An Individualisitic Homeopathic Approach In Case of Hemorrhoids

An Individualisitic Homeopathic Approach In Case of Hemorrhoids

An Individualisitic Homeopathic Approach In Case Of Hemorrhoids

Abstract

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are vascular cushions within the anal canal that contribute to continence but may become symptomatic when engorged, inflamed, or prolapsed. They represent one of the most common anorectal disorders worldwide, affecting individuals across all age groups, with increased prevalence in adults aged 45–65 years. Symptomatic hemorrhoids typically present with painless rectal bleeding, pruritus, discomfort, or prolapse, although thrombosed external hemorrhoids can cause acute severe pain. Management ranges from conservative measures such as dietary fiber supplementation to office-based procedures and surgical interventions for advanced disease. This article reviews the role of individualized homeopathic management in a case of hemorrhoids.

Keywords: Hemorrhoids, Individualistic approach, Repertory, Homeopathy.

Article Type: A Case report

Introduction

Hemorrhoids (commonly known as piles) arise from congestion of the internal and/or external venous plexuses around the anal canal. They are highly prevalent among the adult population. The exact etiology is unknown; however, hemorrhoids are associated with several factors, including constipation, prolonged straining, pregnancy, low-fiber diet, chronic diarrhea, obesity and sedentary lifestyle—contribute to their development. First-degree hemorrhoids present with bleeding, while second-degree hemorrhoids prolapse but reduce spontaneously. Third-degree piles are those that require manual replacement after prolapsing. Bright red rectal bleeding occurs after defecation. Other symptoms include pain, pruritus ani and mucus discharge; thrombosis can occur in prolapsed piles, which can be very painful. Hemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common anorectal conditions encountered in daily practice by general practitioners, general surgeons, and gastrointestinal surgeons in India. It has been projected that about 50% of the population would have hemorrhoids at some point in their life probably by the time they reach the age 50, and approximately 5% of the population suffer from hemorrhoids at any given point of time.

Homeopathy aims to select remedies based on individualistic approach which is patient’s characteristic symptom including -constitution, mental and physical characteristics rather than relying solely on the clinical diagnosis. In homeopathy Commonly used remedies include Aesculus, Hamamelis, Nux vomica, Silicea, and Sulphur etc. In Homeopathic system of medicine person suffering from same disease might receive different medicine based on their individual characteristic symptoms. Here a case of bleeding hemorrhoids is presented. After thorough case taking and based on individualistic approach similimum medicine was given.

CASE REPORT:

Chief complaints:-

A 52 years old female patient presented with complaints of bright red bleeding per rectumwhile defecation from past 6-8 months along with tearing pain while defecation, burning sensation during and for several hours after defecation which gets ameliorated after warm application. There was a sensation of protrusion of mass during stool which regresses itself after defecation. Generalized weakness

Physical generals:-

Appetite: 3 meals per day

Thirst: large quantity at frequent intervals

Desire: salt(++), bread(+)

Aversion: No any

Perspiration: profuse, sour 

Urine: 5-6 times a day

Sleep: Sound

Stool: Once a day, satisfactory

Thermal – Hot patient.

Mental State:

She is of emotional and sensitive nature. She repeatedly thought about unpleasant experiences from her past.

Past History:

Hypertension since 8 years

Hysterectomy (fibroid) 10 years ago.

Obstetric History: 

G3P3A0L3, FTND all

Physical Examination:

Nutrition good, 

BP: 130/84 mmhg, 

Pulse: 84/min, 

SPO2: 98% on RA,

Weight: 58 kg.

Systemic Examination:

CVS: S1S2+, 

CNS: Conscious & Oriented

RS: BLAE+

Analysis And Evaluation Of Symptoms

  1. Dwells on past disagreeable events(Mental general)
  2. Desire: salt (++), bread (+) (Physical general)
  3. Thirst for large quantity at frequent interval (Physical general)
  4. Perspiration: -profuse, sour odour(Physical general)
  5. Generalized weakness(Physical general)
  6. Bright red blood during stool(Physical general)
  7. Tearing pain during stool(Physical general)
  8. Burning during and after stool(Physical general)
  9. Burning relieved by warmth(Physical general)

Totality Of Symptoms

  1. Dwells on past disagreeable events 
  2. Desire: salt (++), bread (+)
  3. Thirst for large quantity at frequent interval
  4. Perspiration: profuse, sour odour
  5. Generalized weakness
  6. Bright red blood during stool
  7. Tearing pain during stool
  8. Burning during and after stool
  9. Burning relieved by warmth

Repertorial Sheet

Repertorial Analysis

After repertorizing from Synthesis repertory, the medicine containing higher grade and covering maximum symptom was Natrum Muriaticum.

First Prescription (05/05/2025): -Based on the repertorial result and symptoms similarity Natrum muriaticum 200, twice daily for 3 days and Phytum Rubrum 30-BD For 15 days. Follow up assessment was done for every 15 days.

Diet and Regime: Restrict Spicy, oily food, meat. Take high fiber foods and adequate amount of water. 

Auxiliary methods: Hot Sitz bath

FOLLOW UP AND ASSESSMENT

DateFollow upMedicine
20/05/2025General improvement of patient, decreased in generalized weakness, pain while defecation slight decreased, bleeding as it isNat Mur 200 OD for 5 daysPhytumRubrum 4 globules BD for 15 days.
05/06/2025Pain while defecation decreased, bleeding decreased, burning pain decreasedNat Mur 200 OD single dose PhytumRubrum 4 Globules BD for 15 days.
21/06/2025Bleeding decreased, generalised weakness improved, tearing pain decreased, burning decreasedPhytum Rubrum 4 globules BD for 15 days.
07/07/2025Generalized weakness significantly reduced, burning reduced, bleeding completely stopped.Phytum Rubrum 4 globules BD for 15 days.
26/07/2025No burning, no bleeding, no new complain.Phytum Rubrum 4 globules BD for 15 days.
09/08/2025No any new complain.PhytumRubrum 4 globules BD for 15 days.

Result: 

After prescription of Natrum Muriaticum 200 the bleeding gradually reduced and finally stopped. Intermittent episodes of bleeding occurred before complete cessation. Even after 4 months of discontinuing treatment the patient has not reported of any recurrence. 

Conclusion: 

Individualized homeopathic approach helps to improve quality of life of patient suffering from hemorrhoids and reduces the overall suffering. A single case by no means can be conclusive of long-term effectiveness of homoeopathy for hemorrhoids. Well-designed studies are required to establish its efficacy in treating the condition.

Final Support And Sponsorship: Nil

Conflict Of Interest: There are no conflicts of interest. 

References

  1. Bhat SR. SRB’s Manual of Surgery. 7th ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt. Ltd.; 2025. ISBN-9789356961852.
  2. Hahnemann S. Organon of Medicine. 6th ed. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 2010.
  3. Boericke, W. (n.d.). Pocket manual of homoeopathic materia medica. B. Jain Publishers.
  4. Lohsiriwat, V. (2012). Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 18(17), 2009–2017. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009
  5. Riss, S., Weiser, F. A., Schwameis, K., Riss, T., Mittlböck, M., & Stift, A. (2012). The prevalence of hemorrhoids in adults. International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 27(2), 215–220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-011-1316-3
  6. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. (2018). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of hemorrhoids. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum.

About the author

Dr. Deepika Shrivastav

PG Scholar (Department of Repertory and Case Taking), Anand Homeopathic Medical College And Research Institute - Gujarat