This subject may strike some as offensive, but an attack of hemorrhoids is one of the most common conditions suffered by Americans. Although hemorrhoids are partially hereditary; they can also be caused; and remedied, by things such as diet and toilet habits.

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are those inflamed and widened veins that look like purple skin growths around the anus. This condition tends to run in families, either because they acquire similar personal habits that worsen the problem or they inherit delicate veins.

They can also be caused by allergies, constipation, heavy lifting, improper diet, lack of exercise, liver damage, obesity, pregnancy and prolonged sitting. But most often the problem is constipation.

Symptoms include rectal itching, pain and tenderness, and sometimes bleeding. The most alarming sign of hemorrhoids is bright red blood in the stool, caused by pressure during the bowel movement. The bleeding is usually minor; however, dark, tarry blood could indicate a more severe internal bleeding problem that should be brought to the attention of your doctor immediately.

The best way to treat hemorrhoids is to prevent them from getting started. Here are some natural healing remedies, supplements and herbs for soothing, preventing and maintaining hemorrhoids. Here is to you a healthy bottom.

Natural Healing Remedies

Avoid constipation. Stay regular by consuming about 30 grams of dietary fiber and drinking at least 48 ounces of water per day. Regular exercise also helps prevent constipation.

Strive for soft and easy bowel movements. Take a stool softener. Linseed oil helps to soften stools. Use one or two tablespoons daily.

Do not grunt or hold your breath while defecating. This is just the kind of strain needed to engorge and swell the veins in your rectum.

Ointments containing vitamins A and D or E may be helpful for lubrication and relief of pain. Or use a dab of petroleum jelly on a cotton swab, apply about ½ inch into the rectum.

Vitamin E oil, wheat germ oil or liquid lecithin can be applied to external hemorrhoids. For painful internal hemorrhoids, pierced capsules may be used as suppositories, or an ounce of vitamin E oil or wheat germ oil can be injected into the rectum with a baby syringe.

Aloe vera gel is an extremely effective ointment for persistent pain and itching.

To stop anal itching and "cure" chronic hemorrhoids, stir a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water to sip with each meal. Use another glass of the same mixture for external applications throughout the day.

To reduce irritation and help stop bleeding, wrap a tablespoon of finely chopped raw cranberries in cheesecloth, insert in the painful area, replace after one hour. Or drench a cotton ball with papaya juice and apply the same way.

To reduce pain and swelling, make a suppository from a raw potato or an unpeeled cucumber slice (coated with vitamin E oil, if desired) and insert it overnight.

Clean yourself gently. Toilet paper can be scratchy, find facial tissues coated with moisturizing cream - these offer the most hemorrhoid-friendly wipes on the market. You can also use premoistened baby wipes or toilet tissue dampened with water.

To relieve itching, bleeding and pain, dab the afflicted area with a cotton compress soaked in witch hazel. Witch hazel shrinks external hemorrhoids. This is especially helpful after each bowel movement.

Supplements

Vitamin A - in the form of beta-carotene, 25,000 IU daily to promote healing.

B complex - one comprehensive tablet daily, plus 10 to 50 milligrams of B6 with each meal to improve digestion and reduce stress on the rectum.

Calcium/magnesium - helps blood clotting and prevents cancer of the colon. Take 1,500 milligrams daily with 750 milligrams magnesium.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoid - 1,000 to 5,000 milligrams in divided daily doses to aid healing and strengthen capillaries in the veins near the anus.

Vitamin C promotes healing and blood clotting. Take 3,000 to 5,000 milligrams daily.

Vitamin E is believed to improve circulation, promote normal blood clotting and healing, and help prevent or dissolve blood clots in hemorrhoid varicosities. Take 400 to 800 IU daily.

Vitamin K is good for bleeding hemorrhoids. Food sources are alfalfa, kale and all dark green leafy vegetables.

Herbs

Bilberry - studies have shown this herb to strengthen vein walls and improves circulation. Take 100 milligrams of standard extract three times a day.

Blackberries - this herb’s astringent nature may help explain its traditional use as a hemorrhoid remedy. Soak a clean cloth in a tincture or strong infusion and apply it externally.

Flaxseed oil, rose hips, slippery elm or white oak bark teas can be sipped every 4 hours, applied externally or injected into the rectum - 2 tablespoons at a time with a baby syringe.

Goldenseal, gotu kola or yarrow teas can be used as external poultices to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

Horse chestnut - studies have focused on this herb’s effectiveness in relieving varicose leg veins. The herbs vein strengthening action was first described as a treatment for hemorrhoids. Pregnant women should not take this herb.

Hyssop - contains a compound that helps strengthen veins.

Mullein - this herb contains astringent tannins, which are widely used to treat hemorrhoids. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Its mucilage properties soothes hemorrhoids.

Psyllium - softens stool and can bring relief from the pain and bleeding.

Stoneroot (Collinsonia Canadensis) - believed to strengthen hemorrhoidal veins when two capsules are taken between meals twice daily during acute attacks. Once a day for maintenance.