Evidence supporting the use of: Clay
For the health condition: Hemorrhoids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Clay, particularly in forms such as bentonite or kaolin, has a long history of traditional use in various cultures for a range of skin and mucosal conditions, including hemorrhoids. Traditional medicine systems—such as Ayurveda and various folk remedies—have employed clay as a topical agent, applied externally to the anal area in an effort to soothe irritation, reduce swelling, and promote healing. The rationale is based on clay’s absorbent, cooling, and mildly astringent properties, which may provide temporary relief from symptoms such as itching and discomfort.
However, scientific evidence supporting the use of clay for hemorrhoids is minimal. There are no well-designed clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies that specifically evaluate the efficacy or safety of topical clay applications for hemorrhoid treatment. Most of the available support is anecdotal or based on historical reports rather than systematic research. Clay is sometimes an ingredient in commercial topical preparations for skin irritation, but its specific benefit for hemorrhoidal disease remains unproven by current standards of evidence-based medicine.
In summary, while the application of clay for hemorrhoids is rooted in traditional practices and folk medicine, there is very little scientific validation for its use. Its effectiveness is mostly supported by historical usage rather than modern clinical data.
Other ingredients used for Hemorrhoids
aloe veragreen chiretta
apple
apricot
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
blackberry
butcher's broom
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
turmeric
dandelion
fiber blend (proprietary)
gotu kola
cellulose
horse chestnut
lemon
licorice root
nettle
oregon grape
parsley
phellodendron amurense
plum fruit
prune
psyllium
rutin
slippery elm bark
triphala
vitamin C
seaweed
zinc
tangerine
capsicum
punarnava
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
myrrh
morinda
birch
aster root
shepherd's purse
paw paw
geranium
sea salt
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Antler
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aconite
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aescin
anthocyanidins
Agrimonia pilosa
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Baliospermum
Blepharis
Brassica
Bayleaf
Bran
Barleria
Bael
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black Nightshade
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Chinese Silkvine
Cucurbita
coconut oil
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Chard
Cabbage
Chestnut
Cynodon dactylon
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Colocynth
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chondrus
Dianthus
Diosmin
Elephant's Head
Escin
Embelia
Little ironweed
Oak
Potato
Rhubarb
Squash
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Clay
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Belching
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Fever
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Nausea and Vomiting