Evidence supporting the use of: Psyllium
For the health condition: Hemorrhoids

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Psyllium is widely used as a bulk-forming laxative, and its use to support or treat hemorrhoids is justified by scientific evidence. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, often caused or aggravated by straining during bowel movements and chronic constipation. Psyllium is a soluble fiber that absorbs water to form a gel-like mass, which increases stool bulk and softens its consistency. This action helps to promote regular, softer stools, thereby reducing the need for straining during defecation—a key factor in both the development and exacerbation of hemorrhoids.

Clinical guidelines, such as those from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, recommend fiber supplementation as first-line therapy for hemorrhoids. Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that fiber supplements, including psyllium, improve symptoms such as bleeding, pain, and prolapse compared to placebo. For example, a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2005) found fiber supplementation significantly reduced the risk of persistent symptoms and recurrence.

While psyllium does not treat the hemorrhoids directly, it addresses a major contributing factor—constipation and hard stools. The evidence base supporting its use is strong, though not absolute; it works as part of a broader management plan that may include other dietary, behavioral, or medical interventions. Overall, psyllium is considered a safe and effective adjunct in the management and prevention of hemorrhoidal symptoms.

More about psyllium
More about Hemorrhoids

Other ingredients used for Hemorrhoids

Abrus
Acacia
Achyranthes
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Aescin
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
Angelica
anthocyanidins
anthraquinone
Antirrhinum majus
antler
apple
apple cider vinegar
apricot
Ardisia
aster root
avens
bael
Baliospermum
banyan
Barleria
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
Bergenia
betel
bilberry
bioflavonoids
birch
Black Hellebore
black nightshade
black root
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
bran
Brassica
butcher's broom
cabbage
cactus
Caesalpinia crista
capsicum
Carthamus
castor oil
Celosia
chamomile
chard
chestnut
Chinese silkvine
Chondrus
cinquefoil
citrus bioflavonoids
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut oil
colocynth
commiphora
Cucurbita
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
dandelion
Dianthus
Diosmin
elephant\'s head
Embelia
escin
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
Ficus simplicissima
geranium
gotu kola
green chiretta
hazelnut
horse chestnut
Indian coraltree
Kokilaksha
labrador tea
lemon
lichen
licorice root
little ironweed
Lycopodium
Methylcellulose
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Morinda
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain Pepper
Mucilage
Myrrh
Nettle
Nimbidin
Nymphaea nouchali
Oak
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Onosma bracteatum
oregon grape
Oroxylum indicum
pagoda tree
Papayotin
parsley
paw paw
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
peony
Persimmon
phellodendron amurense
Pluchea
plum fruit
Polygonum
Portulaca
proanthocyanidins
prune
Prunus
psyllium
punarnava
rhubarb
Rosa laevigata
Rosabin
Rubia cordifolia
Ruscogenins
Ruscus
rutin
Rutosides
Sanguisorba
Sarivan
sea salt
seaweed
Shark Liver Oil
shepherd's purse
slippery elm bark
Sumac
Sword Bean
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Tannins
Taraxacin
Terminalia
Triphala
Troxerutin
turmeric
Varuna
vitamin C
Wax Gourd
Winter Begonia
Witch Hazel
Yellow Dock
Zinc
Zucchini