Several natural remedies help relieve symptoms related to hemorrhoids, even during pregnancy. Plants, essential oils, yoga, food, homeopathy… Tour of natural solutions.
Hemorrhoids refer to dilated blood vessels in the lower part of the rectum and anus. A crisis can really be painful. Among the main causes: constipation, poor venous return circulation, liver congestion, pregnancy… Fortunately, natural remedies (homeopathy, plants, essential oils, etc.) can calm a crisis. For example, naturopathy offers a global approach that covers food, movement, psychology, plants, essential oils and hydrology. “You should not think that a plant is just a natural and magical substitute for a chemical drug” recalls Ketty Orain-Ferella, whom we interviewed on this subject.
1. Waters rich in iron and magnesium
The first strategy therefore begins by restoring normal transit. To get out of constipation, the naturopath recommends above all to to drink a lot of water and why not make regular cures of waters rich in iron and magnesium such as Rozana, Hépar or Quézac.
2. Psyllium
Ketty Orain-Ferella recommends taking a tablespoon of psyllium diluted in a glass of water: “We drink, then we drink a second glass of pure water afterwards.” Another boost: take a cup of warm water in the morning on an empty stomach.
3. Yoga
The second strategy is to improve blood circulation. Beyond the traditional compression stockings, the naturopath insists on the need to promote movement and to emphasize physical activity to “get people moving”. It is then necessary to practice inverted postures, as in yoga (the candle for example) and do not skimp on the massage. Dry brushing with a suitable brush, in the long term, has good effects.
4. Cabbages
In terms of food, the specialist suggests to eat fruits and vegetables (especially green vegetables) in abundance for good fiber, but also whole or semi-whole grains (goodbye white rice, white pasta etc.). It is advisable to relieve the liver, by making a diet. The naturopath recommends adopting a healthier food hygiene based on vegetables, fruits, fish, good first cold-pressed oils rich in omega 3: “Bitter principles and cabbage are favored: Black radishartichoke, broccoli, leeks etc We embark on mono diets by consuming only one food over a given period ranging from one evening to a few days. This can for example be applesauce for 2 days.”
5. Cold
Another effective remedy mentioned by the naturopath, the derivative bath : “In practice it is a question of putting cold at the level of the perineum to activate the circulation and cause a vasoconstriction. Today there are pockets of cold provided for this purpose (Yokool) to slip directly into the briefs! We have here an approach that helps revive intestinal transit and revive blood circulation, it’s completely natural and ideal for pregnant women.”
6. Plants: horse chestnut, milk thistle, red vine
The most suitable plants are horse chestnut and milk thistle, to which red vine can be added. For maximum efficiency, Ketty Orain-Ferella suggests combining “50 drops of horse chestnut extract (aesculus hippocastanum) 3 times a day at mealtimes with 2 capsules of milk thistle (silybum marianum) 3 times a day between meals to act on the liver“. The intract is a drinkable solution available in pharmacies.
Attention : Horse chestnut is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children. It is also not recommended in case of hepatic or renal insufficiency and insulin-dependent diabetes.
7. Homeopathy
Doctor Avogadri-Boyer, homeopathic doctor, recommends different strains which are generally to be taken in 5 or 7ch at the rate of 3 granules every hour. Then the patient can space out the intake according to the improvement of the symptoms.
- Arnica : In case of venous congestion and a sensation of anal contusion associated with bleeding from the hemorrhoids.
- Collinsonia canadensis : For hemorrhoids that tend to bleed in constipated subjects who have large stools that are difficult to expel.
- Hamamelis virginiana : To be taken in case of a feeling of soreness or bursting of the veins aggravated by heat and the slightest touch.
- Lachesis mutus : purplish hemorrhoidal prolapses and hypersensitive to the slightest touch. Throbbing pain or feeling of constriction in the anus. Better from bleeding and worse from heat.
- Muriaticum acidum : swollen, dark blue, protruding, turgid and hyperalgesic hemorrhoids.
- Fluoricum acidum : itchy hemorrhoids with improvement by cold.
- Paeonia officinalis : intense itching and oozing of inflammatory and painful hemorrhoids.
- Ratanhia, Sepia, Aloe, Sanguinaria : can also be interesting.
8. Lentisk Pistachio essential oil
The naturopath recommends diluting 20 drops of pistachio lentisk essential oil in a 10 ml bottle and supplementing with calophylle vegetable oil. To be applied after the shower and after the stools until disappearance, even during pregnancy.
What are the natural remedies during pregnancy?
To remedy hemorrhoids during pregnancy, care must be taken to ensure good transit but also to avoid coffee and spices. It is also important to activate the circulation by walking every day and doing a little yoga. “Sleeping or lying on your left side to relieve pressure on the vena cava supplying the lower body is also very helpful” specifies Ketty Orain-Ferella before concluding: “I will add the intake of floral water: 2 tablespoons of chamomile floral water to dilute in 1 liter of water, to drink throughout the day.”
Thanks to Ketty Orain-Ferella, naturopath and Doctor Corinne Avogradri-Boyer, homeopathic doctor.