Hemorrhoids (previously known as piles) are a common condition that effects over seventy five percent of Americans sometime during their lives. They are simply enlarged or vericose veins in the rectum and anus. Due to the severe side effects associated with drug medications many people are choosing natural remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Symptoms vary depending on whether the condition is internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids often cause bleeding after a bowel movement. This is a sign of a serious health condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Other symptoms include pain, irritation and itching. External hemorrhoids are a bulge in the anus, which can be itchy and painful.

Natural remedies are effective and can yield long term relief, provided the causes for hemorrhoids are no longer occurring. The most common causes are:

Pregnancy - due to the added pressure to the lower abdominal area. Symptoms usually disappear after pregnancy.

Constipation - prolonged periods of constipation add extreme pressure to veins in the rectal area. Exerting excessive pressure while attempting a bowel movement adds even more pressure to veins leading to further inflammation.

Obesity - especially from excess fat accumulation in the lower abdominal area.

There are several foods that contribute to constipation which include meats, fried foods and spicy foods. Foods that rob needed nutrients necessary for strong and healthy veins include processed sugars, soy protein isolate, white flour products and dairy products. A diet high in fiber and adequate water intake (minimum six glasses per day) is essential for healthy elimination. Best sources are fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

If poor diet is the cause of hemorrhoids, a twenty four hour fresh juice fast will be effective in eliminating toxins, making recovery time more rapid and effective. Foods that promote healing include raw onion, blackberries, ginger, lime, bananas, turnips, lentils, clams and rhubarb root.

Adding daily abdominal exercise will help improve circulation and help prevent hemorrhoids from recurring in the future. Finally, avoid sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time.

There several effective natural treatments for hemorrhoids:

Witch hazel - Has long been used topically by soaking pads in a witch hazel solution and applied to repair and nourish the veins.

Horse chestnut seeds - These seeds contain several ingredient found highly effective in treating enlarged veins. The combination of these ingredients has the ability to inhibit attacks on blood vessel wall leading to inflammation. They are also effective at firming and strengthening the veins to restore normal blood flow.

Horse chestnut seed extract can be taking internally in capsule form or as a tincture. Applied externally as a cream or lotion, it is effective in relieving pain and itching. People have found that adding the extract to a sitz bath is also effective for treating hemorrhoids. Results are usually experienced after a few days of treatment. Other effective treatments include slippery elm and bioflavanoids.