Can Portulaca oleracea treat hemorrhoids?

Portulaca oleracea may help alleviate hemorrhoids to some extent, but it is difficult to achieve a complete cure. If any abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Portulaca oleracea contains various active components and has effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving swelling, and reducing pain. When applied externally as a wash or poultice on the anal area, it can help alleviate local swelling, pain, and itching caused by hemorrhoids, and may also help reduce the size of hemorrhoidal nodules. For mild cases of internal or external hemorrhoids, appropriate use of Portulaca oleracea as an adjunctive care measure can temporarily relieve discomfort.

However, hemorrhoids develop due to pathological changes such as varicose veins and downward displacement of the anal cushions, which cannot be fundamentally resolved by using Portulaca oleracea alone. When symptoms are severe—for example, significant rectal bleeding, prolapsed hemorrhoids that cannot be pushed back in, or tissue necrosis—Portulaca oleracea has very limited efficacy and cannot replace standardized medical treatment. Relying solely on Portulaca oleracea and delaying proper treatment may worsen the condition.

When using Portulaca oleracea to manage hemorrhoids, it is important to first understand your condition and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are severe. Additionally, ensure proper usage to avoid adverse reactions such as allergies, and do not rely solely on this method, as it may delay appropriate treatment.