What are the Best Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids?

How to Cure Hemorrhoids at Home Fast?

These questions come to your mind when you hear about the natural home remedies for hemorrhoids and how effective these are for relieving the pain. Today we will discuss in details about these remedies.

Hemorrhoids also called as piles, are the inflammation around the rectum and anus which can cause discomfort, irritation, and pain during bowel movement. It is not an uncommon condition as most people by the age of 50 have experienced at one of time or the other.

The chance of developing hemorrhoids increases with age. Hemorrhoids are curable and rarely dangerous with a short treatment period. Read on to know more about this disease as well as the kinds of treatment that are available.

What is Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids or piles are the conditions when the blood vessels around the rectum and anus become swollen and cause bleeding, irritation and pain around that area. It occurs around the lowest portion of the anus and rectum.

Hemorrhoids can occur both internally as well as externally. An internal hemorrhoid is when it develops within the anus or the rectum while external hemorrhoid develops outside the anus.

External hemorrhoids are more common. External hemorrhoids are prolapsed hemorrhoids which become big and bulge outside the anus. They are itchy and cause a lot of pain and bleeding and can be felt as a lump outside the anus. When there is blood clot within the blood vessels it is called thrombosed external hemorrhoids and can be very painful.

Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Some of the common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

1. Pain during bowel movement
2. Severe itching around the anus
3. Difficulty while sitting
4. Irritation around the anus
5. Pain around the anus
6. Leaking feces
7. Painless bleeding
8. External bleeding during bowel movement
9. Pale skin and weakness due to external bleeding
10. Constant feeling of needing to have a bowel movement

Causes of Hemorrhoids

There is no specific reason for the development of hemorrhoids. The following are some of the possible reasons for its development:

1. Complications arising out of severe constipation.
2. Putting too much of strain and pressure during the bowel movement.
3. Sitting in the toilet for a long duration.
4. A family history of hemorrhoids which passes on genetically.
5. Lifting heavy articles regularly.
6. Being obese.
7. Frequent anal sexual intercourse.
8. Pressure on veins during pregnancy.
9. Low-fiber diet.
10. Chronic diarrhea.

Also Read: Perfect Indian Diet Plan for Weight Loss

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to soothe the inflammation caused by hemorrhoids in the anal area. (1)

It is advised to use only the purest form of aloe rather than in a cream which might instead cause further irritation. It is very easy and simple to extract pure aloe vera gel from the leaf of an aloe vera plant. Aloe Vera is also good for glowing skin.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which can help in reducing the inflammation and swelling in the anal area. It also reduces the pain and discomfort quickly. Coconut oil can be applied directly to the hemorrhoids or can be incorporated into your diet. (2)

3. Sitz Bath/Warm Bath

Soaking the anal area in plain warm water a couple of times in a day for 10 to 15 minutes helps to sooth the itching and burning. A sitz bath is a tub which can be placed over the toilet seat and used to soak the anus comfortably. It is more effective to take a warm water bath after every bowel movement.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

It is recommended to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day in order to keep the body well hydrated for an easy bowel movement.

5. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is an excellent natural alternative to use on the hemorrhoids as the tannins and oils in it help to bring down the inflammation and bleeding. It also helps to reduce itching and pain. It is advised to apply it directly to the hemorrhoids by purchasing it in liquid form. There are also wipes and soaps made of witch hazel in the market.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

For instant relief from itching and pain apple cider vinegar is a great option. It is best to use it with caution as overuse can burn the skin of the affected anal area.

7. Ice Packs

The anus is relieved from swelling and irritation when ice packs or cold compresses are applied on it. It should be always wrapped with a towel or cloth before applying it on the hemorrhoids for at least 15 minutes at a time. This is one of the best home remedies for hemorrhoids.

Here is an advice from Rachel Ray Show on the treatment of hemorrhoids

8. Psyllium Husk

Also known as ispaghula, it is the husk of the Plantago ovate seeds which is very fibrous in nature. It is used as a bulk-forming laxative which moisturizes the guts and enables bowel movement. It is advisable to drink a lot of water while consuming psyllium husk.

9. Stool Softeners

The stool softener is an emollient laxative which moisturizes and softens the stool to prevent constipation and quick bowel movement. It is best to use this remedy when the mild or temporary constipation as they are used for short-term results.

10. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which help in reducing the itching and swelling around the anal area. Since it has not been clinically proven, it is best to use caution before using this alternative.

11. Clean Anal Area

Always clean the anus with water gently with warm water while taking a bath.

12. Glycerin and Epsom Salts

Glycerin and Epsom salt are known to treat painful hemorrhoids. It should be applied in the affected areas every four to six hours until the pain has reduced considerably. It is more effective to take a warm water bath with Epsom salt after every bowel movement.

13. Soothing Wipes

Wipes are a better alternative to dry paper towels as it protects the skin from further irritation around the affected anal area. There are wipes made with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or witch hazel that can be used instead of paper towels. Wipes made with perfume or alcohol can further aggravate the condition rather than provide any relief.

14. Cotton Clothes

It is advisable to wear cotton clothes which are loose and has plenty of breathing space instead of wearing polyester clothes which can further irritate the affected anal areas. Cotton clothes help to keep the anal area aerated and clean.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are usually diagnosed by the doctor after a visual examination or the doctor may ask you to do a digital rectal exam. In a digital rectal exam, the doctor inserts his gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to check for any abnormalities.

The doctor upon finding anything abnormal may further ask you to do an additional test called sigmoidoscopy. In a sigmoidoscopy, a camera is inserted into the rectum through a small tube to analyze internal hemorrhoid.

The following are some of the treatments that are available for hemorrhoids:

1. For instant relief from pain simply soak in a warm tub of water every day for at least 10 minutes.
2. There are over-the-counter ointments and creams which can be applied to relieve unbearable pain, itching or burning.
3. There are many Yoga Asanas for Piles or Hemorrhoids.
4. Fiber supplements such as methylcellulose and psyllium help to relieve constipation and ease in bowel movement.
5. Medical procedures like rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy are other alternatives to treat hemorrhoids. In rubber band ligation the circulation of the hemorrhoid is cut off by placing a rubber band around it which will force it to shrink. This procedure can only be done by a professional doctor. The other alternative is through sclerotherapy or injection therapy where the doctor injects a chemical into the blood vessels directly which causes hemorrhoid to reduce in size.
6. There are several home remedies to cure hemorrhoids as well.

Also Read: Yoga for Constipation | 7 Yoga Poses, How to Do & Benefits

What to Avoid in Hemorrhoids?

Some of the things that can be avoided while suffering from hemorrhoids:

1. Spicy food like hot pepper makes the condition even worse by irritating the stomach and disrupting the digestive system.
2. Caffeinated drink like coffee makes your bowel movement dry and worsens hemorrhoids. The alternative to coffee is tea.
3. Alcoholic drinks also harden the bowel movement and cause irritation in the rectum and anus.
4. Fatty food like deep fried items can cause havoc in the stomach and heartburn which can worsen the hemorrhoids. Stir clear from food items like French fries, funnel cakes, fritters etc.
5. Processed carbs like polished rice, white bread or pasta are highly refined food which can worsen hemorrhoids.
6. Although there are many options available while selecting a laxative for treatment, it is prudent to choose a laxative which is osmotic. Osmotic laxatives help by increasing the amount of water in your body and reducing the chances of constipation.
7. Use of paper towels which are dry and rough should be avoided as it can aggravate the irritation in the anal area.
8. Scratching the affected anal area will only worsen the irritation, pain and discomfort and the risk of developing an infection the sensitive anal area.

Also, read: How to Lose Weight Fast: 51 Fast Weight Loss Tips for Women and Men

Preventive Measures for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are actually very easy to cure and it does not always require any medication. Some simple preventive measures can help in treating it within a short period of time.

1. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the digestive system well hydrated so that there is no straining during bowel movement. It is recommended to drink at least six to eight glasses of water during the day.
2. Not to strain during bowel movement as the pressure in the rectum and anus can be painful and may lead to bleeding as well.
3. Not to delay going to the restroom when you feel the pressure of bowel movement. It is best to respond to your body’s demands as earliest possible in order to prevent the development of hemorrhoids.
4. Not to sit on a hard surface for a long period of time as it could put pressure on the veins I the lower rectum.
5. Regular exercise to prevent constipation and the regular functioning of the colon.
6. Consuming fiber-rich foods for easy bowel movement such as brown rice, whole wheat, oatmeal, leafy vegetables, carrots, cabbage, banana and pear amongst others is one of the easiest and most natural ways of curing hemorrhoids.

Try these tricks and remedies and write to me about your experience.