List of Herbal Teas for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be a painful and irritating condition to suffer from. However, it is very rarely a serious condition. Hemorrhoids are defined as swollen veins that are in the anal canal. You can have internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, or both at the same time. They can be caused by several different things including pregnancy, constipation, diarrhea, and being obese or overweight. Taking sitz baths using water and herbal tea is one way to treat and soothe hemorrhoids. In particular, herbal teas that contain tannin are touted as being excellent for use in sitz baths. The reason that herbal teas that contain tannin are healing for the area is that they are astringent, which helps to firm up tissue in the area.
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Black Tea
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The majority of black tea is high in tannins. The variations include Earl Grey tea, English breakfast tea, and the standard Lipton black tea. In addition, black tea is readily available in most stores and is inexpensive. Black tea can be brewed as if you were going to drink it. Add it to the sitz bath water and soak in it for a minimum of 30 minutes daily to help heal hemorrhoids.
Witch Hazel
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Witch hazel tea is renowned for its astringent benefits. In addition, it is recommended as helpful in healing hemorrhoids when applied externally. Not only that, but it can reduce swelling to the area, which can make hemorrhoids less painful while they are healing. To use it for this purpose, add 1 tsp. of the witch hazel leaves and bark into approximately 1 pint of boiling water. Reduce the heat and allow this mixture to simmer for about 45 minutes. Allow it to cool and then add it to your sitz bath. Soak in it for as long as you like.
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Comfrey
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Comfrey tea is commonly used in alternative medicine for physical maladies. It contains tannins, which are beneficial in treating hemorrhoids, but also healing properties such as allantoin. When comfrey tea is used externally, such as when added to a sitz bath, it heals cuts, wounds and hemorrhoids. To use it externally, just brew the tea as you would if you were drinking it. If you're unsure, follow the instructions that came with the tea. Add the brewed tea to the sitz bath and soak in it for as long as you desire.
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- Photo Credit blue cup and tea from a blue tea-pot image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
