Christine Cheng, R.Ph.
Q: Every time my haemorrhoids flare up, I’m frustrated by the itching and the pain. Is there anything natural I can use to help with the symptoms or even to prevent the flare ups?
A: For some, the underlying cause of haemorrhoidal flare-ups may be diarrhea, constipation, and/or being overweight and the first step would be to address these conditions. Other than the traditional soothing ointments, creams, and suppositories, you can try the oral product, Hemovel ®. The active ingredient in Hemovel® is diosmin, a derivative of a citrus peel extract that has an affinity for blood vessels. It is believed to reduce the dilation of blood vessels in the anal area, therefore decreasing the swelling and likelihood of the blood vessels being damaged and reducing the pain and irritation. Other products that work similarly are Circuvein (by Flora Health) and Venosmart ® (by Lorna Vanderhaeghe). All of these oral products can be taken at a higher dose for flare-ups or on a daily basis for prevention.
