GI Care (Hemorrhoids)

Hemorrhoids: internal or external, with or without swelling, inflammation or bleeding

• Anti-inflammatory effect to reduce the swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoid tissues
• Hemostatic effect to stop rectal bleeding
• Mild laxative effect to relieve constipation
  

• This formula is contraindicated during pregnancy.
• Individuals with bleeding hemorrhoids should not take drugs with anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects, such as aspirin, Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen). These drugs may cause more bleeding.
• This herbal formula contains herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis). Therefore, patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should use this formula with caution, or not at all, as there may be a higher risk of bleeding and bruising.
  

• It is very beneficial to eat foods that are high in fiber to ensure regular bowel movements, such as wheat bran, fresh fruits, and nearly all vegetables. A diet high in fiber is
  one of the most important factors for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids.
• It is important to make sure the diet contains an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals, as many of them are essential for blood clotting and coagulation. Vitamins and
  minerals that are especially important are vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.
• Advise the patient to increase water intake.
• A folk remedy that may be helpful in treating hemorrhoids involves eating one fresh cucumber (not peeled with ends removed) each morning and evening.
• Another folk remedy states to eat two to three pieces of banana (the riper the better) with wild honey daily. Treatment course is 30 to 50 days.
• Foods that should be avoided include fats, animal products, coffee, alcohol, pepper, mustard, and things that are spicy or pungent. These foods are generally harder to digest, and are more likely to irritate the digestive system. Alcohol consumption may worsen the pain and cause further bleeding.
• Warm and hot natured foods that damage qi and yin should be avoided, such as:
  certain fruits like mango and durian that produce heat.
  stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks.
  spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables such as pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, funnel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, and wasabi.
• Avoid food and drinks with artificial coloring.
• Consume as few meat products as possible. Do not eat processed meats, such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages, as they contain nitrites that are associated with inflammation and chronic disease.
• It is important to maintain normal and soft bowel movements on a regular basis, as straining during bowel movement will often worsen hemorrhoids. Empty the bowels as
  soon as the urge to defecate occurs to avoid unnecessary straining. Bowel movements should take no more than three to five minutes. Refrain from reading on the toilet.
• Avoid excessive wiping after a bowel movement. Avoid using rough toilet paper, since it may cause more irritation and bleeding. Use soft and moist toilet paper or baby wipes.
• Regular walking helps to stimulate peristalsis and promote normal bowel movements.
• Soak in a sitz bath with hot water for 20 minutes each night to focus blood circulation in the area of the anus. This helps clear the blue, ballooned veins. It also helps disperse the blood clots that cause the firm, tender mass in the anal area.
• Prolonged sitting or standing is not recommended as it may aggravate the condition. Rest face down on a bed whenever possible in times of flare-ups.
• Sit on soft cushions or surfaces whenever possible. Avoid sitting on hard surfaces, which increases pressure upon the hemorrhoidal blood vessels and tissues. Also, when it is necessary to sit for a long period of time, always try to leave the seat for five minutes each hour or shift the buttocks often from side to side to help relieve the constant rectal pressure.
• Patients should learn to exhale and not hold their breath when straining or lifting heavy objects.
  
  

Take 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water.

• Cortex Ailanthi
• Radix Angelicae Sinensis
• Radix Sanguisorbae Carbonisatum
• Fructus Chebulae
• Flos Sophorae Carbonisatum
• Radix Scutellariae
• Flos Lonicerae Japonicae
• Fructus Forsythiae
• Herba Taraxaci
• Galla Chinensis
• Herba Agrimoniae
• Semen Pruni)