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Anal fistula is a health issue that affects many people in India, yet it often goes undiscussed due to embarrassment or lack of awareness. A study conducted in a rural area of India estimated the incidence of anal fistula to be approximately 1 in every 20 patients.

An anal fistula is basically a small tunnel that forms between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus. This condition usually develops after an infection near the anus causes a collection of pus (abscess) in the nearby tissue. When the pus drains away, it can leave a small channel behind, which is the fistula.

Most people fear getting surgery to treat their fistula but Ayurveda offers a promising alternative. Ayurvedic treatments focus on natural healing methods that aim to treat the root cause of the problem, rather than addressing the symptoms only. One such treatment is the Kshar Sutra therapy, which has been recognised for its effectiveness in managing anal fistulas without the need for conventional surgery.

In this blog, we will explore what causes an anal fistula, the principles behind Ayurvedic treatments, and how these natural methods can help you heal without surgery.

What Is an Anal Fistula and Why Is It So Painful?

An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the inside of your anus and the skin just around it. It often begins with an abscess, which is a swollen pocket filled with pus. When the abscess doesn’t heal properly, it creates a narrow pathway between the inside of your rectum and the outside skin. That’s what we call a fistula.

How Does It Feel?

You might not understand this at first, but a fistula can become painful and annoying very quickly. Some common signs and symptoms of anal fistula that you need to look out for are:

• Pain or discomfort around the anus, especially while sitting or walking
• Swelling or redness near the anal area
• Pus or blood discharge near your anus
• A lump or bump that may be warm or tender when you touch it
• Painful bowel movements
• A feeling that the area is always wet or irritated

Can You Heal a Fistula Without Surgery?

To answer this question in simple terms, yes, you can and Ayurveda offers a gentle and effective way to do it.

If you are worried that surgery is the only solution for your anal fistula, you’re mistaken. Many people feel anxious when they hear the word “surgery”, due to the pain, long hospital stays, and long recovery times. But what you should know is that not every fistula needs surgery. Ayurveda has a time-tested, natural approach that can heal a fistula without going under the knife.

How Ayurveda Helps

Ayurveda focuses on treating the root causes of fistula, which in this case is poor digestion, toxin build-up and infection. The most widely recommended Ayurvedic treatment for fistula is the Kshar Sutra therapy. Basically, this is a special medicated thread coated with layers of natural herbs and alkalis. It is very gently inserted into the fistula tract and it works by slowly cutting and healing the tunnel from inside.

Along with this, Ayurvedic doctors also use herbal medicines that help:

• Improve digestion
• Cleanse the gut
• Reduce inflammation
• Boost your immunity

Pro Tip: If you’re not comfortable with surgery or want to try a safer, natural option first, consult a certified Ayurvedic doctor. Kshar Sutra therapy has proven to be an effective option for many people without complications and it might work for you too.

What Is Kshar Sutra and How Does It Work?

Kshar Sutra is among the most trusted Ayurvedic remedies for anal fistula. It's a medicated thread that heals the fistula naturally, without needing major surgery. If the thought of getting a surgical treatment scares you, this can be the best option for treating your fistula.

How Kshar Sutra Therapy Works?

Let us now understand how this Ayurvedic therapy works:

Thread Preparation: The Kshar Sutra is a cotton thread coated 15-21 times with natural herbal medicines and alkaline substances including Apamarg Kshar, Haridra and Guggulu. These are basically antibacterial and healing ingredients.
Procedure: First, your Ayurvedic doctor uses local or spinal anesthesia during the treatment to make it painless. A fine probe is passed through the fistula tract and the Kshar Sutra thread is inserted through it.
Tying the Thread: Both ends of the thread are attached to keep it in position within the fistula tunnel.
Healing Action: In a few days, the herbal coatings cut through the infected tissues and heal the tract from within. It eliminates infected or dead tissue and encourages new healthy growth.
Weekly Thread Change: You have to visit your Ayurvedic doctor once every week to change the thread. This will continue until your whole fistula tract is cut and cured.

Why People Prefer Kshar Sutra

• No major cuts or stitches.
• Minimal hospital stay (hardly a few hours).
• Very low recurrence chances.
• Safe for long-term healing.
• You can return to daily life quickly.

What Ayurvedic Herbs Can Heal a Fistula?

As we have already discussed, the focus of Ayurveda is on treating the root cause of fistula. And Ayurvedic herbs play a big role in this process of healing.

The most effective Ayurvedic herbs for fistula are :

Haridra (Turmeric): Among the strongest healing herbs in Ayurveda is turmeric. It's known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. It reduces swelling, pain, and infection around the fistula tract. Turmeric also encourages quicker wound healing and that too from the within.
Pro Tip: Drinking turmeric milk before going to bed can help your body fight infections and it also boosts immunity.

Guggulu : Guggulu is believed to eliminate toxins and decrease inflammation. Also, it improves your blood circulation, accelerating wound healing of the fistula area. Many Ayurvedic medicines for fistula use Guggulu as an active ingredient.

Triphala: Triphala consists of Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. It cleanses your system, prevents constipation and reduces strain when you move your bowels. When your digestion improves, your entire body heals better too.
Pro Tip: Take Triphala powder with warm water before bed for improving your digestion and promoting detox.

Isabgol (Psyllium Husk): Isabgol is a natural fibre supplement. It softens your stool and makes your bowel movements easier. This is essential for healing a fistula because hard stools could delay healing and also cause you pain.

Abhaya (Haritaki): Abhaya helps to balance your digestion. It helps in reducing constipation, gas production and for clearing your bowels without straining. Also, it eliminates harmful toxins from the body, which is essential for the Ayurvedic treatment of fistula.

What Home Remedies Can Support Fistula Healing?

While Ayurvedic treatments such as Kshar Sutra and herbal medicines are the primary tools for treatment, there are also some simple home remedies for fistula. These remedies can ease pain, decrease inflammation, promote better digestion and help your body overcome this condition naturally.

Try these quick home remedies for anal fistula:
1. Ginger Tea: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and painkiller. It cools your stomach and also reduces swelling. Also, it boosts your immunity, which is essential for healing infections.
How to Use: Boil fresh ginger pieces in water & drink 2 to 3 times daily.
2. Clove Water: Cloves are natural antibacterial agents in nature. They help to clean your digestive tract and prevent future infections.
How to use: Boil a couple of cloves in water and sip this water slowly. Alternatively, mix clove water with ginger tea for even better results.
3. Olive oil and Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When it is mixed with olive oil, it can be applied externally to soothe the fistula area.
How to use: Mix some drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoonful of olive oil and then apply it around the fistula opening (but not inside).
4. Oregano oil in Warm Water: Oregano oil kills bad bacteria and also improves immunity. It also decreases swelling.
How to use: Take 1-2 drops of oregano oil in a cup of lukewarm water and drink once or twice daily.

Conclusion

Healing from a fistula can be a long and distressing process, but it is possible even without invasive surgery. If you have been suffering from the pain or constant irritation of an anal fistula, you should know that there are mild, natural options available. Ayurveda helps you heal your fistula from the source, with herbs, therapies such as Kshar Sutra and lifestyle and diet changes.

If you have a fistula, you don’t have to suffer in silence or let things get worse. The sooner you act, the faster your recovery is going to be.

Your health decisions deserve expert support. Reach out to our experienced Jiva doctors at 0129-4264323 and get the information you need to make the best choices for your well-being.