Having a burning or itching sensation whenever you do your bowel movement is just one of the tell-tale signs that you have developed a form of anal fissures. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to treat the so-called anal wound which range from medicine to natural alternatives. One name that keeps popping up as of recently is the plant called meadowsweet. Before one decides to use meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) to treat anal fissure, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The Nature of Fissures
Anal fissures are formed when constant trauma is inflicted on the tissue around the anal canal which results in the formation of a tear or wound. Trauma is either caused by the passage of large and hard stools or frequent bowel movements which is the result of diarrhea. Hard materials found on stool, like beans and bones, could also lead to wounding in the anal canal.
The first symptom of an anal fissure is an itching or burning sensation right where the wound was formed. If forming near a blood vessel, it can result in the discharge of blood during bowel movements. Once the wound is irritated, most likely through constant exposure to stool bacteria, it would result in inflammation which makes bowel movements painful. At its worse, it could result in an infection which is characterized by a malodorous discharge.
Meadowsweet Treatment
The way to use meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) to treat anal fissure is in preventing its formation in the first place. Fortunately, all parts of the meadowsweet above the ground can be taken as an ointment, a pill and in liquid form. When taken as a supplement, it can be used to counter an upset stomach which could result in diarrhea. It would also help in moistening the stool which greatly reduces stress on the sphincter muscles as it passes through them,
Taken topically, it has a soothing effect on the skin which helps relieve pain on the affected area by releasing pressure on the constricted veins. The reduced pain and inflammation will facilitate a faster rate of healing in the wound, ensuring it closes in just a matter of a few weeks.
Things to Keep in Mind
When using meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) to treat anal fissure, it is best to keep the daily dosage down to 4 to 5 grams with the herb and 2 to 3 grams for the flower. Test results are still inefficient when it comes to determining how effective meadowsweet is when taken daily in larger doses. It can also result in rashes for certain skin types when taken in as a topical anesthetic which makes consultation with a doctor prior to usage important.
There have also been reports that meadowsweet can result in internal bleeding when taken in larger doses on a daily basis. It has also been known to have adverse effects towards people with salicylate and sulfite sensitivity and can complicate asthma. Consulting a doctor beforehand should allow a person to make the most out of meadowsweet (filipendula ulmaria) to treat anal fissure while avoiding the worst of its side effects.