Medically reviewed by Dr Godmi Tresa
An anal fissure is a common problem that most people encounter. Even though anal fissure is not a dangerous condition, it can be painful, irritating, and adversely affecting your quality of life. Being one of the leading causes of anal pain and bleeding with bowel movements, you can treat anal fissures effectively by adopting a natural approach. There is a growing interest in herbal remedies as alternatives to conventional treatment methods, and this blog will help you explore the various benefits of herbal supplements in healing anal fissures.
So, why is there growing interest in herbal remedies as alternatives to conventional treatments? One of the reasons can be the fast healing effects of dietary and lifestyle modifications and the intake of specific herbal supplements. These modifications not only help with healing fissures but also help you with improving your overall health and vitality. Before getting into the potential benefits of herbal supplements, let's know what an anal fissure is and what causes them.
An anal fissure is a small crack or tear in your anal lining, causing bleeding and pain during bowel movements. The common causes of anal fissures include constipation, straining, persistent diarrhoea, pregnancy and childbirth, sexually transmitted diseases/infections, underlying conditions like Crohn's disease, other inflammatory bowel diseases, and muscle spasms.
Yes, stress is one of the triggers of anal fissures. The stress hormones released in your body make you prone to develop digestive issues like constipation and diarrhoea, which paves the way to anal fissures. So next time when you get stressed out, remember you are at the risk of developing anal fissures!
Now let us explore why it is essential to incorporate herbal supplements into a holistic approach for anal fissure relief. One of the leading causes of anal fissures is following an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, the first and foremost way to prevent and manage fissures is to bring lifestyle modifications. Making mindful dietary choices and daily exercises can help prevent and contain fissures. Specific home remedies that incorporate herbal supplements can help in healing fissures faster. Also, herbal supplements, besides their fast-action properties, are gentle on your body. Now let us find some herbal supplements for anal health and fissure relief.
Desirable Properties | Action | Herbal Supplements |
---|---|---|
Anti-Inflammatory Properties | Herbal supplements with anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the anal region. It helps in relieving pain and discomfort around the anal area. | Turmeric -Curcumin, in turmeric, offers anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve infections and reduce the inflammation around the anal region. |
Soothing Effects | Herbs with soothing effects can heal the fissures faster as they are gentle on the delicate anal tissues, relieving pain and irritation. | Aloe Vera Gel: The cold potency of Aloe Gel helps relieve the burning sensation of fissure. Coconut Oil: This oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides that help in soothing the inflamed wall of the anal canal when massaged with it daily. |
Promotes Healing and Natural Pain Relief | Herbal supplements that aid the natural healing process of anal fissures encourage tissue repair and wound healing. | Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe gel has pain-relieving properties. External application of aloe gel can relieve irritation of the anal region instantly. When used regularly, it helps in faster wound healing. Olive oil mixed with a pinch of purified beeswax and honey, when applied around the anal region, promotes wound healing. |
Natural Stool Softeners | Taking certain herbal supplements that are good laxatives can help soften your stool, reducing the risk of constipation. | Olive Oil: Intake of olive oil helps soften your stools and facilitates easy bowel movements, reducing anal fissures. Papaya: The papain enzyme in this fruit helps in Digestion and is a natural stool softener, thus helping prevent constipation. Including papaya in fruit salads daily can help you avoid and manage anal fissures effectively. Ghee (Clarified Butter): Relieves severe constipation as it contains many fatty acids, promoting smoother bowel movements and relieving dry stools. |
Promotes Digestion and Smooth Bowel Movements | Taking in supplements that promote digestion and help in smooth bowel movements by adding stool bulk is vital to reduce straining of the anal region. | Yoghurt: Rich in probiotics, yoghurt consists of good bacteria that regulate Digestion by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and thus relieves constipation. Apple Cider Vinegar: It is rich in pectin, a water-soluble fibre that encourages bowel movements and relieves constipation. Drinking water infused with 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey can help relieve the pain and strain around the anal region. Foods Rich in Dietary Fibre: Dietary fibre is an important food supplement that includes beans, lentils, high-fibre bran cereal, avocado, flax, and pumpkin seeds. It helps form easy-to-pass stool, thereby preventing straining and providing anal fissure relief. |
Ayurveda considers anal fissure a condition characterised by the imbalance of two vital energies, namely, Vata and pitta. The aggravated vata dosha is responsible for the severe pain, and the pitta is responsible for the burning sensation. Ayurvedic formulations like Guggulu preparations(Guggul is the dry gum resin obtained from the bark of the Commiphora mukul tree), Jatyadi tailam, Triphala choornam and Isbagol(psyllium husk) are a few of the widely used herbal solutions in treating anal fissure.
Even though home remedies and herbal solutions are effective in healing fissures and are gentler on the body than conventional treatment methods, We recommend that individuals consult a healthcare provider before using herbal supplements, especially if they are currently on medications or suffer from any underlying health conditions. If the symptoms like:
Do not hesitate to seek medical help whenever you see the following symptoms while taking herbal medications:
Using herbal supplements as a natural and holistic approach to anal fissure relief can be effective. Still, you cannot consider a permanent cure if proper lifestyle modifications are not adopted. You will need to seek immediate medical attention in severe cases of fissure. Join the Nirva community to get personalised plans for more effective solutions for anal health and to relieve discomfort.
Yes, chronic constipation can cause anal fissures as the hard, dry stools cause your anal canal to strain, causing cracks in the delicate lining resulting in fissures.
You can apply aloe vera gel on the fissures as it promotes quicker wound healing and has natural pain-relieving properties.
Papaya is rich in an enzyme called papain that acts as a natural stool softener and thus prevents constipation. Papaya also regulates Digestion and is rich in antioxidants that help soothe an inflamed anal region.
Dr Reshma N Babu
Dr Reshma N Babu is a passionate, young Ayurveda doctor who strongly believes in sharing the warmth of her knowledge in Ayurveda medicine in caring for people who are suffering from physical and mental imbalances. Dr. Reshma highlights Ayurveda not just as a medical science that cures disease but as a way of living.
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