Piles, also known as hemorrhoids refer to dilatation, inflammation and swelling of the veins around the anus or lower rectum. This stagnates the blood inside these veins resulting in symptoms like anal pain, itching, bleeding and tenderness.
Homeopathy offers a very successful and effective treatment for piles. Homoeopathy works in a two pronged manner in the cases of piles.
The first is that it provides prompt relief from the symptoms like burning sensation, anal pain, swelling, bleeding, and itching. The second aspect is that it corrects the internal disturbances of the venous system to reduce engorgement of the rectal veins and the pooling of blood and ensures smooth and unobstructed blood flow that helps in complete recovery. It is known well that out of all the risk factors, the major predisposing and maintaining factor for piles is chronic constipation that causes persistent straining to pass stool leading to dilatation of the veins. Homeopathy also focuses on treating chronic constipation. Homeopathic remedies help in regulating bowel movements and softens the stool thus ensuring its easy passage.
How Homoeopathy Treats Piles?
1. Gentle and Free of Side-Effects – Homeopathic remedies are sourced from naturally obtained substances thus ensuring their safety that treats piles from its roots along with easing the symptoms. The treatment period in homeopathy for piles can range from a few weeks to a few months. The length of homeopathic treatment for piles depends upon the time period of the symptoms, their severity, and how quickly a patient responds to the medicines.
2. Homoeopathy addresses the root cause – The conventional treatment of piles involves over-the-counter (OTC) medications for piles including creams, ointments, and painkillers. For constipation, laxatives are recommended that offer temporary relief and may have side effects due to its prolonged use. On the other hand, homoeopathy not only provides symptomatic relief but also helps in treating the root cause of the problem, ensuring long-term relief in cases of piles.
3. Non-Invasive and Individualized Treatment – In many cases of piles, surgery is the only option left for most patients. However, timely homeopathic cure can help avoid invasive procedures like surgery in piles in most of the cases. The sooner the patient approaches a qualified homeopath for treatment, the higher the chances to avoid surgery. A suitable homoeopathic remedy is prescribed after thorough evaluation of an individual’s symptoms and factors such as the age of the patient, chronicity of complaint and intensity of the symptoms. Depending upon each case, and its uniqueness, the dose, potency and repetition is decided.
Top 11 Homeopathic Medicines for Piles
The top eleven homeopathic medicines for treating piles are Aesculus Hippocastanum, Nux Vomica, Aloes Socotrina, Hamamelis Virginiana, Collinsonia Canadensis, Muriaticum Acidum, Ratanhia Peruviana, Nitricum Acidum, Paeonia Officinalis, Sulphur and Thuja Occidentalis.
1. Aesculus Hippocastanum– Top Remedy for Painful, Non-Bleeding Piles
It is the best and most frequently administered medicine for painful piles. It is prescribed when pain is felt during or after passing stool. The pain continues for long hours after the passing of stool and is very sharp and may extend from the anus to the lower back. A person may have a distinct feeling of small sticks filling up the rectum. It is a specific medicine for external piles and blind piles (non-bleeding piles). This medicine does wonders on engorged haemorrhoidal veins, and brings about a lot of relief, and also helps in shrinking piles naturally.
When to use Aesculus Hippocastanum?
The characteristic feature to administer this medicine is external piles with marked pain during and after passing the stool.
How to use Aesculus Hippocastanum?
The most commonly recommended dosage of this medicine is in 30C potency that can be administered two to three times a day as per the severity of the complaint.
2. Nux Vomica– For Piles with Constipation and Ineffective Urge
Nux Vomica is the best medicine to treat piles with constipation and ineffective urge to pass the stool. Those who need this medicine have to pass stool several times a day to completely clear the bowels. They pass stool bit by bit throughout the day and yet have the urge to pass the stool. Such patients have marked pain and itching at the anus. Nux Vomica is administered for piles that are non-bleeding. Nux Vomica is the go-to medicine for piles or constipation triggered by alcohol. It is also the best choice for those with piles who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
When to use Nux Vomica?
Its use is highly suggested to manage piles with constipation where the ineffective urge to pass the stool is prominently felt.
How to use Nux Vomica?
Though, it can be used in both low to high potencies, in the beginning, it is best advised to take it in 30C potency two to three times daily for best possible results.
3. Aloe Socotrina– For Protruding, Grape-Like Piles
Aloe Socotrina is the number one medicine when it comes to treating protruding piles (internal piles take an outward bulge from the anus and can be seen as soft lumps of tissue). The protruding piles are very sore and tender and look like a bunch of grapes bluish in color. Persons who require it may find cold applications on affected areas soothing and help during soreness, pain, and tenderness. They may also have severe itching.
When to use Aloe Socotrina?
This medicine is well administered for protruding piles with marked tenderness and pain.
How to use Aloe Socotrina?
It is advised to administer this medicine in 30C potency thrice or four times a day depending on the intensity.
4. Hamamelis Virginiana– For Bleeding, Internal Piles
This natural medicine sourced from plant ‘witch – hazel’ is the best prescription for piles that bleeds. It controls bleeding piles in an outstanding manner. Hamamelis is useful in cases where piles are painless, internal, and bleed. ‘Painless, bleeding piles’ these three words are an indication to describe the use of this medicine in its entirety, and it requires no further description.
When to use Hamamelis Virginiana?
This remedy can be wonderfully administered for managing bleeding from piles without any pain.
How to use Hamamelis Virginiana?
One may take Hamamelis in 30C potency thrice or four times a day as per the intensity of the symptoms.
5. Collinsonia Canadensis – For Piles with Constipation (Dry, Hard Stool)
It is an effective medicine to treat piles with constipation especially when the stool is hard and dry. It can be administered when hemorrhoids are external or protruding and there is also marked pain. Additionally, a particular sensation of sand or sticks in the rectum may be felt. This medicine is also administered to treat piles that are painful accompanied by bleeding.
When to use Collinsonia Canadensis?
This medicine can be used to treat the patients suffering from piles who report constipation along with passing of hard and dry stool.
How to use Collinsonia Canadensis?
It can be administered in 30C potency two to three times daily for best results.
6. Muriaticum Acidum – For Piles Extremely Painful To Touch
This is a leading homeopathic remedy to manage piles that is painful even on the slightest touch. It is mainly indicated for protruding piles. The piles look bluish or dark purple like a bunch of grapes. A characteristic symptom is relief of soreness from warm applications.
When to use Muriaticum Acidum?
This remedy can be administered in cases of piles that are intensely painful even on the slightest touch.
How to use Muriaticum Acidum?
The most frequently used potency of this remedy is 30C. Muriatic Acidum 30C should be administered once a day and in severe cases twice daily, but not more than that.
7. Ratanhia Peruviana– For Piles with Intense Burning Sensation
This medicine is indicated to manage piles accompanied by severe burning sensation. Along with this, there is noticeable strain while pass stool. Piles may protrude out of the anus when one strains to pass stool. Apart from these, a peculiar sensation of little pieces of broken glass in the rectum can be felt. Pouring cold water over the anus may provide relief for a while.
When to use Ratanhia Peruviana?
Ratanhia is an ideal prescription for cases of piles that have severe burning sensation and protruding piles.
How to use Ratanhia Peruviana?
To begin with, one may initiate with its 30C potency two or three times a day. After close observation of symptoms, higher potencies can be administered if the need so arises, but only under guidance of a qualified homeopath.
8. Nitricum Acidum – For Protruding Piles with Bleeding and Sharp Pain
Nitricum Acidum is a wonderful medicine for cases of piles protrude while passing stool accompanied by bleeding. Along with it, the pain that is felt is very sharp, pricking, stitching, cutting type, or there could be sensation of burning. Constipation with dry, hard stool that passes with much strain is another accompanying factor. Pain also occurs at the anus. Constant pressure and weight is felt in the rectum.
When to use Nitricum Acidum?
This medicine can be administered for protruding piles with bleeding and sharp, stitching pain.
How to use Nitricum Acidum?
Use this medicine once or twice daily in 30C potency. Dose can be reduced once the patient starts feeling the relief.
9. Paeonia Officinalis – For Intensely Painful Piles with Fissures
Paeonia Officinalis is one of the best remedies for painful and bleeding piles associated with anal fissures. The hemorrhoids are extremely sore and tender, with violent pain during and after defecation, often lasting hours. There is oozing of dark blood, accompanied by burning sensation and itching at the anus. The anus feels ulcerated and raw that makes sitting difficult. The patient may also complain of offensive perspiration and general weakness due to blood loss.
When to use Paeonia Officinalis?
Paeonia is prescribed when piles are extremely painful, especially when associated with anal fissures. The pain is cutting, sharp, or burning and may continue for hours after passing stool.
How to Use Paeonia Officinalis?
The use of this medicine is recommended in both high and low potencies. At the outset, one may use its 30C potency once or twice daily. For using high potencies, prior consultation with a homeopath is a must.
10. Sulphur – For Chronic Piles with Intense Burning
Sulphur is indicated in chronic, congested piles, especially if the patient has chronic constipation. The piles burn and itch severely, with a sensation of heat in the rectum, often relieved by cold applications. There may be frequent ineffective urge to pass stool. The stool may be dry and hard stools that are expelled with difficulty. Hemorrhoids may bleed easily. Sulphur is particularly useful in cases of relapse, or when other remedies do not work, and in patients who are heat-loving, untidy, and mentally active.
When to Use Sulphur?
Sulphur is suited for chronic or recurrent piles with intense burning sensation felt and itching at the anus and habitual constipation with dry and hard stool.
How to Use Sulphur?
This medicine is administered in 30C potency one to two times daily for best results.
11. Thuja Occidentalis – For Moist, Oozing Piles
Thuja is useful in moist hemorrhoids, especially when there is burning sensation and smarting after stool. The piles may bleed and ooze offensive moisture. There is a peculiar sensation as if something is sticking or pressing in the rectum. Constipation is common, with painful defecation. Thuja is particularly indicated for patients with a sycotic constitution, a history of suppressed discharges, or complaints following vaccination.
When to Use Thuja Occidentalis?
Thuja Occidentalis is administered in moist, oozing piles, often with fissures and burning pain after stool.
How to Use Thuja Occidentalis?
It can be administered in 30C potency twice or thrice daily depending on the severity of the pain.
Note You may continue these medicines for about 2 to 3 weeks. If symptoms persist, or if you want to continue any of these medicines beyond 3 weeks or enhance potency, it is advised to seek consultation from a qualified homeopath.
Types of Piles: Signs And Symptoms
Piles are of different types according to their location and whether they bleed or not. External piles, internal piles, protruding/prolapsed piles, and blind piles are the most common types. The symptoms of piles depend on the type of piles.
1. External piles are visible on the surface of the skin around the anus and can be seen or felt from the outside. The main symptoms of external piles include painful swelling and hard lumps around the anus. These hemorrhoids irritate, sometimes itching or bleeding.
2. Internal piles lie deep inside the rectum and cannot be felt or seen outside. It is mostly painless since there are no pain receptors in the region where it tends to appear. The only symptom of internal piles is bleeding while straining at the time of passing stool. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus, causing pain and irritation.
3. Protruding or prolapsed piles is a condition when hemorrhoids get pushed out towards the anus when force is applied to pass stools. They look like pink, moist pads of skin. Prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoids tend to hurt since the anus area is dense with pain-sensitive nerves. The typical symptoms of hemorrhoids are mucus discharge, itching and pain.
4. Blind piles refer to hemorrhoids that do not bleed. They feel like protruding masses, usually detectable after passing stools, at the opening of the anus.
5. Mixed/ Interno – External pilesrefers to a condition in which internal as well as external piles appear simultaneously.
6. Thrombosed piles refers to external hemorrhoids in which a blood clot is formed that blocks blood flow resulting in swelling of anal tissue with intense pain.
Causes, Risk Factors That Lead To Piles
Primarily, the swollen veins that are seen in piles develop due to increased pressure in the rectum. This may disintegrate the tissues supporting the anal walls, leading to hemorrhoids. Several factors contributing to this kind of pressure are enlisted below:
1. Irregular Bowel Movements (Constipation is the leading cause of piles): Factors like constipation, overuse of enema or laxatives, straining to pass stool spending too much time on the toilet seat adds to the strain on the rectum and anus, leading to piles. On the other hand, chronic diarrhea may also sometimes be the reason.
2. Diet: Lack of a fiber-rich diet, not enough hydration, excessive intake of alcohol, and consumption of spicy food and junk food are some of the contributing factors.
3. Pregnancy: There is increased pressure on the abdomen and pelvic area during pregnancy, which is a leading cause of piles during pregnancy. In some cases, hemorrhoids develop as a result of childbirth due to excessive pressure on the rectum and anus.
4. Age and Heredity: Other factors like heredity and age too may cause piles due to the weakening of the tissues supporting the rectum and anus.
5. Inactive sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting and lack of exercise or physical activity, and obesity also predispose one to this disease.
6. Portal Hypertension: Portal hypertension refers to a condition where there is an increase in the blood pressure within the veins of the portal venous system. The veins coming from the spleen, stomach, pancreas, and intestines merge into the portal vein that travels through the liver. In case of any complication due to which blood cannot flow properly through the liver, high pressure develops in the portal system. This pressure can cause the development of swollen, large veins in the stomach, esophagus, and rectum. As a result, hemorrhoids may develop in the anal area.
Grading Of Piles
Grade I- No prolapse
Hemorrhoids remain inside the anal canal, they may cause bleeding and pain but they do not protrude.
Grade II- Prolapse but spontaneous receding
Hemorrhoids protrude out during straining, or while passing stool but they recede on their own. These may cause bleeding, discomfort and itching.
Grade III- Prolapsed piles requiring manual receding
Hemorrhoids prolapse during bowel movements and have to be pushed back manually.
Grade IV- Permanently Prolapsed
Piles are permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back; they require significant intervention as they may become thrombosed, ulcerated and extremely painful.
Management and Lifestyle Measures for Piles
Managing piles includes several factors, which when taken into consideration along with homoeopathic treatment can help in relieving symptoms and preventing recurrence.
1. Dietary Changes – Increasing fiber in your diet is essential to manage piles. Include more vegetables, fruits, whole grains such as brown rice, oats to make stools soft and bulky.
2. Water Intake – Drink 2-3 liters of water daily to prevent hard stool and constipation.
3. Limit Processed Foods – Reduce intake of fried food, highly processed foods and heavy meals.
4. Monitoring Bowel Habits- Avoid straining while passing stools, do not delay the urges and don’t sit in the toilet for long periods of time.
5. Physical Activity- Physical activity in your routine such as walking, yoga and swimming helps regulate the bowel habits.
6. Manage Body Weight – Excessive weight can exert pressure on the pelvic veins leading to improper digestion and painful symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is bleeding in piles dangerous?
Bleeding is usually mild and painless, but repeated bleeding can cause weakness or anemia. Persistent or heavy bleeding should always be brought to the knowledge of a physician.
2. Can piles heal on their own?
Early or mild piles may improve with proper diet, good hydration, and avoiding straining. Ongoing or worsening symptoms require treatment.
3. Are piles a lifelong condition?
No. If treatment happens on time, and healthy bowel habits are maintained along with dietary discipline, piles can be curbed and recurrence prevented.
4. Can piles be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most cases, especially early ones, respond well to medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Surgery is needed only in advanced cases.
5. What diet is best in case of piles?
A fiber-rich diet including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and plenty of water helps soften stools. Spicy, junk, and processed foods should be limited.
6. Does sitting for long hours worsen piles?
Yes. Long sitting hours, especially on the toilet seat, increases pressure on anal veins. Regular movement and avoiding long toilet sittings are helpful.
7. Can piles come back after treatment?
Yes, if constipation and poor bowel habits return. A healthy lifestyle greatly reduces the risk of recurrence.
8. When should I consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if there is intense pain, frequent bleeding, swelling, prolapse, or no relief with basic measures.
9. Is a lump near the anus normal in piles?
Yes. Some piles present as a tender or soft lump, which may reduce on its own or need treatment depending on the intensity.
10. Why are piles common during pregnancy?
Yes. Hormonal changes, pressure on pelvic veins, and constipation make piles common in pregnancy. They often improve after delivery.
11. Can piles cause weakness?
Repeated blood loss may lead to anemia, causing weakness and fatigue. Medical advice is important if this occurs.
12. How long does recovery take?
Most patients improve within days to weeks by bringing about lifestyle changes and proper treatment depending on the intensity of the symptoms.