MD Cause:  Unknown 

MD Rx: Topical creams to reduce inflammation. 

ND Cause: Deficiencies in the trace mineral copper.

Discussion: Amongst other things, copper is used in the body to make a molecule called “Elastin.”  As may be obvious from its name, elastin’s job is to keep tissues pliable and elastic. When the body runs out of elastin, certain tissues start to sag. Spider veins, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and aortic aneurysms are all caused, in part, by elastin underproduction which is itself caused by copper deficiencies. Copper and Vitamin C are intimately related. If somebody ingests large amounts of vitamin C, their bod wastes copper. That is to say, vitamin C causes copper excretion from the body. Interestingly, copper is also necessary to keep pigment healthy. White hair and/or gray hair are also related to copper deficiencies. Albert Einstein was a textbook example of someone with undiagnosed copper deficiencies.  He had spider veins and sagging muscles in his face, white hair - and to top it all off, he died from an aortic aneurysm! The smartest man in the world did not know that he was suffering from a copper deficiency! Go figure.

My Rx: In addition to the 90 EN:

• Selenium: 1 bottle per 75 pounds per month. Take in divided dosed 2 times daily, preferably between meals. Do not take more than 4 bottles per month, regardless of your weight. If while you are taking it your breath becomes fishy or garlicky, or your nails or hair become brittle, back off on the dose by 50%. If after backing off of the dose any of those symptoms persist, stop taking it altogether.

• Plant Derived Minerals, or Cheri-Mins, or Strawberry Kiwi Mins, or Ultimate Mineral Caps:[1]1 bottle per 100 pounds per month.

Homeopathy:

• Aesculus hippocastanum: The rectum feels as if it is full of small sticks – and very painful. The hemorrhoids are of a purplish hue. There is often burning, itching and dryness. Sometimes the pain is so intense that the person cannot sit, stand or lie - the only comfortable position was kneeling. The stool is typically dry and hard and passed with difficulty. There can be sharp, shooting pains up the back with the hemorrhoids.

• Aloe: Hemorrhoids protrude from the rectum like a bunch of grapes. They bleed and are tender and hot – relieved by cold water. There is often itching and burning that is worse at night in bed, interfering with sleep.

• Hamamelis: The hemorrhoids bleed readily and at times profusely –frequently at the time of a stool. There is also a feeling of burning soreness and a sense of rectal fullness. The hemorrhoids commonly protrude from the rectum.

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[1] The dose for the mineral caps is different than for any of the mineral liquids. It is: 1 bottle per 200 pounds per month.