Compare the best CBD Oil for Hemorrhoids in 2022

How CBD Helps With Hemorrhoids

According to research, CBD may have pain-relieving analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁾. 

The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulates a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) functions. This modulation may help alleviate hemorrhoids by regulating bowel movements⁽²⁾.    

The ECS regulates several biological processes within the body. This system includes cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors.  

CB1 and CB2 receptors exist throughout the body, including the central nervous system (CNS), brain, peripheral nerves, immune system, and organs⁽³⁾. 

The ECS’ modulation facilitates CBD’s interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors⁽⁴⁾.  

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another cannabis-derived cannabinoid with an affinity for the ECS receptors⁽⁵⁾.

The ECS regulates several gastrointestinal functions to help maintain regular bowel movements. A study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research reported that a dysfunctional ECS may result in GI disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease⁽⁶⁾. 

In another study published in the PLoS One journal, researchers administered CBD treatments to patients with ulcerative colitis (UC)⁽⁷⁾. 

The researchers focused on UC to observe that CBD lowered killer cells known as macrophages by modulating the immune response.

This response produced a significant reduction of inflammatory protein expressions⁽⁸⁾. 

Benefits and Uses of CBD for Hemorrhoids

A study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management reported that CBD contains antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties⁽⁹⁾.

Hemorrhoid symptoms include swollen, itchy, and painful skin⁽¹⁰⁾. CBD interacts directly with the ECS, which modulates various GI functions. Thus, the cannabinoid may help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms.  

CBD for Pain Relief

A 2018 medical review evaluated how well CBD functions in relieving various types of chronic pain⁽¹¹⁾. The researchers hypothesized that cannabidiol may be an effective pain treatment.

However, the review’s data is not conclusive enough to consider CBD as a mainstay treatment modality for pain treatment. More research is necessitated. 

Chronic pain is among the primary categories of pain. It functions as a signal that informs the brain of damage, particularly when the body becomes injured⁽¹²⁾.  

Chronic pain management remains challenging for some hemorrhoid patients and physicians. Thus, CBD offers a potential alternative treatment for pain management. 

Additionally, a 2018 rodent study hypothesized that cannabinoids may produce pain-reducing effects in rodent models with inflammatory-derived pain⁽¹³⁾. 

Another meta-analysis showed cannabidiol’s potential in treating symptoms connected to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)⁽¹⁴⁾. The researchers hypothesized that CBD may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on mice subjects. 

Additional research is warranted to determine whether CBD produces analogous effects on human subjects. 

IBS is a chronic condition that produces inflammation in the large intestine, potentially inducing severe pain and discomfort⁽¹⁵⁾.  

IBS symptoms, including straining to pass a stool and repeated bowel movements, may cause hemorrhoids. Thus, individuals may prevent hemorrhoids by treating IBS⁽¹⁶⁾.

CBD for Healthy Bowel Movement

Healthy gastrointestinal mobility is critical in maintaining bowel movements. In contrast, a dysfunctional GI motility may lead to constipation and diarrhea⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Motility refers to the digestive system’s movements and transit of the contents. Food moves through the mouth, the stomach, and digestive organs, then out of the body.

A 2020 rodent study published by the Frontiers in Neuroscience journal showed that CBD modulated GI motility in mice⁽¹⁸⁾. 

According to another animal study published by the Gastrointestinal Motility Society, cannabinoids, like CBD, have a critical role in modulating intestinal secretion⁽¹⁹⁾. 

More research is warranted to verify CBD’s efficacy in regulating bowel motility. 

An animal study published by the Frontiers in Pharmacology journal noted CBD’s effects on rodent test subjects. 

The researchers reported that administering a high-CBD extract reduced hypermotility and intestinal inflammation in the test subjects⁽²⁰⁾.  

They also noted that CBD’s efficacy increased when combined with Cannabis sativa’s constituents, while pure CBD produced no positive effects on the rodents’ inflamed guts. 

CBD for Anxiety

A study review by the publishing company Elsevier showed that individuals with pain conditions may experience anxiety⁽²¹⁾. 

Several pain-related conditions, including hemorrhoids, arthritis, migraine, and stomach problems, are connected to anxiety.

A 2019 study published by the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry examined the effects of CBD on stress and anxiety⁽²²⁾. 

Another 2019 study in The Permanente Journal hypothesized that CBD may have anxiolytic or anti-anxiety properties⁽²³⁾.

The researchers administered CBD to human subjects with anxiety. They also measured the subjects’ sleep and anxiety scores.

The results showed that 79% of patients’ anxiety scores decreased following the CBD treatment⁽²⁴⁾.

Hemorrhoids can result from several causes, and the risk factors include⁽²⁵⁾:

• Diarrhea or constipation 
• Regular heavy lifting
• Straining during bowel movements 
• A low-fiber diet
• Being obese
• Being pregnant 

Stress and anxiety are connected to digestion problems⁽²⁶⁾. Thus CBD’s purported stress-reducing properties may help reduce anxiety among people with hemorrhoids. 

More research is needed on CBD’s potential to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms by reducing anxiety.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids or “piles” are inflamed blood vessels or veins in the anus and lower rectum. Swollen blood vessels resemble varicose veins located in the legs.  

The three types of hemorrhoids include internal, external, and thrombosed. Internal hemorrhoids exist inside the rectum. Meanwhile, external hemorrhoids develop under the skin surrounding the anus.  

Finally, thrombosed hemorrhoids exist when the internal or external hemorrhoid forms a blood clot. This variety of hemorrhoids may produce inflammation, severe pain, swelling, itching, or a hard lump near the anus⁽²⁷⁾.  

Various factors cause hemorrhoids, including chronic diarrhea, persistent constipation, anal intercourse, obesity, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, a low-fiber diet, and sitting for an extended time⁽²⁸⁾.

Common treatments for hemorrhoids include anti-inflammatory drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). These painkillers have side effects⁽²⁹⁾. For this reason, some people are led to look for alternative options. 

 How to Take CBD Oil for Hemorrhoids

You can select from various CBD products that may help relieve inflammation or pain due to hemorrhoids. 

Individuals with external hemorrhoids can apply CBD topical creams to an affected area for pain management and relief. Other CBD topicals that you can use include lotions, gels, balms, and salves. 

The skin absorbs topical products. These CBD products do not pass through the gastrointestinal system, which may be ideal for hemorrhoids treatment. 

Individuals may also use CBD topicals for skin irritation and inflammatory skin disease⁽³⁰⁾. 

You can administer CBD tinctures sublingually under the tongue by using a dropper. Hold CBD under the tongue for up to two minutes before swallowing to prevent the CBD tincture from quickly entering the bloodstream. 

Suppositories are another method of taking CBD. These are small hemorrhoid treatments that enter the body through the urethra, vagina, or rectum. 

CBD edibles include CBD tablets, CBD gummies, CBD capsules, and CBD brownies.

Another option is to inhale CBD through vaping or smoking for faster effects. However, vaping may produce side effects such as coughing, dry throat and mouth, and shortness of breath⁽³¹⁾. 

CBD Dosage for Hemorrhoids

A 2017 review reported that no universally accepted CBD dosage for particular health conditions existed, including hemorrhoids⁽³²⁾. 

First-time CBD users may begin with a low dosage. One study recommended taking a standard dodge of 1 to 5mg of CBD daily⁽³³⁾. 

Unlike starting with high doses, beginning with a low dosage allows the body to adjust to cannabidiol. You can monitor the body’s reaction to a substance and observe any side effects. 

If you fail to observe any adverse reactions to cannabidiol, gradually increase the CBD dosage until you achieve the desired effects.

Seek medical advice from a doctor versed in CBD use before starting CBD for hemorrhoids. A licensed physician may help determine the proper CBD form and dosage to use. 

How Long CBD Takes to Help With Hemorrhoids

Individuals may feel CBD’s localized effects within two hours after applying topicals⁽³⁴⁾. CBD topicals include options such as lotions, oils, creams, balms, and salves.

Users of CBD topicals may experience localized effects as skin pores absorb the CBD product. 

The pores work together with the skin’s CB2 receptors, which may have anti-inflammatory properties⁽³⁵⁾.  

More research is necessitated to determine if CBD topicals such as oils, tinctures, and lotions enter the bloodstream through transdermal absorption⁽³⁶⁾.

Meanwhile, you may start feeling the biological effects of CBD suppositories within 60 minutes for vaginal administration and within 30 minutes for rectal administration⁽³⁷⁾. 

Individuals should store the suppositories in the freezer as the base will begin melting following cutaneous contact. 

How Long CBD Helps With Hemorrhoids

No studies have been completed on the efficacy duration provided by CBD products for relieving symptoms of hemorrhoids.

You should consider using a small dosage then gradually increase it if well tolerated until you achieve desired effects. 

Deliberating with a licensed physician before starting CBD products is advisable. They can provide medical advice regarding CBD usage, dosage, side effects, and drug interactions.

Risks and Side Effects of Utilizing CBD for Hemorrhoids

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that CBD has a favorable safety profile⁽³⁸⁾. However, CBD’s side effects may include fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, and mood changes⁽³⁹⁾.

Various drugs and supplements may interact with CBD. Such interactions may produce high levels of these substances in an individual’s bloodstream⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Some pain– and inflammation-relieving medications, such as ibuprofen, are broken down by cytochrome P450⁽⁴¹⁾. This enzyme system also metabolizes various plant-based phytocannabinoids, including CBD⁽⁴²⁾.  

Thus, CBD may function as an inhibitor of P450 enzymes, leading to potential drug interactions with NSAIDs or painkillers⁽⁴³⁾. 

Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD drug. The medication is used in treating seizures associated with rare forms of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)⁽⁴⁴⁾.  

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Hemorrhoids

Here are some issues you ought to consider when choosing the best CBD oil for inflammation or pain caused by hemorrhoids: 

• CBD oil is available in three varieties: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates.
• Full-spectrum CBD oil includes all the naturally occurring plant-based cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. These cannabinoids include CBD, THC, cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). 
• Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains cannabinoids such as CBD and other compounds contained in hemp plants. However, THC is typically removed from the CBD extract.  
• CBD isolates are the purest form of CBD oil. Isolates with pure CBD do not contain other cannabinoids from hemp plants, including THC, flavonoids, terpenes, and fatty acids. 
• Flavonoids are plant pigments, terpenes are aromatic compounds, and fatty acids are the building blocks of fat. 
• Hemp oil is produced from the stalks, stems, and flowers of hemp plants. However, hempseed oil is extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds.
• Conduct research about where the hemp is sourced. In the U.S., hemp sources include California, Colorado, and Oregon⁽⁴⁵⁾. 
• Opt for CBD products with no genetically modified organisms (non-GMO) organic hemp to ensure safety from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
• Find out which extraction process is used to extract CBD from the hemp plant. Ethanol and carbon dioxide extraction or CO2 extraction are examples of extraction methods.   
• Purchase CBD oil products from legitimate sources. Verify if independent laboratories conduct third-party testing. 
• CBD brands should report third-party lab tests on their official website. The results determine the quality, potency, purity, and safety of CBD products.
• Check if a CBD brand’s claims about its product match test results indicated on the certificate of analysis (COA). 
• Check a CBD product label for certification codes. Particular CBD products only receive approval after certification authorities conduct rigorous screening. 
• Consult a physician or healthcare provider to determine if particular CBD oil products have proven safe for hemorrhoids.
• Before buying CBD products from a store or dispensary, ensure that the government has issued a license to the store. 
• Before purchasing CBD products from online stores, read verified customer reviews about the CBD brand and its products.

CBD and Other Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

Besides using conventional medications to treat hemorrhoids, you may also use home treatment to reduce and relieve inflammation, swelling, and pain. 

Coconut oil may help shrink hemorrhoids and provide soothing relief⁽⁴⁶⁾. You may use a tissue or cotton ball to apply the coconut oil directly to external hemorrhoids.  

A warm-water sitz bath (hip bath) with Epsom salt may offer relief for hemorrhoid pain. After your bowel movement, soak in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes⁽⁴⁷⁾.  

Consuming high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, softens the stool and increases its bulk. Thus, you can prevent straining during bowel movements, which exacerbate existing hemorrhoids’ symptoms⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

CBD products, including CBD oil, are another alternative treatment that individuals may use for hemorrhoids. CBD contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help decrease pain and discomfort⁽⁴⁹⁾.  

CBD products are available in different forms. Some companies offer CBD-infused bath salts, which can be used as a sitz bath for hemorrhoids.

Legality of CBD

Under the U.S. 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal⁽⁵⁰⁾. Additionally, the law permits the growth, cultivation, and manufacturing of hemp plants. 

Consider that despite CBD’s availability, the legal status may vary from state to state. All states have legalized medical marijuana or CBD products, typically including CBD oil⁽⁵¹⁾. 

Some state laws impose various restrictions on CBD products’ THC levels⁽⁵²⁾.  

Patients registered with a state’s medical marijuana program may purchase, possess, and use medical cannabis⁽⁵³⁾. 

Physicians must have diagnosed these individuals with a qualifying medical condition established by state law. A licensed physician recommendation permitting the use of cannabis-rich oil may be required.