Sipping Tea to Fight Hemorrhoids

Medically reviewed by: Gary H. Hoffman, MD

When you sit down after a long day to enjoy a cup of piping hot tea, you might not be thinking about what the herbal blend could be doing for your derriere. However, having a brew of herbal tea could actually improve your bowel habits, potentially even reducing your risk of hemorrhoid complications. In Hollywood and Beverly Hills, this means that an afternoon of enjoying the beautiful California sunshine with a cup of tea in hand could reduce the nagging itch of hemorrhoids down below.

Hemorrhoids are swollen, twisted blood vessels that develop in or around the anus. They are often painful and cause itching, mild bleeding and general discomfort when sitting or standing. There are several treatments that are successful at eliminating hemorrhoids, but those only help after hemorrhoids have developed. Even after getting treatment for hemorrhoids it is wise to incorporate positive digestive health habits into your regular routine to reduce the strain on your bowels and diminish your risk of developing hemorrhoids again in the future.

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Tea and Hemorrhoids

While tea is not classified as a medical treatment for hemorrhoids, it can be a valuable supplement to your current hemorrhoids treatment plan. Certain forms of tea can reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids by softening stools, soothing irritation and reducing inflammation in the intestines. Teas can help you become more regular, strain less during bowel movements and even enhance blood circulation.

Here are a few types of herbs that you will want in your herbal tea blend to fight hemorrhoids:

  • Butchers Broom: This herb is also known as box holly, pettigree or sweet broom. It is a dark green plant with small red berries. The roots of this plant offer anti-inflammatory benefits and can be used to make tea.
  • Mullein: This is a European herb that is also very prominent in Asia. There are several different species of the plant, the most common of which grows tall with small yellow flowers. Tea can be made from dried mullein leaves and flower petals. The herb has tannins that are credited with helping wounds heal.
  • Dandelion: Though regarded as more of a weed in the United States, dandelion roots can be used to make tea. Dandelion has cleansing properties that are said to stimulate the production of bile to aid in digestion.

In addition to being used in tea, mullein and butchers broom can be applied topically. While these herbal supplements will not correct hemorrhoids, they can improve your digestion and help to reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids again in the future. If your problems persist then you should consult your Los Angeles proctologist immediately.