Witch hazel, more commonly called witch hazel, is a plant that is used very often as a home remedy for many skin conditions, but it can also be effective for treating hemorrhoids. To use it for this purpose, you need an alcohol solution or witch hazel tincture, depending on how you want to apply it to the hemorrhoids and where they are located (inside or outside the anus).
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Topical Use
Step 1. Assess if you have hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins found in the anal canal that can occur outside or inside the body. They form when there is too much pressure on the veins which tend to swell. This can happen during excessive exertion in trying to defecate, during pregnancy or as a result of excessive body weight. Hemorrhoids are more common than you might imagine, but they often resolve with a simple home treatment, such as witch hazel. The symptoms are as follows:
- Itching, irritation or pain in the anal area.
- Traces of blood during the performance of physiological functions (blood is bright red).
- Swelling or a lump in the anal area.
- Check with your doctor to confirm that it is indeed hemorrhoids before trying a home remedy.
Step 2. Wash the anal area
Bathe or shower every day to keep the area clean. In this case, the bathroom is preferable to the shower because it allows you to soak the area in hot water for a longer period of time. It is not necessary to use soap, but it is important that the water is hot or very hot. Be gentle when cleaning your anal area, as brushing too aggressively can cause more irritation.
Step 3. Do not use the towel
After drying the rest of the body, use a hair dryer to remove the moisture from the painful area. Scrubbing your anus with a cloth can aggravate the problem.
Step 4. Apply witch hazel
Take a clean cloth and wet it with an alcoholic solution of witch hazel by gently dabbing on the affected area. You can leave it on for a few minutes.
- If you prefer, you can use wipes or tampons already moistened with witch hazel, which you find on the market, and which are specific for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
- This type of application is best for external hemorrhoids, because contact occurs only on the outside of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are those that remain inside the anal cavity, while the external ones protrude beyond the sphincter.
Step 5. Let the area air dry for a few minutes
Once the cloth is removed, wait for the anal area to dry naturally for a minute or two before putting on the clothing again.
Part 2 of 3: Home Remedy for Making a Witch Hazel Suppository
Step 1. Mix one teaspoon of witch hazel tincture with one teaspoon of cocoa butter
Take a small bowl and combine these two ingredients by mixing them thoroughly to blend the dough. You should be able to find both products in pharmacies, but eventually look for them in health food stores as well.
This remedy is most effective for internal hemorrhoids and you can do it three times a day
Step 2. Give the mixture the shape of a suppository
Model it by giving it the oblong shape of a small suppository. If you have trouble giving it the proper shape, wrap the dough in a small sheet of cling film and twist the wrapper to give it the shape you want. If you don't have the plastic wrap, place it in a small, covered bowl.
Step 3. Freeze the suppository
Leave it in the freezer for an hour or two, until it becomes completely hard.
Step 4. Put on a glove or finger dip
Cover your fingers or finger to protect your hands. There is no need to use a glove, as long as you make sure you wash your hands immediately afterwards.
Step 5. Remove the suppository from the freezer
Once it has hardened properly, take it out of the freezer. Remove the plastic wrap (if you had it on) or remove the lid from the bowl. If it looks too big, you can cut it in half and save the other half for future use, but in this case, rewind it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer again.
Step 6. Use a lubricant
You can apply a water-based lubricant or use your fingers to wet the anal area with a little cold water.
Step 7. Lie on your side
Bend the knee of the upper leg and rest it on the bed. The other leg must remain straight. With one hand he lifts a buttock.
Step 8. Insert the suppository
Using the gloved finger, push the suppository into the anus. Make sure it goes in about 2.5cm past the sphincter, otherwise it won't stay inside
Step 9. Contract the anus
Squeeze the sphincter muscle for a few seconds and hold the position. Lie down for 5 to 10 minutes while the suppository takes effect.
Step 10. Wash your hands
Remove the gloves and wash them thoroughly using warm soapy water and scrubbing them for at least 20 seconds.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding How Witch Hazel Works
Step 1. Learn about witch hazel
It is a product that comes from the bark of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana. This plant was already used by Native Americans to treat skin ulcers, cuts and bruises. The plant is often steam distilled, which means that the extract is hot distilled to make a liquid mixed with alcohol.
Step 2. Understand how witch hazel works
Its main action is astringent, so it dries secretions and firms the tissues.
Step 3. Recognize the side effects
Witch hazel helps with hemorrhoids, but it can cause problems. When applied to the anal area, it can trigger irritation and itching in allergy sufferers.
Warnings
- Always go to the doctor to make sure you have a hemorrhoid problem. This is mostly managed at home, but you need to be sure it's not a more serious condition. Also, if you suffer from particularly severe hemorrhoids, your doctor may prescribe specific treatments to relieve the discomfort.
- If you notice blood on toilet paper or defecation is very painful, see your doctor.
