Surana Powder for Piles (haemorrhoids)

Piles (haemorrhoids) are dilated veins within the anal canal. The precipitating causes of haemorrhoidal disease are chronic constipation, strain during defecation, sedentary life, pregnancy, chronic liver disease and abnormal bowel habits due to long-term use of low-fibre and fat-rich diet.

In Ayurveda, various drugs are mentioned to treat piles. Of these, Surana powder is a simple herbal medicine which is frequently used for treating piles following certain life-style changes. The following do’s & don’ts are to be observed by patients with haemorrhoids:

• Avoid heavy foods, untimely meals and food items that cause constipation and indigestion.
• Old rice, barley, garlic, black pepper, lemon, gooseberry, and ginger and judicious use of medicinal beverages are beneficial in the patients with piles.
• Regular use of goat’s milk and yoghurt is beneficial.
• Avoid overeating and dry and spicy foods.

Dose and mode of administration – The dose of Surana powder for adults is 2 to 10 grams and for children 1 to 5 grams, twice daily to be swallowed with water.

Precautions and safety aspects

• Raw Surana corm may cause itching which can be relieved by its antidotes such as lemon and tamarind taken orally.
• Hot, spicy, fried, sour, pungent, fat-rich and heavy foods should be avoided during medication with Surana.
• The patient should take plenty of water, properly cooked green vegetables, fruits and milk in daily diet.
• Straining during defecation should always be avoided.
• Diet should be soft and digestible and not causing constipation.
• It is not advisable for pregnant and nursing mothers to consume Surana.

Reference – Traditional Herbal Remedies for Primary Health Care