They are very common and are usually caused by constipation, a low-fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, or pregnancy. The most important interventions for hemorrhoids aim at reversing their causes. Adopting a high-fiber diet, sitting down less, getting plenty of exercise, and maintaining regular bowel habits can make a significant difference.
Medical treatment consists mainly of stool softeners and moist heat.
In more severe cases, surgical procedures may be used. Besides the treatments described in this section, the natural treatments used for varicose veins are also often recommended for hemorrhoids because a hemorrhoid is actually a special kind of varicose vein. These include horse chestnut , OPCs , gotu kola , butcher's broom , and bilberry . Bioflavonoids Bioflavonoids are colorful substances that occur widely in the plant kingdom. These naturally occurring substances are considered very safe, as shown by the fact that researchers felt comfortable giving them to pregnant women.