Constipation and Natural Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is believed to worsen hemorrhoid symptoms, and thus, bulk-forming fibers are often recommended for those with hemorrhoids. A double-blind trial (n=52) reported that 7 grams of psyllium (Vi-Siblin), an herb high in fiber, mixed with water three times daily before meals reduced the pain and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids in outpatients with symptomatic first and second degree hemorrhoids. Compared to the placebo group, at the end of six-weeks of treatment, the psyllium group had a significantly lower recurrence of hemorrhoid bleeding (8% vs 44%) and pain when going to the bathroom (4% vs 32%). These beneficial effects continued at follow-up after 3 months (bleeding: 26% vs 60% and pain with bowel movements: 31% vs 56%). Additionally, though no statistically significant, an unpleasant sensation causing a reflex to scratch (pruritis) and/or anal secretion, and prolapse (the falling down or slipping of a body part such as the rectum from its usual position) were also reduced by psyllium compared to placebo (4% vs 16% and 4% vs 24%, respectively). However, these benefits disappeared at follow-up after 3 months (pruritis/anal secretion: 23% vs 20% and prolapse: 8% vs 12%). (3)