Witch Hazel For Piles: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Piles are a nightmare till they are not treated and you have to go through the hell path of itching, pain, inflammation due to those flare-ups. Desperate times can also be eased up by ordinary methods sometimes as per the modern notion. Many natural remedies prove to be miraculously amazing in treating piles and preventing their recurrence. Thus, let’s discuss one such natural remedy which goes by the name of witch hazel. 

It is a long used traditional medicine and is usually applied topically for aiding and curing many skin conditions. Here, we will discuss the benefits, side effects and dosage of witch hazel in the context of piles.

What is witch hazel?

It’s a natural remedy obtained from the bark and leaves of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana. It has astringent effects because it contains a natural compound which contains tannins. It helps to constrict the skin tissues due to its astringent property. 

How can witch hazel treat piles?

Witch hazel is known to treat the symptoms of piles and aid in the healing process. These are the ways how witch hazel is helpful in treating piles:

• Reduces inflammation: Witch hazel has several anti-inflammatory properties and also anti-viral properties which are known to treat a variety of conditions like skin problems, scalp sensitivity and piles. Gallic acids and tannins present in it play a very important role in taming inflammation of piles. 
• Dries out the affected area: Due to its astringent properties, it enhances the process of healing the piles or the bleeding piles. 
• Controls swelling: Due to the antioxidants present in witch hazel, the swollen lymph nodes and free radicals are controlled. The widespread of these may cause more infection and diseases in your body.
• Reduces irritation: Talking about piles, we cannot ignore the itchiness, irritation and redness that is caused due to infection. Witch hazel can help to reduce that as it has the properties to treat broken or irritated skin. A study showed that it is capable of treating erythema, which is a skin condition leading to reddening of the skin due to injury or irritation.

Other benefits and usage of witch hazel are as follows

• Heals skin troubles such as acne, patchy skin, open pores problems and a great skin cleanser.
• Cools burning sensation due to burns, irritation or bruise on the skin. 
• Can treat cold and sore throat because of its ability to decrease inflammation and act as an astringent. It can decrease swelling, pain and dry excess mucus.
• Can help treat symptoms of cancer, tumours, diarrhoea, and tuberculosis.

Possible side effects of witch hazel

If consumed in concentrated quantity, unknowingly or more than required dosage, witch hazel can come up showing several side effects internally or over your skin. These may be:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Liver damage
• Constipation (Also Read: Home Remedies To Cure Constipation) 

What quantity of dosage is the safe quantity?

For piles, you can apply witch hazel with a cotton pad on the affected area in its diluted form. You can also apply it topically in the form of ointment. But, it is best to test it over your skin first. You can do that by applying a small quantity of ointment or witch hazel’s natural extract’s small portion on the skin so you can clearly identify if it suits your skin or not.

You can apply the ointment several times a day. Witch hazel water is also recommended to be used after every bowel movement.

It is best if you use not more than 15-20 ml of witch hazel if you want to orally ingest it. More than this quantity (i.e. 3-4 spoons) can cause side effects like vomiting, nausea, constipation. 

You can also use it naturally on the skin in the quantity of 5-10 grams of leaf and bark simmered in 250 ml of water. Best suggested to be used in diluted form. You should immediately discuss it with your doctor in case you observe any skin irritation or stomach irritation after the dosage. And it is always safe to go for small dosage initially.

Take Away

These were some benefits, side effects and dosage related insights of witch hazel for piles. You can get witch hazel from any drugstore, natural food stores and even some grocery stores. They are  easily available online too. It is mostly available in distilled liquid form, but nowadays you can also find it in the form of gentle medicated pads and ointments. Hence, easy and handy usage to treat piles. You can look for alcohol-free formulas to avoid any risk of skin irritation.

But you should always test anything like that on yourself with a very small quantity and see if you observe any kind of side effect or irritation on the skin. This is the safest way to test the credibility of anything against your body’s nature as you never know what elements can contradict or react to you. So, always seek the advice of a physician if you look forward to treating piles. Ignoring piles may lead to a prolonged problem that further requires surgery. 

Visit our website to book an appointment or get online consultation for piles-related problems. Pristyn Care is happy to serve you.

Also Read: Piles and Related Myths

Also Read: How do piles look like at different stages