Hemorrhoids
Health Benefits

Yarrow for Hemorrhoids: Natural Relief and Benefits

| Modified on Oct 11, 2024
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a versatile herb known for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating wounds, reducing inflammation, and stopping bleeding. Traditionally used in herbal medicine, yarrow has been employed to alleviate a variety of ailments, including hemorrhoids. This article explores how yarrow can help manage hemorrhoid symptoms, providing natural relief and promoting healing.

What is Yarrow?

Yarrow is a perennial herb found in temperate regions around the world. It is characterized by its feathery leaves and clusters of small, white flowers. The herb has a long history of use in herbal medicine, valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic properties. These qualities make yarrow an effective remedy for skin and vascular conditions, including hemorrhoids.

Benefits of Yarrow for Hemorrhoids

Yarrow offers several benefits that can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms:

  1. Reduces Inflammation: Yarrow contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce swelling and discomfort in hemorrhoidal tissues, providing relief from pain and irritation.
  2. Stops Bleeding: Yarrow's astringent properties can help constrict blood vessels, which may stop minor bleeding associated with hemorrhoids and promote healing.
  3. Promotes Healing: The herb's antiseptic properties help prevent infection and support the body's natural healing processes, aiding in the recovery of damaged tissues.

How to Use Yarrow for Hemorrhoids

Yarrow can be used in various forms to treat hemorrhoids:

  • Topical Application: Yarrow can be applied topically as a poultice or ointment. To make a poultice, crush fresh yarrow leaves and flowers and apply them directly to the hemorrhoids. Alternatively, yarrow ointments or salves can be purchased and applied as directed.
  • Yarrow Tea: Yarrow tea can be consumed or used as a sitz bath. To make the tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried yarrow in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. For a sitz bath, add the tea to warm bath water and soak the affected area for 15-20 minutes.

Precautions and Considerations

While yarrow is generally considered safe, it should be used with caution, especially for individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed or daisies). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using yarrow, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. It is also important to use yarrow in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal remedy, particularly if you are taking medications or have existing health conditions.

In conclusion, yarrow is a beneficial herb for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and healing properties can provide relief from discomfort and support overall healing.

Continue reading for feedback from our readers who have tried this natural remedy!


2 User Reviews


Posted by Guinnevtra (Tennessee, US) on 10/15/2014
★★★★★

I have been experimenting with the yarrow recipe, and have used coconut oil as a carrier for the yarrow, and it has improved so much! I apply the balm after every B.M., after cleansing, and I can live without pain! I do the same thing to the yarrow as before, without the water, then add it to a clear container with the melted coconut oil and put it in a hot sunny window until the coconut oil turns green. Then I strain out most of the yarrow and pour it into a smaller opaque container and keep it in the fridge until it has re-solidified. This really works.

I have heard a lot of benefits using Vitamin E liquid, but we are on a very tight budget- really, really tight- and cannot spend any money. Thankfully I have been growing medicinal herbs, and harvesting some from the yard.


Yarrow
Posted by Guinnevtra (Memphis, TN) on 10/10/2014
★★★★☆

I have had incredible pain with my hemorroids for a long time, since I gave birth to my six year old. Of course they always seemed better every time I arrived at my doc's office. I have tried ACV, but CANNOT stomach it without throwing up violently immediately afterwards, and it stings horribly if I apply it topically to my hemorroids. I have tried witch hazel, which has worked temporarily, for only about twenty minutes or so before the pain has come back. I am currently an Alt. Med. student, and have poured through my books looking for ANYTHING that may help, and a cold compress of Yarrow ground in a mortar and pestle with a tiny bit of water has helped with the pain and inflammation a lot! I lay down with the compress applied for about 20 minutes, and it eases the inflammation, stops the bleeding, and eases the pain exponentially! I can actually make a bowel movement afterwards!! I keep excess fluid from the mixture in a container in the fridge to dab at my hemorroids after bowel movements, and to keep it moist, which helps a lot. Yarrow also kills bacteria, which may cause an infection if you have a bleeding wound on your hemm. I hope that this helps someone. But remember, it is not a cure, it helps treat your symptoms. Once you have a hemorroid, it never goes away, it just shrinks and stops causing problems. You may not see it and it may not hurt, but it is still there.

Replied by Prioris
(Florida, US)
10/10/2014

Potassium brings relief to me. What have you tried?

Replied by Guinnevtra
(Memphis, US)
10/11/2014

I have been taking potassium for a long time, I have very low blood pressure and one of my teachers had mentioned that it helps with that. I don't really see any difference using potassium. It is painful enough that I may visit my doc again. I really rather not, but TN has laws about ND's, and they can't practice here.

Replied by Just Me
(Western Usa)
10/14/2014

I read on doctoryourself.com that vitamin E oil applied topically helps hemorroids. Other sites have recommended wheat germ oil or coconut oil topically. All have helped me