{"id":990,"date":"2017-07-17T03:25:00","date_gmt":"2017-07-17T03:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=990"},"modified":"2021-05-13T16:51:06","modified_gmt":"2021-05-13T16:51:06","slug":"17-home-remedies-hemorrhoids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/17-home-remedies-hemorrhoids\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Hemorrhoids are also sometimes referred to as piles, but whatever you call them, they are an unpleasant and somewhat embarrassing condition that will affect a great many of us at some point in our lives.<\/p>\n

Hemorrhoids are caused by swollen veins which are located in the lower area of the anus and rectum. As the walls of the vessels are stretched, they can become irritated and inflamed, leading to discomfort and a troubling appearance.<\/p>\n

There are a number of things that can trigger hemorrhoids. Common causes include: pregnancy, aging, diarrhea, sitting for long periods of time, lifting heavy weights, anal intercourse, obesity and genetics. In general, anything that places a lot of pressure on the anus, that causes a direct trauma to the anus or that causes strong contraction and tightening can all cause the veins to bulge and become engorged.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll know if you have hemorrhoids if you notice bleeding on the toilet. If the blood is bright red, then this suggests that it has an external rather than internal source, with hemorrhoids being a likely culprit. This is especially likely if the bleeding is not accompanied by any pain. Likewise, other symptoms include constant itching and irritation, discomfort when sitting, pain around the anus especially when sitting, swelling and \u2018leakage\u2019 of feces. The most obvious symptom however is the appearance of the red, protruding lumps around the anus. If you are brave enough, then try checking Google Images for an idea of what to look out for.<\/p>\n

Hemorrhoids are generally very unpleasant and can be very painful, making it difficult to sit down for long periods of time. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to treat and prevent. The biggest concern is that when left untreated, haemorrhoids will usually get worse with time. This makes it highly important that all cases be treated quickly and promptly and that patients see a physician as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

That said, while you wait for an appointment, there are also a number of home remedies you can use to begin treating the condition and to help manage some of the discomfort. Read on for a selection of options.<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Aloe Vera<\/h3>\n

Aloe vera<\/a> can be a useful treatment to help treat external hemorrhoids thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Using aloe vera on the area will not only help to immediately cool and soothe the discomfort, but it can also reduce swelling and thereby alleviate some of the visual impact of the hemorrhoids while also easing the surrounding area.<\/p>\n

Aloe vera also has a number of other properties. It is nourishing for the skin and is also antibacterial, meaning that it can help to prevent an infection \u2013 which is a common complication with hemorrhoids. To use, simply apply around a teaspoon of the aloe vera gel directly to the affected area.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Sitz Bath<\/h3>\n

A sitz bath is an ideal option for alleviating the pain associated with hemorrhoids<\/a>. A sitz bath essentially means soaking the affected area in warm water with or without additional ingredients added to the water. This can be done just by taking a warm bath, or it can be done by use a bidet. The warmth is soothing for the area and will help to relax the muscles, reducing the pain and discomfort. It can also encourage healthy blood circulation.<\/p>\n

If you want to get additional benefit from the bath, then you can consider adding a little apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Tennis Ball<\/h3>\n

You might be wondering how a tennis ball could possibly help to treat hemorrhoids!<\/p>\n

This is actually a trick that you can use to avoid some of the discomfort<\/a> and pain associated with the condition. The big problem with hemorrhoids is that they make it very painful to rest on your read end. This can be an issue when you are trying to sleep, as if you roll over in the night onto your back, you will likely place pressure on your buttocks and thereby wake yourself up!<\/p>\n

The objective when using a tennis ball is to prevent this. You are going to tuck your pyjama top into your pants and then insert the tennis ball in your back. This prevents you rolling onto your back and can help you to get a sound night\u2019s sleep!<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Turmeric<\/h3>\n

Turmeric<\/a> is a popular home remedy for hemorrhoids. As turmeric is high in curcumin, this gives it antimicrobial and antiseptic properties \u2013 which once again can help to prevent you from developing a more serious infection. It is also able to reduce inflammation, generally making it a useful option for easing discomfort and helping you to feel better.<\/p>\n

Combine a teaspoon of turmeric with two teaspoons of filtered water. Mix well with a little glycerine and then apply to the affected area as a paste.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Gentle Wash<\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t have access to a bath or you don\u2019t feel able to submerge yourself, then a quicker way to get some light relief is to apply a warm flannel gently to the area. Regularly, cautiously washing the area will help to remove any blood and any feces that you might not have been able to wipe away due to the hemorrhoids.<\/p>\n

Try not to aggravate the hemorrhoids by making sure to dab and pad rather than rubbing and wiping. Add a little salt for antiseptic<\/a> benefits.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Tea Bags<\/h3>\n

Many people find that tea bags can be a useful treatment for painful rashes<\/a>, ulcers, spots and yes, hemorrhoids. Tea bags are cooling and gentle and they also contain a lot of useful nutrients that can nourish an affected area \u2013 including antioxidants to help prevent damage to the skin. Tannins and theanine can help to relax and the absorbent nature of the tea bag can help to draw out blood and soothe the area. These reasons explain why you will often have tea bags placed on your eyes when you visit a health spa!<\/p>\n

But what tea bags can also offer is caffeine. Caffeine is of course the active ingredient in tea and coffee that makes us feel awake and alert. This is also a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it can help to shrink blood vessels \u2013 which is beneficial for treating hemorrhoids!<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Eucalyptus<\/h3>\n

Eucalyptus<\/a> is an essential oil that is recommended in a wide range of different home remedies and treatments. Like many other essential oils, it is nutritious, relaxing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.<\/p>\n

On top of all these other benefits though, eucalyptus also has the benefit of having a cooling and numbing effect. This is similar to the effect that menthol or mint has and it can be very effective at treating the symptoms of hemorrhoids by dulling the pain.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Analgesics<\/h3>\n

There are plenty of different analgesics<\/a> on the market that help to treat pain by affecting the way that pain receptors act in the brain. While you can get some benefit from the various natural ingredients mentioned on this list, you will normally find that the pain relief that comes from over-the-counter painkillers acts faster and has a more profound effect.<\/p>\n

Good examples include paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Witch Hazel<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel<\/a> is commonly recommended for women that experience hemorrhoids as a side effect of pregnancy. This has been used for centuries for a variety of different remedies, owing to the potent astringent properties. Like caffeine, this is also a tannin and can help to soothe the area.<\/p>\n

Take a small cotton ball, drench in a cup of witch hazel and then apply directly to the area.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Prunes<\/h3>\n

Prunes<\/a> won\u2019t directly treat your hemorrhoids but they are a useful item to add to the shopping trolley nonetheless. That\u2019s because prunes are a) a great source of fibre and b) a source of sorbitol. Both these things can work to make your stool a little easier to pass. In the case of sorbitol, this works by drawing in more water and thereby helping to dilute and soften the feces.<\/p>\n

This is important because it can cause significantly less pain when passing and make it easier to go without straining and worsening the hemorrhoids.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Water<\/h3>\n

In a similar vein (no pun intended), it\u2019s also a good idea to keep drinking plenty of water<\/a>. This will once again encourage healthy bowel movements and will particularly help to soften the stool and make it pass through the system more easily.<\/p>\n

Not only that, but drinking plenty of water is important for the immune system and should always be high on the agenda.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0Olive Oil<\/h3>\n

Olive oil<\/a> has a number of potent benefits that you might have overlooked.<\/p>\n

This is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and it also has the ability to help shrink blood vessels and improve their elasticity thanks to the content of oleic acid, squalene and phenolic constituents.<\/p>\n

To get the benefits you can take olive oil orally and apply directly to the area.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Apple Cider Vinegar<\/h3>\n

Apple cider vinegar<\/a> is another of those popular remedies that crops up on a vast range of lists.<\/p>\n

This can also once again be used both externally and internally. Not only is this astringent but it is also anti-inflammatory and can help to shrink hemorrhoids more quickly.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0Lemon Juice<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re keen to try and burn away your hemorrhoids with acidic foods and juices, then lemon juice can help you to do this. Not only that, but lemon juice is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C<\/a> to support the immune system.<\/p>\n

It can sting a little when applied topically but it isn\u2019t doing any harm!<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Cold Compress<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve looked at using warm baths to treat the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and of course cold can also be very effective at soothing and numbing pain. Don\u2019t apply ice directly to the skin but wrap in a towel or flannel and then apply for periods of ten minutes at a time, making sure to take breaks in between.<\/p>\n

Not only does this numb<\/a> the area and thereby reduce pain but it can also be an effective way to accelerate the death of the hemorrhoids.<\/p>\n

\"\"16. \u00a0Coconut Oil<\/h3>\n

One of the most popular health panaceas going, coconut oil<\/a> is a great source of saturated oils and medium chain fatty acids.<\/p>\n

This can help to moisturise and nourish the affected area, as well as to help lubricate the region and encourage stool to pass through more easily! When taken orally, this can soften stool from the inside out and again result in less straining and pushing being necessary.<\/p>\n

But coconut oil works best if you melt around 2-3 teaspoons and then soak on the area using a cotton pad. You can try this 4-5 times a day for the best results. Keep some coconut oil around, it has countless other benefits too!<\/p>\n

\"\"17. \u00a0Band Litigation<\/h3>\n

If you were to visit a doctor, they would use a process called elastic band litigation as one of the options for removing your hemorrhoids. This involves \u2018choking\u2019 the hemorrhoids using a rubber band in order to cause them to drop off.<\/p>\n

And yes, you can do this yourself and you\u2019ll find plenty of instructions online. Do recommend it though? No. Getting a physician<\/a> to handle this for you will result in faster and more positive outcomes and a lower likelihood of scarring or infection.<\/p>\n

Note that all the remedies on the list are aimed at soothing and easing the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. To solve the issue? Go to your doctor!<\/p>\n\r\n

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