Haemerroids

Haemorrhoids are enlarged, painful veins in your rectum. Haemorrhoids develop from 2 different places. There are 2 sets of veins that drain the blood from the lower rectum and anus. The internal veins can become swollen to form internal haemorrhoids. Likewise, the external veins can swell to form external haemorrhoids.

Causes: Haemorrhoids are associated with constipation and straining at bowel movements as well as pregnancy. It is thought that these conditions lead to increased pressure in the haemorrhoid veins, thus causing them to swell. Liver disease can also cause increased pressure in the veins and also cause haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are very common and have been estimated to occur in up to half the population by age 50 years.

Symptoms: The symptoms of haemorrhoids are fairly straightforward. The most common complaint from internal haemorrhoids is painless bleeding. You will see bright red blood on the outside of your stool, on the toilet paper, or dripping into the toilet. The bleeding usually does not last long. Haemorrhoids may lead to a condition called prolapsed haemorrhoids. This occurs when the internal haemorrhoids swell and then extend through the anus. You then can feel the haemorrhoids, at your anus, from the outside. Many times you can gently push the haemorrhoids back through the anus and solve the problem. If the haemorrhoids cannot be pushed back, then they may swell even more and become trapped outside of the anus. If your haemorrhoids become entrapped, then you will need to see a doctor.

When to Seek Medical Care: If you develop bleeding between bowel movements or have a moderate amount of bleeding from haemorrhoids, you should consult your doctor. If you have prolapsed haemorrhoids that will not go back through the anus, or you have significant pain from your haemorrhoids, you should consult your doctor. Most of the time haemorrhoids can be managed by your doctor. A few situations may require you to go to the emergency department. If you have significant pain, bleeding, or a prolapsed haemorrhoid and are unable to contact your doctor, then you should be evaluated in the hospital.

Self-Care at Home: The treatment for haemorrhoids is different depending on the severity of the problem. Most of the time, the treatment is conservative and performed at home.

Hot sitz baths: A sitz bath is recommended 3 times a day and after each bowel movement for at least 15 minutes. For a sitz bath, sit in a few inches of warm water in a tub. This is the best way to lessen the swelling and the pain. Be sure to thoroughly dry the skin around your anus after each bath so that it doesn't rub and become torn.
Dietary changes: Drink more liquids and eat more leafy green vegetables, which will make stools bulkier and softer to relieve constipation. Some people with constipation or hard stools may benefit from increasing the amount of bran and fibre in their diet.
Stool softeners: Stool softeners might also help. You should be cautious in choosing a laxative for your constipation. If a laxative causes watery, runny stools, it could cause an infection in the anus and should not be used.
Sitting restrictions: Some doctors also recommend people with haemorrhoids not sit for a long period of time. Some people feel more comfortable sitting on an air doughnut.
Over-the-counter medications: Many creams, ointments, and suppositories are sold as pain relievers and medicines for haemorrhoids. These medications are of little help and sometimes might even cause the haemorrhoids to take longer to heal, so consult with your doctor first.

Alternative Therapies: Baths and local washes using Cypress, Geranium, Juniper, Myrrh and Yarrow can help to improve local circulation. Fennel, Marjoram and Rosemary can be used to massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction. Dilute the essential oils in a 3% dilution in carrier oil.

Cypress Essential Oil - Cupressus Sempervirens (10ml)

Cypress is a great asset for any sort of skin care. It can be used for varicose veins or haemorroids, it is great for sweating and can help with the menstrual cycle.

£5.20

Fennel Essential Oil - Foeniculern Vulgare (10ml)

This is a herb of ancient medical repute which has been used for years. Try it for bruising, inflammation of the joints, arthritis, PMT and many digestive complaints.

£3.75

Geranium Essential Oil - Pelargonium Graveolens (10ml)

Geranium is lovely floral oil which can help with a wide variety of skin conditions, poor circulation, cellulite and many menopausal problems as well as fluid retention and hormonal in-balance.

£8.50

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£5.90

Marjoram Essential Oil - Origanum Marjorana (10ml)

Marjoram as we might expect can help with the digestion. It is useful for bruises and chilblains. Marjoram can also have a warming effect on the mental and emotional level and can help people suffereing from grief.

£7.50

Myrrh Essential Oil - Commiphora Myrrha (10ml)

Myrrh is good for many skin conditions including woulds, weeping sores, athletes foot and cracked skin. Useful for chest infections and can help with diarhhoea and stomach pains.

£13.00

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£3.50

Yarrow 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Achillea Millefolium (10ml)

All stress related conditions can benefit from the use of Yarrow but it is particularly applicable for hypertension and insomnia. Try it for circulation problems and varicose veins. It is also said to promote hair growth and help certain skin conditions.

£4.25