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Title: Hemorrhoids
Categories: Info
Yield: 1 Formula
| ST. JOHN'S WORT SALVE | ||
| 1 | pt | St. John's wort FLOWER |
| 1 | pt | Comfrey leaf |
| 1 | pt | Calendula flowers |
| Beeswax | ||
Many of the suggestions listed in the Varicose Veins section are also effective in treating hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids, after all, are just another form of varicose veins. In addition to the suggestions above and below, do Kegel exercises daily. These not only help prevent hemorrhoids, but also help heal them once they've formed.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HEMORRHOIDS
ù One of the most effective salves I know of for hemorrhoids is the comfrey/St. John's wort (wort is the Old English word for herb) salve below. Keep it in the refrigerator (the cold temperature helps constrict the veins) and apply it two or three times daily.
S T . J O H N ' S W O R T S A L V E This is an excellent, all-purpose salve that is especially beneficial for rashes, cuts, wounds, and diaper rash. After I first made this salve, I was so pleased with the results that I have been making it ever since. I still haven't found another formula more effective as an all-purpose salve.
First of all, place dried herbs (or fresh ones, wilted on the counter overnight to get rid of excess moisture) into a glass jar. Fill it about 2/3 full of herbs. Pour on enough extra virgin olive oil over them to cover them completely. Add another 2 or 3 inches of oil. Cover tightly. Place the jar in a warm, sunny window or in a sandbox to attract even greater heat. A porch or balcony is also an excellent spot. The yellow flowers of St. John's wort turn the oil a beautiful red color. Let the mixture infuse for 2 weeks. Then strain the herbs out using a strainer lined with fine cheesecloth. Return oil to original jar and place in saucepan with an inch or two of water in it. For each cup of finished oil, add about ¬ cup grated beeswax. Heat over very low heat until beeswax is completely melted. Check for proper firmness by placing one tablespoon of the mixture into the freezer for a minute or two. Test the firmness and adjust if necessary. If you want a harder salve, add more wax. For a softer salve, add more oil. When you're satisfied with the consistency, remove from heat and immediately pour into small jars or tins. Store in a cool, dark place. It will last for months. You may keep it in the fridge to preserve it for a longer time.
ù Cold compresses also constrict the blood vessels and will aid in disengorging the hemorrhoidal veins. The witch hazel extract available in most pharmacies makes an excellent compress for constricting and shrinking the veins. It is best if kept in the refrigerator. Moisten cotton cloths with the extract and apply as a compress. It may feel a bit shocking to apply a cold compress to the highly sensitive anal area, but cold compresses constrict enlarged and engorged blood vessels and are effective in healing hemorrhoids. ù If the hemorrhoids are quite enlarged and painful, apply a comfrey/St. John's wort poultice to the area and leave on for one hour. Use fresh or dried herbs and make into a paste with cold water. Wrap the herbs in cheesecloth or muslin and apply directly to the hemorrhoids. Sit in a comfortable chair and read a good book while the poultice dose its work. ù Another poultice I've found to be quite helpful for hemorrhoids is green clay. Mix the clay with water and/or witch hazel extract into a paste and apply directly to the hemorrhoids. Leave the poultice on until it is completely dry. Though a bit messy, it works. After all, dealing with a bit of flaky green clay is a whole let better than having sore and swollen veins. To remove the clay poultice, soak in the tub or take a shower.
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