Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are caused due to swollen veins around the anus or in the lower rectum. They can cause pain, severe itching and difficulty sitting. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include excessive itching, irritation and pain around the anus, painful bowel movements, incontinence, and blood in your stool.

 

Causes of hemorrhoids

There are no known exact reasons for this disease. However, the following could be possible factors:

• Excessive straining during bowel movement
• Chronic constipation
• Genetic disposition
• Sitting for extended periods of time, especially in toilets

Many people are often reluctant to visit a doctor for their hemorrhoids due to embarrassment, after all, it’s quite a sensitive issue. Rather than being tough on people and pestering them to see the doctor, wouldn’t it be even better if there was something they could do to take care of the problem on their own?

Yes, it would. When you think about how often hemorrhoids occur, there would be hundreds of patients seeing doctors for this relatively mild problem. So, natural home remedies for hemorrhoids are ideal for the affected individual who is too embarrassed to see a doctor.

Fortunately, there are various natural remedies that get rid of hemorrhoids without the negative side effects of medication.

Natural remedies  

Apple cider vinegar

You may already have this at home, and it can be quite useful. In the case of external hemorrhoids, apply the vinegar directly to the hemorrhoids using a cotton ball or toilet paper. It will initially have a stinging sensation, but will eventually relieve the pain and itching. For internal hemorrhoids, adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the water will have the same effect.

Witch hazel

This is useful for getting rid of hemorrhoidal pain and itching fast and for a long time. Apply the solution directly on the hemorrhoids regularly, and it will get rid of the pain and reduce bleeding too.

Lemon juice

It can be applied directly on the hemorrhoids, and the same benefits can be enjoyed through drinking the juice. It contains antioxidants that help reduce pain and inflammation.

Olive oil

It contains monounsaturated fatty acids which improve bowel movement, reducing the pain experienced when passing stool. Include small amounts of olive oil with food to experience this benefit.

Tea tree oil

This is very effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids, but it’s quite strong and should first be mixed with a carrier oil such as castor oil or sweet almond oil. Afterward, apply it directly onto the hemorrhoids with a cotton swab regularly until the hemorrhoids shrink.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is quite useful in hemorrhoids. You need to apply the oil directly over the hemorrhoids. A few days of regular application will not only bring down itching and pain. In some cases, hemorrhoids may disappear entirely.

Managing hemorrhoids

Even with medication or home remedies, you will still have to manage the pain and discomfort brought about by hemorrhoids as you wait for it to subside. These tips will help make you a bit more comfortable.

Cold compress

Ice in a clean cloth or towels, when applied directly over the hemorrhoids, several times a day for about 15 minutes may help. This has a twofold advantage:

• It constricts the blood vessels and helps reduce the hemorrhoids
• It reduces pain and itching, making it easier to pass stool

Soaking

Soaking yourself in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes can relieve pain because it causes the blood vessels to relax. Afterward, dry yourself off with a wet towel so that the affected area is not completely dry.

Avoid dry toilet paper

Using dry toilet paper may cause scratching on the inflamed area, which only increases the symptoms. Instead, use wet toilet paper or towelettes to wipe yourself off. Also, avoid perfumed or medicated toilet paper as these can cause dehydration.

 

Prevention tips

Obesity and straining during bowel movement are the most common causes of hemorrhoids. Overweight people tend to put excess strain on the rectum during defecation, and the problem gets worse if they have constipation. Even people with normal weight may have a problem with constipation, making them prone to hemorrhoids.

Exercise – It may sound cliché, but exercise is the cure for 90 percent of our health problems. So, the first thing you need to do is exercise to lose weight. Maintain an active lifestyle—mow the lawn, go for a stroll in the park, play with your kids, wash your car, etc. Exercise will also help you keep your digestive track in good working condition and help you avoid diseases.

Eat plenty of vegetables – As problems like hemorrhoids occur due to constipation and straining during bowel movement, it’s a good idea to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits since they have an abundance of fiber. Fiber helps in the smooth movement of stools and cleans the colon to maintain good digestive health. Include green leafy vegetables, flax seeds, almonds, prunes, cabbage, pecans and beans in your diet.

Take probiotic-rich foods – Probiotics are essential for the maintenance of your gut health. Probiotics increase good bacteria and aids in digestion. Yogurt, fermented cheese, and sauerkraut are good sources of probiotics.

Drink adequate amounts of water – Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to avoid any physical ailment. It not only helps meet the demand of the body and is crucial for cleansing your internal system. Drinking water will also soften your stool so that you don’t have to strain during bowel movement and keep hemorrhoids at bay.

Remember that natural remedies are mostly helpful for external hemorrhoids. If you are experiencing continual bleeding and another discomfort, it’s always a good idea to consult a physician. Also, some women suffer from hemorrhoids during pregnancy, which again requires different remedial measures and treatments. Again, it is always a good idea to talk with your doctor about treating this problem during pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids are a very painful condition that cause excruciating pain. Getting medical consultancy is highly recommended to help prevent and curb this condition.