Herbs for Piles

Piles, colloquially known as hemorrhoids, can result when irritated anal veins swell and protrude in the rectal area. The most common symptoms of piles include itching and stinging. In severe cases, the irritation prevents sitting or makes sitting painful and uncomfortable. According to the University of Michigan Health System, constipation and rectal straining associated with constipation often trigger piles. Many herbal antidotes, however, can relieve the pain associated with the condition.

Psyllium

• People with piles often have trouble sitting due to rectal stinging and burning.

  Psyllium, a fibrous herb native to parts of India, acts as a natural laxative. Doctors often prescribe psyllium for sufferers of piles because the mucilage and the high volume of fiber in the herb relieve constipation. In research trials chronicled in a 1982 edition of "Diseases of the Colon & Rectum," patients with hemorrhoids who took at least 7 g of psyllium thrice daily noticed reduced bleeding and less discomfort, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

Witch Hazel

• Witch hazel relieves piles because of its astringent qualities.

  Creams and lotions containing the herb witch hazel can mitigate hemorrhoid flare-ups. Such creams, when applied four times daily, have the ability to shrink hemorrhoids. Witch hazel, which acts as an astringent, tightens the bulging, burning anal veins and prevents further inflammation. Users can apply witch hazel with a gloved hand or directly cover the hemorrhoids with cotton pads soaked in pure witch hazel.

Gordolobo

• Gordolobo, an herb widely used in Mexico, can successfully treat piles. For treatment of hemorrhoids, make a gordolobo tea by steeping 1 to 2 tbsp. of the herb in tepid water. Once the tea has cooled, apply a poultice or cotton pad soaked in the gordolobo tea to the irritated hemorrhoids.

Horse Chestnut

• The saponin in horse chestnut can soothe irritated rectal veins.

  Alternative medicine practitioners often recommend either horse chestnut leaves wrapped in a poultice or horse chestnut extract for piles relief. Controlled clinical research reported by the "Clin Ther" medical journal in 1978 shows that horse chestnut extract can successfully reduce swelling and other symptoms associated with piles. This works due to the high levels of saponin in horse chestnut. Saponin, also called aescin, boosts blow flow and causes the irritated veins to dilate. The University of Michigan Health Care System suggests that horse chestnut extract formulas that have aescin levels of at least 16 percent work most effectively.

Chamomile

• Chamomile flowers release oils that soothe hemorrhoids.

  Chamomile serves as a natural soothing agent. Oil produced from crushing chamomile flowers can soothe and alleviate swelling, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Use chamomile to treat piles by adding a half cup of dried chamomile to warm bathwater. Ten drops of chamomile essential oil can also be added to bathwater for relief.