🩸 This is how the vascular cushion in your rectum works
Inside the anal canal lies a fine, ring-shaped network of blood vessels – the so-called corpus cavernosum recti. It is not a malformation, but a completely normal, healthy erectile tissue that, together with the sphincter muscle, ensures the fine sealing of the anus and helps to distinguish between solids, liquids, and air.
If the pressure in this network of blood vessels increases permanently (for example, due to excessive straining, prolonged sitting, or chronic constipation), the vessels dilate and the surrounding connective tissue loses its support. This process of repeated pressure and decreased tissue tension is precisely the underlying cause of hemorrhoids.
The following section explains what hemorrhoids are in detail and how the symptoms develop.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are cushion-like vascular structures located at the junction of the rectum and anus, present in everyone. They help to seal the anus and provide fine control over bowel movements. Only when they become enlarged, inflamed, or protrude is it considered a hemorrhoidal condition.
The 4 stages (grades) of hemorrhoidal disease
Grade I: Internal hemorrhoids, barely visible – mild discomfort such as burning or blood on the toilet paper. Grade II: Protrude when straining, retract spontaneously – itching, bleeding, pressure sensation. Grade III: Must be manually pushed back in – pain, irritation, foreign body sensation. Grade IV: Permanently prolapsed – chronic pain, inflammation, possibly incontinence.
Causes & Risk Factors
- Chronic constipation and excessive straining
- Low-fiber diet
- Sugar, white flour products, alcohol
- Lack of exercise, prolonged sitting
- Pregnancy and obesity
- Liver congestion, increased portal vein pressure
- Weak connective tissue
Important to know
Blood in the stool should always be investigated by a doctor - e.g. to rule out intestinal polyps, fissures or bowel cancer.
Stage I - Initial irritation (internal)
- High-fiber diet: flaxseeds, psyllium husks, vegetables
- Drink plenty of water (2–2.5 liters daily)
- Daily exercise: walks, yoga
- Sitz baths with oak bark or chamomile
- Bitter substances to aid digestion: dandelion, artichoke, wormwood
- Nutrients for the blood vessels: Zinc, Rutin, OPC
Stage II - Protrusion upon straining (self-reversing)
- Measures from Stage I will be maintained
- Ointments containing witch hazel, aloe vera or calendula
- Use a toilet stool (squatting position)
- Intermittent fasting (16:8) or alkaline fasting for bowel relief
- Rutin-rich foods: e.g., parsley, buckwheat
Stage III - Manually reversed
- Cooling compresses with chamomile or witch hazel
- Ointments: horse chestnut, witch hazel, zinc
- Sitz baths twice daily
- Enemas with chamomile tea for irritations
- A targeted fasting regimen lasting 3–5 days is possible under supervision.
Stage IV - Persistent occurrence
- Surgery is usually necessary, but supportive measures are helpful.
- Aloe vera compresses, healing ointments, sitz baths
- Fasting (5–7 days) to reduce swelling
- Strengthen gut flora & optimize digestion
- Bitter substances to relieve pressure on the liver
- Post-operative care with calendula, myrrh, and propolis
What you should avoid at all stages
- Straining during bowel movements
- Dry stools due to insufficient fluid intake
- Sugar, white flour, alcohol
- Skimmed milk, almond milk
- Prolonged sitting, synthetic care products
General recommendations
- Don't suppress the urge to defecate - go to the toilet in time.
- Eat slowly, chew thoroughly
- Treat inflammation early
- Reduce stress, get enough sleep
- Strengthening the liver with bitter herbs
