Do you complain of itching, burning and painful hemorrhoids? If yes, you are not alone in this situation since most people suffer the same agony. These are the common symptoms of inflamed hemorrhoids which can lead to a more serious condition. But don’t let this thing happen to you. There are so many available treatments for hemorrhoids that can specifically address these symptoms.

Herbal treatments are still the most popular remedy for healing inflamed hemorrhoids. The Japanese Pagoda tree is one of those alternative medicines that can effectively cure itching, burning and painful hemorrhoids. Though this tree is native to Asian countries, it has become an invaluable ingredient in most hemorrhoid medications in North America and Europe. There are also clinical studies that prove the effectiveness of the Japanese Pagoda tree in treating piles.

Here are some of the things that you should know about this medicinal tree. The Japanese Pagoda tree or also known as Sophora japonica is a native to eastern Asia and was later brought to Japan for its health promoting characteristics. This tree is both used as an ornamental and as a medicinal tree. The medicinal properties of the Sophora japonica are found on its stems, leaves, seedpods, buds and flowers.

Healing properties of Japanese Pagoda Tree

The tree boasts of its several healing properties like its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and radio-protective effects. It is also considered as a diuretic, antibacterial, emollient, anticholesterolemic, febrifuge, tonic, antispasmodic, haemostatic and hypotensive. It is also a good source of rutin which is beneficial to people with hypotension. When the flowers, pods and buds are concocted, they are used as a treatment for internal haemorrhages, internal worms and poor peripheral circulation.

The Japanese Pagoda tree is also an alternative medicine for epilepsy and convulsions. This deciduous tree is used as a potent treatment for hemorrhoids, haematuria, constipation, uterine bleeding, dizziness, stuffy sensation in the chest, skin problems, red eyes, headache and hypertension. With this long list of medicinal properties, the Japanese Pagoda tree becomes an indispensable herb in alternative medicine. In fact it is included in the 50 most potent herbs in Chinese medicine.

Caution When Taking Sophora japonica

However, please make it sure that you use this herb with caution. Improper use of this herb can be toxic. In a study of 250 herbs, sophora japonica is considered second in rank for its abortifacient properties. It should not be used by pregnant women even if it will be used as a treatment for hemorrhoids. It is also a potent laxative. The tree contains cytosine which resembles nicotine.

If you will use the Japanese Pagoda tree in relieving itching and burning hemorrhoids, a decoction of the stems can be used. There are also over the counter products that you can try. These hemorrhoid products may not only contain sophora japonica so always check the label. Taking extracts of sophora japonica will help strengthen vein walls and improves circulation. It also provides the necessary nutrients in improving the vein’s health.

Clinical studies show that the Japanese Pagoda tree achieved more than 95% success rate in treating different hemorrhoid symptoms. People with inflamed hemorrhoids showed a 95% improvement of their condition, 90% of the patients had experienced relief from itching, 88% had a significant reduction of remitted discharge and 96% success rate in controlling bleeding hemorrhoids.

Studies shows that Americans are more prone to hemorrhoids as compared to their Asian neighbors. It is estimated that half of the population will have hemorrhoids when they reach the age of 50. This is associated with the kind of lifestyle that we have. The Westernized diet is also a major factor why most of us suffer from hemorrhoids. This kind of diet is usually lacking the necessary fiber which helps in proper elimination of toxins in the body and makes every bowel movement much easier. The cause of hemorrhoids could also be due to the kind of work like standing or sitting for longer periods. Since hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus, lifting heavy weights and too much straining during bowel movements can also worsen the condition.

But one of the causes of hemorrhoids that we don’t give much attention is the current condition of the liver. Holistic doctors would agree that any abnormality in other body organs will definitely affect other parts of the body. Gastro-intestinal abnormalities or diseases normally aggravates or worsen hemorrhoids. If you are frequently suffering from constipation, there is a very high risk of getting this condition.

Can Liver Disease Cause Hemorrhoids?

Liver problems can also cause an increase in the pressure of the veins in the anus. Older people are more prone to this condition because they usually have weaker anal veins and changes in the pressure could lead to swelling. Health experts suggest that some changes in the lifestyle could prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids. Some liver diseases are caused by unhealthy lifestyle such as heavy drinking and the worst abusing drugs.

So if you want to avoid hemorrhoids, one of the best things to do is to take good care of your liver. As much as possible limit the amount of your alcohol intake. By drinking occasionally and moderately, you are reducing the task of the liver because it need not work overtime to clean up your body. According to studies, 30% to 60% of alcoholics will suffer from cirrhosis of the liver. This is an irreversible condition of the liver which will eventually lead to liver failure and death. The remaining causes of cirrhosis are viral hepatitis infections, biliary blockage, and immune deficiency liver disease.

What are the symptoms of Liver Problems?

People usually don’t know that they have problems with their liver. They only consult a doctor once symptoms are felt but most of the times it is too late for any effective treatment. Liver problems and diseases can be avoided and treated if it is detected at its early stage. Enlargement of the liver with nodular characteristic is commonly observed during the early stage of a liver disease. Because of this condition, there is a poor flow of blood to the liver which then causes portal hypertension.

As a result of portal hypertension, several symptoms will appear including vomiting of blood, enlarged spleen, tarry black stool as a result of the blood, dilated veins and swelling in the abdomen. Hemorrhoids will also appear. For more severe condition of the liver, the symptoms can vary from enlarged breasts, spider veins in the skins, bad breath, jaundice, anemia, and ankle edema. A patient is also prone to bleeding problems.

A regular consultation with your doctor will help avoid these complications. Though you can treat hemorrhoids using creams, herbs, prescription medicines and through surgical procedures, a chronic stage of your liver may not respond to any treatment anymore. Have your blood tested regularly to check for any abnormalities in the liver enzymes and to be sure ask your doctor for a more comprehensive examination.

Herbal medicine is already an integral part of every hemorrhoid treatment. It is common that people would try first some herbal preparations in treating hemorrhoid symptoms before buying synthetic medicines. Some would also combine traditional and prescription medicine to hasten the treatment of hemorrhoids or piles.

Herbal medicine is not bad for hemorrhoids. Actually there are a lot of herbs which are very effective in controlling the symptoms or some would even provide instant cure. On the other hand, herbs may also provide side effects if not used properly. There are cases where the use of herbal creams, ointments or concoctions may worsen other health conditions.

Precaution when Using Herbal Medicine

It should be a common practice for everybody to be careful in using or taking any medicine whether herbal or synthetic ones. The internet is full of information about the uses and contraindications of every herb that you know, so make it sure that you are well informed of the pros and cons when using these herbs in hemorrhoid treatment. It is a must to consult a health care practitioner before using any traditional treatment especially if you have allergies and other health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Some herbs are known to interact with some prescription drugs which may cause side effects and complications.

Popular Herbs For Hemorrhoid Treatment

One of the most popular herbs used in treating hemorrhoids is the horse chestnut. In Europe, horse chestnut’s medicinal properties are well accepted. In fact, European studies prove that the herb is effective in increasing blood flow in veins and strengthens connective tissue. It also strengthens venal walls, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation. The Aescin which is the main substance in horse chestnut does the wonders in treating these hemorrhoid symptoms.

But there are things that you should know about horse chestnut. You should be careful in taking this herb if you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or other low-blood-sugar related conditions because it lowers blood sugar. When taken in large doses it can affect your liver and kidney. People with blood related diseases should be careful in using this herb. Do not take horse chestnut if you are taking aspirin or ibuprofen because it increases the risk of bleeding.

Only the seeds and bark of the horse chestnut are used in herbal preparations because other parts of the tree are poisonous. Pregnant or lactating mothers should not ingest horse chestnut. It is not recommended for use in children.

Bioflavonoids are also becoming popular treatment for hemorrhoids. However, online sources showed that bioflavonoids should not be used when taking tamoxifen, a medication for breast cancer. Another herb that must be used carefully by hemorrhoid sufferers is the Butcher’s broom. It is not recommended if you have high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), pregnant or nursing women, or by people taking alpha blocker or MAO inhibitor drugs.

Other herbs which are beneficial in alleviating the hemorrhoid symptoms but should be used with caution include Aloe, Barberry, Buckthorn, Ginger, Golden Seal, Horsetail, Neem, Rue, and Turmeric. Pregnant women should consult their gynecologist first before trying these herbs.