Dr. Henry Cheng
Humans stand on two legs and assume an upright posture as compared to the horizontal position in 4-legged animals. They pay a price for this. Due to the accumulated hydrostatic pressure in the lower parts of the body, humans develop dilated veins in their lower legs and in the lower bowel. Dilated veins in the legs are called varicose veins. Those in the rectum are Haemorrhoids. An individual would be more prone to haemorrhoids if the wall of their veins loses its normal supporting connective tissues and elasticity and whenever there is increase in abdominal pressure as in obesity, pregnancy, straining during weight lifting or constipation. There is also a familial predisposition. When dilated veins are inside the rectum they are called internal haemorrhoids. When they protrude outside the anus they are called external haemorrhoids. External haemorrhoids should be reduced (pushed back into the rectum) as soon as they protrude outside the anus with the help of ointments. When they become permanently irreducible surgery may be needed to preventcomplication of strangulation, clotting and infection. Because the walls of these vessels are weakened, they bleed easily sometimes without provocation. Due to poor circulation, the blood inside haemorrhoids sometimes clots(thrombosis) and causes severe pain. Early cases may be totally asymptomatic or there may be a sensation of fullness and a perpetual urge to defaecate. A high fibre diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise, adequate sleep and effective stress management all help to curb the development of haemorrhoids. NutraCleanse is a very useful daily fibre supplement to ensure the bowel opens every day. Hot spicy foods, deep fried foods, alcohol, smoking, chocolate, coffee, chips and nuts all aggravate haemorrhoids. So would prolonged standing or squatting.
​ Nux Vomica is the classical homeopathic remedy for haemorrhoids. A few doses of Nux Vomica 30CH always bring benefits within a few days. Phosphorus 30C can be used to stop bleeding. I have designed an internalhomeopathic formula called Haemorrhoid Mix containingRatanhia 6C, Hamamelis 6C, 30 C, Aesculus 6C, 30 C, Aloe 6C, 30C, Arnica 6C, Eupatorium 6C, Ruta 6C, NuxVomica 5C, Cuprum 6C and Phosphorus 6C. These ingredients may reduce the pain, itchiness, heat and spasm.It will also improve the basic pathology in the circulation, bowel motility and vessel wall weakness. Heel makes a complex called Aesculus Compositum. Boiron makesAvenoc suppositories for haemorrhoids that are very effective for topical shrinking of the dilated veins. An ointment called Double Heart Salve is an herbal ointment that had been used for many years by my clients.
Herbal supplements like various bioflavonoids, hesperidin, witch hazel, butcher’s broom, horse chestnut are known to benefit haemorrhoids. According to my clinical experience the most effective protocol is an internalhomeopathic mixture used in conjunction with a haemorrhoidal ointment and/or suppository.
Henry Cheng is a medical graduate of the University of London, England and is now Natural Health Products Consultant at Pharmasave Downtown Cloverdale.
