If you're reading this, chances are you're dealing with the all-too-common discomfort, itching, or pain of hemorrhoids. It’s a condition that affects more than half of us by the time we turn 50, yet it’s one we often hesitate to talk about.1 In search of relief, your first instinct was likely to look for a "hemorrhoid cream." It's the most widely known solution, lining pharmacy shelves and dominating online search results.
With years of experience in natural medicine, I've seen firsthand how people seek relief from this frustrating condition. While conventional creams are a common choice, I want to talk about why they might not be the best choice for your long-term comfort and well-being. There is a different path, a more natural and supportive approach that works in harmony with your body.
This guide will explore the fundamental differences between typical hemorrhoid creams and a natural, organic oil-based approach. My goal is to help you understand how these treatments work so you can make an informed choice. One that aims to soothe and support your body's own healing processes, rather than just temporarily masking the symptoms.
Understanding the Go-To Solution: How Most Hemorrhoid Creams Work
When you feel the discomfort of a hemorrhoid flare-up, you want relief, and you want it fast. This is the essential promise of most over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams. To understand why an oil might be a better alternative, we first need to look at what these creams are and how they are designed to function.
What Is a Hemorrhoid Cream?
At its core, a typical hemorrhoid cream is an emulsion, a mixture of oil and water. Most creams have a higher concentration of water than oil, which allows them to feel light and absorb quickly into the skin. Rapid absorption is often marketed as a benefit for convenient, on-the-go use. These products are formulated to provide temporary, short-term relief from the immediate symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as itching, burning, pain, and swelling, and they are generally intended for use several times a day, especially after bowel movements, to manage discomfort.
The "Active" Ingredients and Their Jobs
The fast-acting relief provided by these creams comes from a combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients, each designed to perform a specific job. These ingredients primarily work by suppressing your body's natural responses to irritation.
- Anesthetics (Numbing Agents): Many creams contain local anesthetics like Lidocaine or Pramoxine. These ingredients work by temporarily blocking the nerve signals in the affected area from sending pain messages to your brain. This provides a numbing sensation that can offer immediate relief from pain and itching. However, this effect is temporary and does not address the underlying cause of the irritation.
- Steroids (Anti-Inflammatories): Hydrocortisone is a low-dose corticosteroid commonly found in OTC hemorrhoid creams. As an anti-inflammatory drug, it works by reducing swelling, redness, and itching. While effective for temporary relief, it is important to note that products containing hydrocortisone are typically recommended for short-term use only, often for no more than one week, unless advised by a doctor.
- Vasoconstrictors (Shrinking Agents): Ingredients like Phenylephrine HCl are known as vasoconstrictors. Their job is to temporarily narrow the blood vessels in the hemorrhoidal tissue. This action helps to reduce swelling and can make bowel movements less painful. Like anesthetics, the effect is temporary and focused on symptom management.
The Base Ingredients: What Holds It All Together
Beyond the active drugs, the bulk of a hemorrhoid cream is its base, which often consists of ingredients classified as "protectants." These include substances like petrolatum (petroleum jelly), mineral oil, glycerin, and lanolin. These ingredients are designed to form a protective barrier on the skin to prevent irritation from contact with stool.
While this can provide some comfort, many of these base ingredients are derived from petroleum or may be formulated with preservatives like parabens and other synthetic additives. For individuals seeking a more natural and gentle approach, the presence of these chemicals can be a significant concern. The core function of these creams is clear: they are engineered to suppress symptoms. They numb the pain, quiet the inflammation, and shrink the swelling. This approach can certainly provide a quick fix, but it does little to nourish the delicate, damaged skin or support the underlying health of the affected tissues.
A Fundamentally Different Approach: The Power of Natural, Organic Oils
Now that we understand the mechanics of conventional creams, let's explore a different philosophy of care. Instead of simply silencing your body's signals of distress, a natural oil-based treatment works to soothe, protect, and create an ideal environment for your body to carry out its own restorative processes. This approach is not about a quick, temporary fix; it is about providing lasting comfort and genuine support for your skin's health.
To make the distinction clear, let's look at a direct comparison
| Feature | Typical Hemorrhoid Cream | Natural Organic Oil |
| Base Formula | Water-based; designed to absorb or evaporate quickly. | Lipid (oil)-based; provides a lasting, protective, and moisturizing layer. |
| Primary Action | Symptom Suppression: Numbs pain and temporarily reduces swelling with pharmaceutical agents. | Soothing & Supporting: Calms irritation and nourishes the skin barrier to support the body's natural processes. |
| Key Ingredients | Synthetic chemicals & drugs (Lidocaine, Hydrocortisone, Phenylephrine). | Certified Organic Botanicals and Homeopathic Medicines (Witch Hazel, Horse Chestnut, Calendula). |
| Interaction with Skin | Absorbs rapidly, meaning the effect can be short-lived and require frequent reapplication. | Works in harmony with the skin's natural lipid barrier, providing prolonged contact and protection. |
Why Oil is Different: Working with Your Skin's Barrier
To appreciate the unique benefits of an oil, it helps to understand a little about your skin. Your skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum, is your body's first line of defense. It is often described as a "brick and mortar" structure. The "bricks" are tough, dead skin cells called corneocytes, and the "mortar" holding them together is a matrix of natural lipids, which are essentially fats and oils.
This lipid mortar is crucial. It is what makes your skin barrier waterproof, keeping moisture in and harmful irritants out. Because this barrier is naturally oil-based, formulas made from plant-based oils are highly compatible with it. Instead of just sitting on top or absorbing in a flash, natural oils can integrate with and replenish this protective lipid layer. They work in harmony with your skin's own biology.
Water-based creams, by contrast, are designed for rapid penetration and absorption. While this delivers their active ingredients quickly, it means the protective and moisturizing benefits of the base formula may not last as long.
The Benefit of a Lasting Touch
This brings us to a key advantage of oil-based treatments that is often misunderstood. Because oils are not absorbed as rapidly as water-based creams, they remain on the surface of the skin for a longer period. This is not a flaw; it is a feature. This prolonged contact means that the soothing botanical ingredients within the oil have more time to work on the irritated tissue, providing continuous comfort and protection.
Think of it like this: applying a typical cream can be like a brief, cool splash of water on a sunburn. It feels good for a moment, but the relief quickly fades. Applying a natural oil is more like applying a soothing aloe vera gel that stays on the skin, continuously calming, moisturizing, and protecting it for hours.
Furthermore, the oil base itself is not just a passive carrier for other ingredients. In a high-quality, organic formula, the oils themselves are active participants in the soothing process. Plant oils are rich in essential fatty acids that nourish and help repair the skin barrier, while also creating a gentle, occlusive layer that locks in moisture and protects the sensitive area from friction during movement and bowel movements. This is a world away from a base of petrolatum or mineral oil, which may form a barrier but offers little to no nutritional value to the skin. In a natural oil treatment, every single ingredient is there to help.
The Plant-Powered Ingredients That Make a Difference
The true power of a natural hemorrhoid oil comes from the synergy between its nourishing base and its potent, plant-based active ingredients. For centuries, traditional medicine has relied on specific botanicals to soothe skin ailments and support vascular health. Modern science is now beginning to understand the properties that make these plants so effective. At Forces of Nature, we formulate our treatments with certified organic, homeopathic preparations of these time-tested herbs.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana): The Time-Tested Soother
If you have ever looked at the ingredient list on a conventional hemorrhoid product, you have likely seen Witch Hazel.4 There is a good reason for its popularity.
Hamamelis virginiana is a plant native to North America, and its extracts have been used for centuries, first by Indigenous peoples and later in mainstream applications, to address a wide range of skin irritations.23
Witch Hazel is a natural astringent. This means it has the ability to help cool and soothe irritated tissue. The tannins present in Witch Hazel are believed to be responsible for these properties. When applied to the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, it can help provide relief from itching and burning. Its long history of use and its presence in many modern remedies underscore its reputation as a gentle yet effective botanical for topical comfort. It is a key active ingredient in both our Hemorrhoid Control Extra Strength and Fissure Control formulas.
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum): For Vein Health Support
Hemorrhoids are, at their core, swollen and inflamed veins. Therefore, an approach that supports the health of these veins addresses the issue at a more fundamental level. This is where Horse Chestnut comes in. Traditionally used in Europe for various circulation-related conditions, Horse Chestnut is known for its "tonifying effect on the venous system".
The primary active compound in Horse Chestnut is a substance called aescin. Studies have explored aescin for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to support the strength and integrity of veins. By supporting healthy circulation and vein tone, Horse Chestnut helps address the very nature of what a hemorrhoid is. This makes it an essential component of our Hemorrhoid Control Extra Strength formula, which is designed to provide comprehensive support for hemorrhoidal discomfort.
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis): The Ultimate Skin Repairer
Often, the discomfort of hemorrhoids is accompanied by damage to the surrounding delicate skin, and in some cases, painful cracks or tears known as anal fissures. For these situations, there is no better herbal ally than Calendula, also known as the pot marigold. Since ancient times, this vibrant golden flower has been revered for its remarkable ability to soothe inflamed skin and support the body's natural wound-healing processes.
Calendula possesses properties that are believed to be anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial. Research suggests it may help promote the generation of healthy new skin tissue, making it ideal for helping to repair the damaged, sensitive skin associated with both hemorrhoids and fissures. Its gentle yet powerful action is why we have made it a cornerstone ingredient in our Fissure Control product, which is specifically formulated to soothe the sharp pain of fissures and support the repair of cracked skin.
The Importance of a Certified Organic Oil Base
As I mentioned earlier, the base of our formulas is just as important as the active ingredients. We use a blend of certified organic oils, including Sesame, Rose Geranium, Niaouli, Cypress, and Lavandin. These oils do more than just carry the homeopathic medicines. They provide essential fatty acids that nourish the skin, create a protective barrier against further irritation, and ensure that our formulas are pure and free from the synthetic additives, parabens, petroleum byproducts, and artificial fragrances often found in conventional creams.5 When you use a Forces of Nature product, you can be confident that every drop is working to bring you comfort and support your well-being.
Your Certified Organic Toolkit for Hemorrhoid and Fissure Comfort
Understanding the science behind how oils work and the power of the botanicals they contain is the first step. The next is finding the right solution for your specific needs. At Forces of Nature, we have developed a proprietary, targeted system of care that leverages these natural ingredients to provide effective relief for both hemorrhoids and the related condition of anal fissures.
For Acute Flare-Ups and Chronic Discomfort: Hemorrhoid Control Extra Strength
This is our primary, concentrated formula designed to address the burning, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids. It provides both immediate soothing for acute flare-ups and ongoing support for those who experience chronic discomfort.
Our powerful formula combines the soothing astringency of organic Witch Hazel with the vein-supporting properties of organic Horse Chestnut. These homeopathic actives are delivered in a deep-penetrating base of certified organic essential oils that calm irritated tissue and help shrink and relieve swollen hemorrhoidal veins. It is a comprehensive approach that works to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and support healthy vein circulation, all without the use of harsh chemicals or steroids.
If you're looking for a natural, effective way to manage hemorrhoid discomfort, Hemorrhoid Control Extra Strength should be among your top considerations.
For Related Skin Tearing and Irritation: Fissure Control
Sometimes, the intense pressure and straining associated with constipation can lead to small, painful tears in the lining of the anus, known as fissures. While related to hemorrhoids, this condition requires a specific focus on skin repair.
Our Fissure Control formula is specifically designed for this purpose. Featuring the incredible skin-repairing power of organic Calendula, this treatment works to soothe the sharp, tearing pain that can occur during bowel movements and supports the healing of cracked, damaged skin. It is a gentle yet potent remedy that helps cleanse and rejuvenate the affected tissue, providing relief and promoting recovery.
For relief from the painful tearing associated with fissures, discover our targeted Fissure Control treatment.
A Holistic Approach to Relief
For comprehensive care, many of our customers find that using these products together provides the best results. Our goal is to provide you with a complete toolkit of natural, organic solutions to manage anorectal discomfort safely and effectively.
Explore our complete collection of natural solutions for hemorrhoid and anal discomfort to find the right approach for you.
Holistic Habits for Lasting Relief and Prevention
Topical treatments, whether they are creams or oils, provide much-needed relief from symptoms. However, the most effective long-term strategy involves combining these treatments with lifestyle habits that address the root causes of hemorrhoids. The primary goal of these habits is to prevent constipation and avoid straining during bowel movements, which is the leading cause of hemorrhoid flare-ups.
Authoritative health organizations like the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) consistently recommend a few key practices for prevention and relief and I’d like to echo them here, many of which you can start doing right now:
- Eat High-Fiber Foods: Fiber is essential for digestive health. It softens your stool and increases its bulk, which helps you avoid straining. Aim to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes in your diet. If you find it difficult to get enough fiber from food alone, a supplement like psyllium husk can be very helpful. For more detailed dietary advice, the Mayo Clinic offers excellent guidance on high-fiber foods.
- Stay Hydrated: Water is fiber's best friend. Without enough fluids, fiber can actually make constipation worse. Drinking six to eight glasses of water and other nonalcoholic liquids each day is crucial to keep your stools soft and easy to pass.
- Practice Good Bathroom Habits: This might be the most important habit to change. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, go as soon as you can. Delaying can cause the stool to become harder and drier. Avoid straining, holding your breath, or sitting on the toilet for extended periods, as this increases pressure on the veins in your rectum.
- Try a Sitz Bath: This is a simple yet incredibly effective home remedy. A sitz bath involves soaking the anal area in a few inches of plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times a day. The warm water helps to increase blood flow, soothe irritation, and relieve pain and itching. You can do this in a clean bathtub or with a small basin that fits over your toilet.
If you can begin to add these simple habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hemorrhoid flare-ups and support the effectiveness of any topical treatment you choose. I can’t recommend them enough. Start today. Start now. Your body will thank you for it.
Choose to Soothe and Support, Not Just Suppress
When you are faced with the discomfort of hemorrhoids, it is easy to reach for the quickest fix available. When you grab a typical hemorrhoid cream, you are often choosing a temporary solution that numbs, constricts, and masks your symptoms with a powerful cocktail of pharmaceutical ingredients.
When you choose a natural, organic oil, you are choosing a different path. You are choosing to work in harmony with your body. You are using the time-tested power of plants to soothe irritation, nourish your skin's vital protective barrier, and support its own incredible ability to restore balance. This approach is about more than just relief; it is about respecting your body's biology and providing it with the clean, gentle, and effective support it needs.
Your comfort and health are important. Choose a solution that provides lasting relief by supporting your body's well-being. You deserve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's natural to have questions when considering a new approach to your health. Here are answers to some of the most common questions I hear about using natural oils for hemorrhoid care.
Q: How is an oil different from a cream or ointment for hemorrhoids?
A: The main difference lies in the base formula and its interaction with your skin. Most creams are water-based, designed to absorb quickly for fast delivery of pharmaceutical ingredients, but their effects can be temporary. Ointments are typically thicker, often using a petroleum jelly base to create a barrier. A natural, plant-based oil is different from both. Its lipid-based formula is highly compatible with your skin's own protective barrier. It provides a lasting, protective layer that keeps the soothing botanical ingredients in contact with the irritated tissue for a longer period, all while nourishing the skin itself.
Q: Are natural, oil-based treatments safe to use?
A: When formulated with high-quality, certified organic ingredients, natural oil treatments are very gentle and generally considered safe for use on sensitive tissue. Our formulas are made without synthetic chemicals, steroids, parabens, or other harsh additives. As with any new topical product, it is always wise to perform a small patch test on your skin first to ensure you do not have a sensitivity to any of the botanical ingredients. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if your condition worsens or does not improve, it is always best to consult with your doctor.
Q: How long does it typically take to feel relief with a natural approach?
A: Many people report feeling immediate soothing relief from acute symptoms like itching and burning right after the first application. Because a natural approach is designed to work with your body's own processes, consistent use over several days helps to provide deeper, more lasting comfort as the skin is nourished and the irritation subsides. However, everyone's body is different, and results can vary based on the severity and duration of the symptoms.
Q: What lifestyle changes are most effective for preventing hemorrhoids?
A: The most impactful lifestyle changes are those that promote soft, easy-to-pass stools to minimize straining. The two most important habits are consistently eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water every day. Beyond that, avoiding long periods of sitting on the toilet and getting regular, gentle exercise can significantly reduce your risk of future flare-ups.
Dr. Peter Klapper, Ph.D., founded Forces of Nature® in 1999 to make natural healing simple, safe, and truly effective. With a Ph.D. in Biology from Kiev University and deep passion for holistic wellness, he led the company to become the first to offer USDA Certified Organic homeopathic medicines. Dr. Klapper believes healing should be healthy for both people and the planet. Every product is crafted with care in California, using only pure, certified organic ingredients. Today, his mission to heal the world naturally continues to inspire everything Forces of Nature does.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.