Chronic Hemorrhoids? TCM Can Help You Ease the Pain
Targeted treatments and dietary adjustments can help recovery from the debilitating symptoms of hemorrhoids.Health ViewpointsHemorrhoids are a common, yet often embarrassing, issue that many suffer, significantly impacting their quality of life. Symptoms include pain during bowel movements, bleeding, and even a sensation of a foreign body in the rectum. However, hemorrhoids aren’t as scary as they seem. With the right approach, you can alleviate the discomfort and may eliminate the problem.Targeted TreatmentMr. Li, 45, had suffered from chronic constipation. After a spicy meal, he experienced severe anal swelling, unbearable pain, and noticeable bleeding. We prescribed him a simple herbal steam treatment. By the next day, his pain had eased, and within five days, the bleeding and swelling had nearly disappeared.1. Herbal Steam Treatment Recipe20 grams mugwort leaves30 grams purslane15 grams bitter bamboo shootsInstructions:1. Rinse mugwort leaves, purslane, and bamboo shoots thoroughly 2. Place ingredients in a pot with 1500 ml water 3. Bring to a boil until the liquid reduces to 1000 ml 4. Pour the herbal liquid into a basin 5. Use the steam to treat the anal area. Once the water cools to a comfortable temperature, soak the area for 15 minutes.Treat once a day for five consecutive days.The steam treatment quickly relieves pain and itching, clears heat, detoxifies, and improves blood circulation around the anal area. It effectively reduces inflammation and alleviates discomfort.Mugwort, often referred to as the “longevity herb” in Asian countries, has been widely used for over 2,000 years in medicine, food, bathing, moxibustion (a TCM heat therapy), and steaming therapies. Traditionally, it is a vital hemostatic agent. Modern applications focus on mugwort essential oil, which boasts antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.Purslane is known for its broad pharmacological benefits, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects.Bitter bamboo shoots also provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, making them a valuable addition to traditional remedies.2. Modified Huai Jiao Wan FormulaMs. Zhang, 38, often worked late nights and was fond of spicy foods. Over time, she began experiencing anal pain and noticeable bleeding during bowel movements. We recommended a modified Huai Jiao Wan formula to help regulate her condition while advising her to adopt healthier eating habits. After one week, her bleeding stopped, her pain reduced significantly, and her overall energy levels improved.This formula is particularly effective for hemorrhoids caused by damp-heat, which are characterized by bright red bleeding and a burning sensation in the anal area.Related Stories10/26/202312/22/2023Ingredients12 grams Pagoda tree flowers15 grams great burnet10 grams Baikal skullcap10 grams Chinese angelica root (dang gui)12 grams raw rehmannia root (sheng di):10 grams bitter orange (zhi ke):InstructionsSoak herbs in water for 30 minutes to prevent enzymatic degradation.Drain and place in a pot. Add water to cover the herbs by 3–5 cm.Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes. Transfer liquid into a bowl.Make a second decoction: add water to cover the same herbs by 1–2 cm. Bring to a boil again, then simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes.Strain out the residue and combine the liquid from both decoctions. Drink twice a day, after breakfast and dinner.The principle behind this formula is to cool the blood, stop bleeding, promote blood circulation, and resolve blood stasis, specifically targeting hemorrhoids caused by damp-heat accumulation in the lower body.Pagoda tree flowers (huai hua): Widely used in China to treat hemorrhoids, bloody stools, hematuria, and uterine or intestinal bleeding.Great burnet (di yu): Traditionally used for wound healing, cooling the blood, and clearing heat. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.Baical skullcap (huang qin): A staple in TCM known for clearing heat, drying dampness, and detoxifying the body. It contains flavonoids like baicalin, which have anticancer, liver-protective, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.This formula is designed specifically for hemorrhoids caused by damp-heat constipation. For other causes, different TCM formulas are required. It’s crucial to identify the exact cause, location, nature of the illness, and overall body condition. Always consult a qualified doctor for tailored treatment.TCM Perspective on the Causes of HemorrhoidsIn TCM, hemorrhoids are viewed as a manifestation of imbalances within the body. The primary causes are related to the following factors:1. Damp-Heat AccumulationFrequently consumption of spicy foods or alcohol can lead to the accumulation of damp-heat in the lower body, especially in the rectum and anus. This can result in swelling and bleeding during bowel

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Targeted treatments and dietary adjustments can help recovery from the debilitating symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Health Viewpoints
Targeted Treatment
Mr. Li, 45, had suffered from chronic constipation. After a spicy meal, he experienced severe anal swelling, unbearable pain, and noticeable bleeding. We prescribed him a simple herbal steam treatment. By the next day, his pain had eased, and within five days, the bleeding and swelling had nearly disappeared.1. Herbal Steam Treatment Recipe
- 20 grams mugwort leaves
- 30 grams purslane
- 15 grams bitter bamboo shoots
1. Rinse mugwort leaves, purslane, and bamboo shoots thoroughly 2. Place ingredients in a pot with 1500 ml water 3. Bring to a boil until the liquid reduces to 1000 ml 4. Pour the herbal liquid into a basin 5. Use the steam to treat the anal area. Once the water cools to a comfortable temperature, soak the area for 15 minutes.
Treat once a day for five consecutive days.
- Mugwort, often referred to as the “longevity herb” in Asian countries, has been widely used for over 2,000 years in medicine, food, bathing, moxibustion (a TCM heat therapy), and steaming therapies. Traditionally, it is a vital hemostatic agent. Modern applications focus on mugwort essential oil, which boasts antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
- Purslane is known for its broad pharmacological benefits, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects.
- Bitter bamboo shoots also provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, making them a valuable addition to traditional remedies.
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2. Modified Huai Jiao Wan Formula
Ms. Zhang, 38, often worked late nights and was fond of spicy foods. Over time, she began experiencing anal pain and noticeable bleeding during bowel movements. We recommended a modified Huai Jiao Wan formula to help regulate her condition while advising her to adopt healthier eating habits. After one week, her bleeding stopped, her pain reduced significantly, and her overall energy levels improved.This formula is particularly effective for hemorrhoids caused by damp-heat, which are characterized by bright red bleeding and a burning sensation in the anal area.
- 12 grams Pagoda tree flowers
- 15 grams great burnet
- 10 grams Baikal skullcap
- 10 grams Chinese angelica root (dang gui)
- 12 grams raw rehmannia root (sheng di):
- 10 grams bitter orange (zhi ke):
- Soak herbs in water for 30 minutes to prevent enzymatic degradation.
- Drain and place in a pot. Add water to cover the herbs by 3–5 cm.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes. Transfer liquid into a bowl.
- Make a second decoction: add water to cover the same herbs by 1–2 cm. Bring to a boil again, then simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain out the residue and combine the liquid from both decoctions. Drink twice a day, after breakfast and dinner.
- Pagoda tree flowers (huai hua): Widely used in China to treat hemorrhoids, bloody stools, hematuria, and uterine or intestinal bleeding.
- Great burnet (di yu): Traditionally used for wound healing, cooling the blood, and clearing heat. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Baical skullcap (huang qin): A staple in TCM known for clearing heat, drying dampness, and detoxifying the body. It contains flavonoids like baicalin, which have anticancer, liver-protective, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.
TCM Perspective on the Causes of Hemorrhoids
In TCM, hemorrhoids are viewed as a manifestation of imbalances within the body. The primary causes are related to the following factors:1. Damp-Heat Accumulation
Frequently consumption of spicy foods or alcohol can lead to the accumulation of damp-heat in the lower body, especially in the rectum and anus. This can result in swelling and bleeding during bowel movements.2. Qi Deficiency and Rectal Prolapse
Chronic straining during bowel movements can lead to fatigue in the anal muscles and insufficient qi and blood flow. In TCM, qi refers to the body’s vital energy, which drives bodily functions and supports the organs, while blood nourishes and moistens the body.According to TCM, qi has the ability to hold blood in place. When qi is deficient, it weakens the muscles and blood vessels around the anus, making it more likely for hemorrhoids to protrude.
3. Blood Stasis and Poor Circulation
Long periods of sitting, constipation, or excessive straining during bowel movements can impair blood circulation around the anus. This leads to venous congestion, similar to a blockage, and over time, can result in the formation of hemorrhoids.Dietary Adjustments
Diet plays a crucial role in managing hemorrhoids. Here are two simple recipes that can help lubricate the intestines and promote bowel movements:1. Banana Honey Water
Ingredients- 1 ripe banana
- 1 spoon honey
- Warm water
Mash banana and mix with honey in warm water. Drink a cup every morning.
2. Black Sesame Porridge
Ingredients30 grams black sesame seeds
50 grams glutinous rice
Instructions
Rinse black sesame seeds and glutinous rice. Cook together to make porridge. Eat once a day.
This porridge nourishes the body and enhances energy, vitality, and overall well-being.
Additionally, try to keep your diet light, incorporating more leafy greens and foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oats, celery, and sweet potatoes.
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Preventing Recurrence
After treating hemorrhoids, the key to preventing recurrence lies in adjusting daily habits:1. Regular Bowel Movements
Develop a habit of going to the bathroom at the same time every day. Try to keep bowel movements under five minutes—avoid straining. Don’t use your phone during this time.2. Avoid Prolonged Sitting
If your job requires long periods of sitting, stand up and move around for 5 minutes every hour. You can also do pelvic floor exercises: Contract your anal muscles for 10 seconds, then relax for 30 seconds. Repeat three sets a day to strengthen the muscles around your anus.3. Keep the Anus Clean
Wash your anus with warm water daily, especially after bowel movements, to prevent bacterial infections.4. Eat Light
Avoid spicy foods.Note: While some herbs mentioned above may be unfamiliar, many can be found in health or Asian grocery stores. Since each person’s body is unique, it’s important to consult a professional doctor for a specific treatment plan.
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