Rectal Itching

Rectal itching has several possible causes. One is worms and parasites, such as roundworms and pinworms. Itching may also be caused by hemorrhoids, inflamed ulcers, a yeast infection, or a fungal infection. Excess toxicity—ama in the colon—can also create itching of the anus.

FOR WORMS. If worms are the problem, you may be able to eliminate them entirely with this herbal formula:

vidanga 5 parts
shardunika 2 parts
trikatu ⅛ part

Use ¼ teaspoon of this mixture twice a day washed down with warm water after meals.

• Also, take ½ teaspoon triphala every night in a cup of warm water. (Steep 5 to 10 minutes before drinking.)

FOR YEAST INFECTION. If there is a yeast infection, apply a little yogurt to the anal orifice, then wash the anus with water.

FOR HEMORRHOIDS. If the problem is hemorrhoids, take a baking soda bath, soaking the hemorrhoids in warm water with ⅓ cup baking soda added. Then apply neem oil to the hemorrhoids. (See also “Hemorrhoids.”)

FOR FUNGAL INFECTION. Mix a little tea tree oil and neem oil together, and apply it directly to the anal area to heal the rectal itch.

PREVENTIVE DIET. Avoid hot spicy foods, fermented foods, and yeast-containing bread. Stay away from alcohol entirely.