Anal fistula, its possible causes, common Signs & Symptoms, and how Holistic Remedies can help.

An anal fistula is a new opening or a small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus, usually with 2 openings – one inside the rectum and one outside.

They’re usually the result of an infection near the anus causing a collection of pus (perianal abscess) in the nearby tissue.

An anal fistula usually results after improper healing of an anal abscess following pus drainage.

It occurs most often in adults around the age of 40 but may occur in younger people too.

More common in males as compared to females

Most common Signs & Symptoms of anal fistula

• An opening or a hole on the skin around the anus
• A red, inflamed area around the tunnel opening
• A foul-smelling oozing of pus, fluid, blood or faeces
• Frequent anal abscesses
• Pain in the rectum and anus, especially when sitting, walking or passing stool
• The pain could vary in nature from throbbing, pulsating, sharp and tearing, to a stitching
• There may be fever, chill and tenderness around the opening of fistula.
• Burning and irritation or itching in the perianal area.
• A feeling of weakness

Most common causes and risk factors for anal fistula.

• An anal fistula arises from a clogged anal gland, followed by an infection in anal gland.
• An infection or trauma to anal region
• A surgery near the anus
• IBD or inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Inflammation in gastrointestinal tract, diverticulitis, tuberculosis and certain sexually transmitted infections like HIV or syphilis
• Radiation treatment of anal cancer

Further complications Of Anal Fistula if mistreated or left untreated.

• Recurrence of abscess is possible and more chances of developing a complex fistula.
• Surgical treatment may result in faecal incontinence that is inability to hold stool.
• Cellulitis or the skin infection.

Prevention and helpful tips to avoid further deterioration.

• Never Dry or suppress Fistulas!
• Avoid all refined carbohydrates, processed foods and sugar
• High-fat Dairy products as they are harder to digest and can cause stomach ailments.
• Fast, Fried, Salty and Spicy foods specially with chilli powder.
• Red meat.
• Alcohol and Caffeinated beverages.
• Good anal hygiene: Gently clean the anal area with mild, unscented soap and water after bowel movements. Avoid using rough or scented toilet paper.

Herbal Supplements and Home Remedies for anal fistula

Make sure to avoid any ingredient you are allergic to – discussed in this article!

• Fennel seeds are very useful in digestive issues such as bloating, intestinal spasms, flatulence, gastritis, in fact inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract
• Fenugreek seeds are soothing to irritated tissues – they coat and help heal ulcers. Their soothing action can extend to conditions such as diverticulosis, colitis, irritable bowel and Crohn’s disease. Due to their mucilage and fibre content fenugreek seeds are a good laxative in constipation.

• Ginger tea is an age-old home remedy that boosts your immunity, soothes your digestive system, giving you relief from pain, nausea, and constipation.
• Cloves are good anti-bacterial and antiviral agents. They boost your immune system and play the role of a natural colon cleanser.             Boil a few cloves, add them to green tea or ginger tea. Sipping on this concoction may help soothe the fistula symptoms.

Top Essential oils for anal fistula.

Aromatherapy is the use of plants extracts for healing.

Always dilute in a base oil like olive oil etc. and apply externally!

Tea Tree Oil is famous for its antibacterial, antiviral, antiviral, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the best home remedies for fistula.

• Mix tea tree oil with olive oil and dab this mixture with a cotton swab on the affected area.
• Leave it there for half an hour and wash it with cold water.

Oregano Leaves Oil

Drinking this oil twice a day with lukewarm water will help boost your immunity and kill bacteria around your anus.

It also reduces swelling around the anus and prevents bleeding.

Homeopathic approach for anal fistula

Homeopathy is one of the safest holistic system of medicines – that offers a unique, personalised treatment and has the potential to reverse a medical disorder.

It is an excellent alternative mode of treating many surgical diseases including anal fistula. In most cases, these medicines save a person from undergoing surgical procedures for this painful problem.

Consult a qualified homeopath for a proper assessment and take tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, modalities and peculiar signs and symptoms etc.

Here are top suggested homeopathic remedies for anal fistula

• Silicea is used for anal fistula with copious pus discharge
• Hepar sulph effective for intense pain
• Myristica sebifera is another natural medicine suppurative in expelling the pus readily and in healing anal fistula.
• Calcarea sulph for thick, yellow discharges
• Berberis vulgaris useful in shooting pains
• Calcarea phos indicated for painless fistula
• Paeonia officinalis for pain and itching at anus
• Hydrastis canadensis for anal fistula with constipation
• Causticum indicated for pulsating pain
• Thuja occidentalis for fistula with burning around the anus
• Merc Sol has anti-inflammatory properties and treats infections in the anus region, well indicated for Fissure & fistula.
• Lachesis for anal fistula with fullness sensation in rectum

Calendula mother tincture is used externally:

How to use: A cap of this should be mixed in a tub of Lukewarm water and should sit in it for 10-15 minutes.

For your particular health problem(s), or to change your medications it is strongly suggested to avoid self-medication and consult your GP / health provider or Mind & Body Holistic Health Clinic.

You may also book your one-to-one consultation with one of our practitioners for your tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, peculiar signs & symptoms etc.  

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