Management of a fissure in ano involves a combination of measures such as diet and lifestyle changes. In some chronic cases, there might be surgical interventions and potential medication. It is one of the most painful conditions that affect the anal region. It is an oval, ulcer-like split in the rectal tunnel. One might experience extreme rectal discomfort that gets worse by hard defecation. This type of injury happens due to stress caused by hard feces in the rectum.
What are the causes of anal fissure?
The main reason behind anal fissure is an unhealthy lifestyle. It also occurs due to deficiency of sufficient exercise, harmful diet and eating junk food. One of the strongest reasons behind anal fissure is alteration of bowel routine. When hard feces pass through anus, it results in an injury to the rear part of the rectal tunnel. It can potentially cause a break at the joint which results in severe pain. It can also lead to potential blood loss sometimes.
The patterns in the formation of anal fissures and fistula are as follows-
· Hard irregular feces.
· Changes intestinal habit.
· Acute onset of fissure.
· Fistula.
How can anal fissure be treated?
The anal fissure can be treated by correcting constipation and following the below practices-
1. Drinking adequate amount of fluids.
2. Intake of food items rich in fiber.
3. Avoid the usage of spicy food items.
4. Consuming milk and buttermilk.
Why should you consume high fiber diet for getting rid of anal fissure?
Psyllium husk are the seeds obtained from Plantago ovate plant. These materials have carbohydrates that hold with standard water. This creates bigger and smoother feces. The softer stool expands and helps the sphincter muscle tissue to circulate blood. Isabgol or psyllium fiber is used as a fiber complement for treating intestinal problems.
What are the ayurvedic measures one can take for treating fissure in ano?
1. Piccha basti.
Piccha basti is one of the most convenient and cost-effective option for promoting healing and pain management. In this ayurvedic therapy, a thick cotton swab is soaked in oil or ghee for a few minutes. Then, it is placed in the rectum to stay in place for allowing better absorption.
How does Piccha basti help?
Pain relief.
The medicine can help relax the anal sphincters and reduce the pain by alleviating the Vata dosha.
Wound healing.
The ghee in Piccha basti heal and prevents infections in the fissure.
Sodhan.
Also known as cleansing, Piccha basti helps cleanse the lower gastrointestinal tract. It also promotes healing.
2. Pilex ointment.
This ointment is used for managing discomfort associated with Piles. It also helps offer some relief from anal fissures. The drug also helps reduce pain, itching and discomfort. The ingredient contains natural ingredients such as Jhendu, Nirgundi, Bhringaraja and Lajjalu. These herbs are believed to have antimicrobial properties. The ointment helps alleviate pain and discomfort associated with fissure. One should consult a healthcare professional to diagnose the condition. The drug is efficient in aiding the relief of piles-related discomfort. It also heals irritated skin and decreases the inflammation of soft tissues around the rectum. It also prevents subsequent microbial infections in the body. It should be strictly used in accordance with the doctor’s dose. The medicine should be applied carefully to the affected area. It should be applied on a clean and dry area. It is important to wash your hands before and after using the drug.
3. Hot sitz bath.
A hot sitz bath is the bath that involves soaking the hip and buttock area in warm water. The water is infused with healing herbs. It relaxes your anal muscles. It is crucial for reducing the pain and allows the fissure to heal naturally. Hot Sitz bath relaxes sphincter muscles and improves circulation by promoting tissue repair and healing. The herb has properties that ease bowel movements and reduces post-defecation pain.
How to take a hot Sitz bath?
· One should fill a sitz bath basin with warm water.
· One should also add one tablespoon of triphala powder.
· Add one pinch of turmeric.
· Add a few neem leaves.
· Add one tablespoon of rock salt.
· Sit in the water for 15-20 minutes.
· Pat the area dry with a soft clean towel.
4. Gandharva Haritaki Churna.
This classical ayurvedic formulation is used for relieving constipation which is a major aggravating factor in fissures. Gandharva Haritaki churna is a combination of Castor oil and Haritaki among other herbs. The herb acts as a natural purgative. It helps soften tools. It also promotes regular bowel movements. This reduces straining during defecation. The drug eases constipation without any kind of harsh effects. It softens tools and prevents further tearing. It also balances doshas involved in fissure. It also supports gut health. It is one of the best ayurvedic medicines for fissure in ano.
One should avoid consuming the drug during pregnancy. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, it is important to consult a practitioner first. It is also recommended to drink enough warm water.
One can also take the drug with following combinations-
· Triphala churna – It is used for additional stool-softening.
· Jaytadi- It is used for local wound healing.
· Sitz bath- It is used for pain relief and cleansing.
· Abhayarishta- It is used for digestive support.
5. Triphala Guggulu.
This ayurvedic formulation provides the combined effect of Guggulu and Triphala. Guggul provide anti-inflammatory properties and Triphala brings detoxifying properties. The rechana or laxative properties of Triphala Guggulu provide an effective aid in the treatment of constipation. It stimulates the digestive fire. This relieves constipation and prevents piles. It also gives a relief from swelling pain and other kinds of discomforts associated with them. The drug also helps in weight management. The drug is considered safe when taken in optimum quantities. One should also follow the prescribed dose for the medicine.
6. Palshadigudavarti.
This is an ayurvedic suppository which is effective in treating anal fissures. It also offers a relief from pain. The drug also reduces pain and discomfort associated with anal fissures.
References:
-
Ayurvedic Management of Fissure-in-Ano – A Clinical Study
👉 AYU Journal – Ayurvedic Treatment for Fissure
(Covers herbal applications and internal medicines for fissure healing.) -
Triphala Guggulu: A Review on Pharmacological Activities
👉 ResearchGate – Triphala Guggulu
(Highlights anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties for anorectal issues.) -
Effectiveness of Sitz Bath in Anorectal Disorders
👉 PubMed – Sitz Bath for Pain and Healing
(Study supports warm sitz baths for reducing pain and promoting healing.) -
Gandharva Haritaki for Constipation Relief
👉 AYU Journal – Gandharva Haritaki
(Traditional formula used to ease Vata-type constipation, a fissure trigger.) -
Psyllium (Isabgol) for Bowel Regulation
👉 WebMD – Psyllium Benefits
(Demonstrates stool-softening action to prevent straining during defecation.)