How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Naturally
A Little about Hemorrhoids
Affecting both men and women, hemorrhoids are the result of inflamed, swollen veins in your rectum and anus that can form either internally or externally. More often than not, this unpleasant issue is a result of straining to have a bowel movement, and is especially experienced by those suffering from constipation, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Luckily for everyone, hemorrhoids aren’t particularly harmful and are more of a nuisance than anything, so don’t worry! But the issue should still be resolved one way or another, as they can cause more problems than you want to deal with in the long run.
Common Causes of Piles
• Low fiber diet
• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Hereditary
• Chronic constipation
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The most common symptom for hemorrhoids is the presence of blood. If the hemorrhoid is internal, then the blood will be bright red and will be most noticeable on toilet paper. If external, you could experience a blood clot around your anus or swelling. Overall, common symptoms include:
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Itching
• Irritation
• Blood clots or lumps around the anus
• Anal pain
Note that if you incorporate some natural hemorrhoid treatments and follow the prevention tips below, your symptoms may very well disappear as the issue reverses.
Home remedies for hemorrhoids
Ice
The first home treatment that is highly recommended is ice. Ice will help constrict the blood vessels, reduce swelling and give you immediate pain relief.
• Apply an icepack or a partially melted piece of ice wrapped in a cloth directly on the affected area for about 10 minutes. Do this several times a day until the hemorrhoid goes away.
• You can even use a small pack of frozen vegetables such as peas or corn. Wrap the pack in a tea towel and then apply it on the hemorrhoid. Do this for 20 minutes at a time, three times a day.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel can be found in purchased products at drugstores. It can also be harvested directly from inside an aloe plant’s leaves. According to the Cleveland Clinic, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that are known to be effective at treating inflammatory skin conditions. However, you should only use pure aloe vera gel on hemorrhoids. Some people are allergic to aloe vera, particularly those who are allergic to garlic or onions. Check for allergic reaction by rubbing a dime-sized amount onto your forearm. Wait 24 to 48 hours. If no reaction occurs, it should be safe to use.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains various nutrients that can give you relief from hemorrhoids by strengthening the capillaries and blood vessel walls.
• Saturate a cotton ball with freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply it on the hemorrhoid. Initially there will be some mild tingling or a burning sensation, but relief from the pain will soon follow.
• Alternatively, squeeze half a lemon into a cup of hot milk and drink it. Do this every three hours for best results.
• Mix one-half teaspoon each of lemon juice, ginger juice, mint juice and honey together. Take this once a day.
Almond Oil
Almond oil, known for its emollient and deep tissue absorption properties, is used mainly for external hemorrhoid treatment. Dip a cotton ball in pure almond oil and apply it on the affected area. It moisturizes and eases inflammation, and will relieve the burning and itching sensation in and around the anus. Do this several times a day.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is used primarily to treat external hemorrhoids. It will help increase the elasticity of blood vessels, which in turn will help reduce inflammation and shrink the size of swollen blood vessels in the anal canal.
• Consume one teaspoon of olive oil daily. It will help reduce inflammation and the monounsaturated fats will improve the functionality of the excretory system.
• Crush the juice out of some plum leaves and add it to olive oil. Apply this mixture on your hemorrhoids. It will give you relief from the pain and swelling.
Whole Grains
Start eating whole grain products if you suffer from hemorrhoids. Whole grain products contain a good amount of fiber, which is highly effective in relieving hemorrhoid symptoms and bleeding.
This nutrient helps clean out the gastrointestinal system, preventing constipation and allowing the colon to work more efficiently. Fiber-rich foods can soften stool and increase its bulk, which helps reduce straining during bowel movements.
Some of the best whole grain products are oats, barley, maize, brown rice, millet, and buckwheat.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel can reduce both itching and pain, two main symptoms of hemorrhoids. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, so it could also reduce swelling. Witch hazel can be purchased in liquid form and applied directly to the hemorrhoids. It can also be found in products like anti-itch wipes and soaps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Due to the astringent properties of apple cider vinegar, it helps shrink swollen blood vessels and gives relief from swelling and irritation of both internal and external hemorrhoids. Be sure to use unfiltered and unpasteurized vinegar for faster results.
• In the case of external hemorrhoids, gently press a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar against the inflamed area. Initially there will be a stinging sensation, but soon you will get relief from the itching and irritation. Do this several times a day until the swelling decreases.
• In the case of internal hemorrhoids, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it at least twice daily. You can add honey to make it taste better.
Black Tea Bags
Tannic acid present in tea is a kind of natural astringent that will help reduce swelling and pain associated with hemorrhoids.
• Wet a black tea bag in hot water. Remove it from the water and let it cool slightly. Apply the warm, wet tea bag to the swollen veins for about 10 minutes. Do this two or three times a day.
• Alternatively, you can apply cold, used tea bags to the hemorrhoids for five to 10 minutes.
Figs: Effective Remedy for Piles
Wash 3-4 figs. Soak in a glass of water over night. Eat them first thing in the morning. Again repeat in the night. Figs are one of the amazing ayurvedic treatments for piles.
Ripe Bananas Relieve Pains
Boil 1 ripe banana in 1 cup of milk, mash well. Having this mixture at least 3 - 4 times a day helps ease pain associated with piles.
Water
When suffering from either internal or external hemorrhoids, increase your water intake. Try to drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day.
Adequate water intake helps cleanse your internal system and hydrates your entire body. It also facilitates bowel movements and keeps the stools soft, hopefully reducing the need for straining.
When you don’t drink enough water and other fluids, the process of flushing waste out of the body slows down and there can be a backlog in the bowel. The end result is hard stools, which will make the problem of hemorrhoids worse.
If you have hemorrhoids that are persistent, lead to severe bleeding or recur frequently, consult a doctor.
Preventing hemorrhoids
Lifestyle and dietary changes are the best way to prevent hemorrhoids. Eating lots of high-fiber foods (especially from plants) and drinking plenty of water are essential for their prevention, as they keep the digestive process moving correctly and prevent constipation. Exercising regularly and avoiding sitting for long periods of time can also help prevent hemorrhoids.
The most effective way to avoid constipation is to go to the bathroom when you first feel the urge. Delaying a bowel movement allows the bowel to reabsorb water from the stool. This makes stool harder when you finally do go.
When to see your doctor
Hemorrhoids are typically easy to treat and clear up on their own. In very rare cases, the hemorrhoid could cause complications. Chronic blood loss from a hemorrhoid could cause anemia, which is a shortage of red blood cells. Internal hemorrhoids can also have their blood supply cut off, resulting in strangulated hemorrhoids, which can cause extreme pain.
If home treatments haven’t been effective after more than two weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your primary care physician can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids. They can write prescriptions for medicated creams, ointments, and suppositories. If these treatments don’t work, they may recommend treatments like rubber band litigation or surgery to remove the hemorrhoids. You should also make an appointment to see your doctor right away if you notice rectal bleeding for the first time or if your rectal bleeding increases.
Sources:
naturalsociety.com
medindia.net
top10homeremedies.com
healthline.com
Other links:
Natural Ways to Relieve Constipation
