Five Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids or piles are the swollen veins in the anus and rectum that may result in pain, itching, and rectal bleeding. Hemorrhoids are not life-threatening and are usually the leading cause of rectal bleeding. They may be external or internal in nature. External hemorrhoids form beneath the anus's surface, while internal hemorrhoid form deep within the rectum and anus lining and are typically invisible or imperceptible. Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on the veins around the anus. This pressure can be due to several factors, like straining during bowel movement or chronic constipation, sitting for long periods on the toilet, a low-fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, pregnancy, and straining due to heavy lifting. Family history of hemorrhoids and natural ageing process can also result in hemorrhoids. Let’s learn about hemorrhoids and its natural remedies in detail.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the anus. Rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and sporadic veins projecting outside the anus are common symptoms.

Although symptoms may be upsetting or distressing, they usually go away on their own in a few days.
Hemorrhoids frequently cause the following symptoms:

 

• Bleeding-red blood noticed on the outside of stool or toilet paper
• Discomfort, or itching in the anal region
• Pain and soreness in the anal area
• Swelling or lumps around the anus
• Dilatation or bulging of a vein in the perianal region

 

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

If you have discomfort due to hemorrhoids, several home remedies may help, these include:

1. Draw a sitz bath: A warm sitz bath is one of the most soothing and simple treatment for hemorrhoids. Fill a tub with three to four inches of warm (not hot) water and sit in it for ten to fifteen minutes, several times a day, especially after a bowel movement. It is commonly recommended treatment to ease itching and irritation. Don't rub the area instead, gently pat yourself dry with a towel.

2. Use witch hazel: It’s an astringent known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It may help relieve inflammation, itching, pain, and soothe sensitive skin. It also possesses hemostatic properties, i.e., it may stop bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. People with hemorrhoids should add a small amount of pure witch hazel to a cotton ball and dab onto the hemorrhoid for relief from symptoms. 
 
3. Ice Pack: Using an ice pack or cold compress on a swollen hemorrhoid can help lower swelling and relieve pain by numbing the area. Always wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth before applying it to protect your skin. Keep it on the affected spot for around 15 minutes, and if needed, you can repeat this treatment every hour. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin. Repeat every hour, as needed.

 

4. Natural anti-inflammatory agents: Aloe Vera and coconut oil are natural anti-inflammatory agents that can provide relief from the pain and irritation of piles. Applying a little coconut oil or pure aloe vera gel to the area after bowel movements and at night can promote soothing and recovery.

 

5. Fiber supplements: Fibers draw water into your stool and make it easier to pass, which aids in reducing bleeding and inflammation. Consuming laxative supplements such as psyllium husk fiber and methylcellulose will aid with hemorrhoids and lessen constipation.

 

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids?

Although hemorrhoids can't always be avoided, there are steps you may take to lessen your risk of getting them, which includes:

 

• Consuming a diet rich in fiber including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds
• Drink enough water and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
• Limit processed or fried food
• Avoid straining when having bowel movements
• Avoid lengths of time sitting on the toilet
• Avoid frequent heavy lifting

 

In most cases, hemorrhoids usually go away on their own, or you might try several at-home remedies to lessen your symptoms. From warm sitz baths to fiber supplements and natural ant-inflammatory agents, incorporating these home remedies into your daily routine can provide relief and support overall rectal health. Always remember that hemorrhoids can be avoided by changing your lifestyle to include more fiber in your diet, drinking lots of water, and exercising. If your hemorrhoids are caused or aggravated by constipation, or your symptoms worsens, get in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss in detail.

 

If you have any questions related to hemorrhoid, you can check with our physician at Ask a doctor, 24x7.