AESCULUS OINTMENT - 25 GM

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels that are found inside or around the rectum and anus. It can cause symptoms ranging from minimal discomfort or inconvenience to excruciating pain and significant psychosocial implications.

It results from an increased pressure gradient within the hemorrhoids plexus due to increased intra-abdominal pressure while prolonged straining during defecation or during pregnancy and labor. It is one of the most common causes of rectal bleeding.

Causes and Risk Factors

Exact cause is unknown but certain risk factors are known to play a role, theseinclude - a family history of hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea or constipation, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, lack of exercise, low fibre diet, increased intra-abdominal pressure, inflammatory bowel disease, high socioeconomic status, aging, etc.

Signs and Symptoms

In about 40% cases of pathological hemorrhoids there are no significant symptoms. Typical symptoms associated with hemorrhoids are pain, bleeding, pruritus, burning and swelling. On examination, skin tags, fistula or fissure, prolapsed or thrombosed hemorrhoids and blood can be found.

Internal hemorrhoids often result in painless, bright red rectal bleeding during or after defecation. Blood usually covers the stool, called hematochezia, is on the toilet paper or drips into the toilet bowl. Stool is normal coloured. There may be an associated mucous discharge, perianal mass, itchiness and fecal incontinence.

External hemorrhoids, when thrombosed, often result in pain and swelling in the area of the anus which resolves in 2-3 days. It can also cause itching in the surrounding anal region.

Diagnosis

Hemorrhoids are diagnosed with the help of a physical examination. External hemorrhoids occur below the dentate line. Internal hemorrhoids originate above the pectinate line and are classified into four grades on the basis of degree of prolapse.

Management

Management focuses on avoiding constipation by an increased intake of dietary fibre, increased water intake, spending less time attempting to defecate, and more physical activity.

Action of Ingredients:

Aesculus hippocastanum: Aescin, anti inflammatory in nature is the active component of Aesculushippocastanum, the horse chestnut, has been used traditionally to treat haemorrhoids,

The hemorrhoidal tumours project from the rectum. They are of a bluish-purple color, and are accompanied with sharp, shooting, cutting pains and severe aching in the sacral region. Soreness, burning, itching, raw feeling, and fullness at anus. Several large piles which seem to block up the rectum, with little or no bleeding, great sufferingand constipation.

Hamamelis virginica: Hamamelis virginica (Witch Hazel) extract, high in tannins and volatile oils, has traditionally be used primarily for its astringent, anti-inflammatory and local haemostatic effects. This remedy is indicated where there is a venous congestion, passive venoushaemorrhage, varicose veins, or hemorrhoids when there is a soreness of the affected part, as if contused. Hemorrhoids, that bleed profusely, are sore and painful, and attended with burning, fullness and heaviness, as if the back would break.

Hydrastis canadensis: It is used as a topical antimicrobial.The medical properties come from alkaloids hydrastine, berberine and canadine. Associated with constipation there may be a prolapse of the rectum in children, with superficial ulcers of the mucous membrane and fissure about the anus that are dependent upon inertia or congestion of the lower bowel, or when it is the result of sedentary habits or purgative medicines.

Viburnum prunifolium: This remedy is indicated in cases where fragile skin capillaries are damaged, such as tiny haemorrhages just below the surface of the skin, as well as bruising and haemorrhoids.

References:

1. Materia Medica by Boericke
2. Nature's Materia Medica by Robin Murphy, MD
3. A Manual Of Materia Medica, Therapeutics And Pharmacology By Blackwood, Alexander Leslie