Let’s face it. Hemorrhoids suck. And it sucks even worse that about 50 percent of the US population will experience hemorrhoids by age 50. There’s a good possibility you will experience internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids at some time in your life, unfortunately, and leave you experiencing painful bowel movement. So let’s talk about natural remedies for hemorrhoids!
Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, involve swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum happening either internally or externally. Hemorrhoids often result from straining to have a bowel movement. Those experiencing constipation, the elderly, and pregnant women are especially susceptible to hemorrhoids.
Despite how unpleasant they are, piles aren’t particularly harmful. Even better, they can be resolved naturally. That’s where this article’s going to help you.
But first, what are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
- Presence of blood. With internal hemorrhoids, you’ll see bright red blood on toilet paper. External hemorrhoids will involve blood clots around your anus.
- Swelling
- Itching
- Burning Irritation
- Blood clots or bumps around the anus
- Anal pain
Sound like you? Let’s continue.
Simple Home Hemorrhoid Treatments
Avoid sitting. When you use the bathroom, try squatting instead of sitting on the toilet seat. You can simulate squatting by putting a step stool or small box in front of your toilet and placing both feet on it.- Sitting stresses anal muscles in ways squatting does not. In particular, squatting relaxes the puborectalis muscle and straightens the rectum, aiding in easier bowel movements. Again, this treatment can be combined with all other treatments on the list for when you have to go ‘number 2.’
- Apply coconut oil
directly to the hemorrhoids. Coconut oil has been praised in the health community for decades, and with good reason. It is safe to be used in the anus, internally and externally and does wonders with getting rid of hemorrhoids. Simply rub coconut oil onto the afflicted area, rinse, and repeat. Symptoms should go away in a few days.
- Use herbal oils– Tea tree, lavender, and peppermint soothe swollen areas. Apply a few drops onto a clean rag or paper towel and blot the hemorrhoid. Do this about 3–4 times daily until symptoms subside.
- Use witch hazel
. Witch hazel has been known as a hemorrhoid killer for centuries. Just soak a cloth witch hazel and apply it to the afflicted area.
- Aloe vera
–Gotta love Aloe vera. Not only is it good for sunburns but it does wonders for other swollen, painful areas of the body. You can apply Aloe vera on its own or in addition to other treatments on this list.
- Apple cider vinegar – Often seen as a catch-all for health, apple cider vinegar can work wonders for hemorrhoids too. Create a one-part apple cider vinegar, one-part water solution and soak a cotton ball in it. Then apply the cotton ball to the hemorrhoid. Be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar properly, as the vinegar’s acidity can agitate the already irritated anal region further. If done properly, you should see results instantly. In addition to a cotton ball soak, you can add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to a sitz bath.
A few words on the sitz bath:
Sitz baths are good because they affect the hemorrhoid region without requiring all time and water of a regular bath. If you’re thinking about doing a sitz bath:
- Acquire a sitz bath bowl. It should look like a large plastic bowl that can fit over your toilet seat (here’s one on Amazon).
- Fill the bowl with comfortably hot water.
- Apply apple cider vinegar. If you like, you can add about 2–3 tablespoons of Epsom salt instead.
- Sit in the sitz bath for 15 minutes, ensuring that the hemorrhoid is completely soaked.
- Apply medicated ointment after the soaking.
- Thoroughly clean the sitz bath bowl for later use.
That’s it! Also, once you’ve soaked your hemorrhoid, put some hemorrhoid specific ointment on it.
Other things you should do when you’re still treating your hemorrhoids:
- Be sure to avoid toilet paper after using the bathroom. Instead, use medicated flushable moist toilets to avoid further irritating the anal region.
- Use an ice-pack to reduce swelling and slightly numb the pain. Simply sitting on an ice-pack will do but be sure your mind where you sit.
- Clean your anus regularly, especially if your hemorrhoid causes bleeding. Scented soaps can cause irritation, so opt for a scent-free, natural brand.
- In a similar vein, if you have a removable shower head try directly spraying warm water on the hemorrhoid for immediate soothing and pain relief.
- Avoid spicy food or anything that, as they say, hurts coming out. Your butt is in enough pain as it is. You don’t need Sriracha covered burritos making things worse.
While those are some of the most effective natural remedies for hemorrhoids, let’s talk about prevention tips. Getting hemorrhoids sucks just once, you don’t want to get them again.
- Stop straining for bowel movements. Straining the anal muscles is the number one cause of hemorrhoids, along with obesity. If you suffer from constipation, partake in constipation relief foods and activities, such as high-fiber foods, coffee, tea, exercise and more. The Internet is full of tips for you. Avoid straining and you can avoid hemorrhoids.
- With that, up your fiber intake. In general, eating a high fiber diet will lead to overall improved health. This includes rectal health, preventing hemorrhoids. Fiber softens stools and eases digestive issues, making using the bathroom much easier. Some foods you can easily incorporate include almonds, flax seeds, beans, and fruits and veggies of all kind, including dried ones! In addition to eating lots of fiber…
- Take probiotics. Probiotics are high in healthy or “good” bacteria, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods. You can also drink your probiotics in yogurt drinks like Kefir or through kombucha.
- Drink lots of water. Humans are 70 percent water, so when you have a health issue pop up, it’s probably from dehydration. Just like fiber, water also softens stools and aids in anal lubrication, making bowel movements smooth sailing.
Those were some of the best natural remedies for hemorrhoids. With moderate treatment, symptoms should go away in a few days. If they don’t, be sure to contact your doctor.
Good luck!