorrhoids, what they do, and how to use quality herbal remedies effectively.

The first, and most commonly used, are astringents. This classification covers such hemorrhoid standbys as witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and apple cider vinegar. In short, these herbal extracts reduce inflammation and cause hemorrhoidal tissue to dry out, thus reducing pain, irritation, and itching. Witch hazel and aloe vera gel come in the form of medicated wipes that can be used to pat the area. Apple cider vinegar is generally used on a moistened sterile cotton ball or swab. While many hemorrhoid sufferers find that witch hazel and aloe vera are more effective than apple cider vinegar, if you have vinegar on hand, it does offer enough immediate relief to plan for the future. While medicated pads can't be used directly on internal hemorrhoids, 99% pure aloe vera juice is available as a drink that may assist. A less common herbal astringent is a poultice made from the roots or rhizomes of cranesbill, mashed and used as a poultice. Each and every person reacts differently to various herbs, so if one doesn't work it may be worth your time to try another.

The next category of herbal remedies are normally ingested foods that can help treat hemorrhoids. Many brightly colored fruits, such as blueberries, cranberries and cherries contain bioflavonoids which can be of great help by increasing muscle tone and blood circulation. And, of course, most of the fiber supplements on the market today are herbal derivatives such as psyllium seed husks and ground flax seed and come in a plethora of forms. You can get powder to be mixed with water and drank, doses contained in gelatin capsules, or wafers to munch on. Just remember to get plenty of water when adding herbal fiber supplements to your diet, and you should get excellent results.

The third classification of hemorrhoid herbal remedies are the ones that affect hemorrhoids most directly through the circulatory system. This set of herbs includes butcher's broom, horse chestnut, and the Japanese pagoda tree. Taken internally, butcher's broom narrows blood vessels, improves and strengthens blood vessel walls, and lessens inflammation and swelling. Horse chestnut improves microvascular circulation, lessens fluid retention and brings down swelling. Japanese pagoda tree extract reduces bleeding, helps maintain vein health, and helps with hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching, burning, or inflammation. Because these herbs are taken internally and they affect the workings of the circulatory system, do not take them if you have a heart or blood condition, and check to make sure that they don't interact badly with any ongoing medication you're currently taking.

Many people have found relief from hemorrhoid symptoms and from hemorrhoids themselves by taking advantage of herbal remedies. Herbal remedies also carry a few other advantages, such as being less expensive than other treatments and many are widely available. Remember to use common sense and only get your herbal remedies from reputable companies, and, with luck, your hemorrhoid problems will be over.