| |  | | Herbs for Anal Fissure
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Jeanette
Posted on: July 30, 2001
Hello, I have had a spotting of bleeding when I have bowel movement. The doctor checked this out and said I have a fissure. Another doctor put me on collinsonia root. I have searched everywhere for a description of this root and cannot find anything on it. I would appreciate if you have any information about this root. Also, if you have any helpful ideas for fissures in the rectal area.
An anal fissure is small split or ulcer on the mucous membrane of the anus. The pain of the fissure causes contraction of the anus, resulting in blood from straining during a bowel movement. Possible causes are inflammation of the bowel and hemorrhoids. It is important to work on the cause of the fissure. Stress and digestive problems are possible underlying causes.
Collinsonia canadensis (Stone root) is astringent, antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-lithic (i.e. preventing or breaking up and helping to pass urinary or gall bladder stones and gravel) and diaphoretic (induces sweating). It is useful in helping to heal anal fissure, but it is not usually used alone. Diet and other healing herbs are important.
In your diet, avoid soft drinks, sugar, sweetened foods, refined grains and cereals, coffee and red meat. The protein in your diet should consist of a little fish or chicken, and vegetable protein in the form of tofu, beans and grains combinations, nuts and seeds. A high meat diet promotes inflammation. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably raw, to ease bowel function. Include anti-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids in the form of flax oil (2 tablespoons daily) or oily fish (wild salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel). Vitamin C helps healing by supporting the immune system and is a laxative to help ease bowel movements. Vitamin C dosage should be just less than the amount that would cause diarrhea: start with 1000 mg daily and increase until your bowels are very loose, then decrease the dosage until a normal stool is maintained.
Other herbs that may be combined with Collinsonia are soothing Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis), and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) for their astringent and antiinflammatory actions. Other herbs should be included to help with digestive problems or to help to deal with stress if these are factors.
Externally, a cream of Horsechestnut, Calendula and/or Witch Hazel will help to heal the area.
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