10 Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, which are also commonly known as piles, are a lot more common than you might think. Nearly three-quarters of all adults will have them at some point in their lives, although the majority won’t experience any symptoms.
Hemorrhoids are basically swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus area. For some people, hemorrhoids are very uncomfortable. They can cause pain, be very itchy, and they will also sometimes bleed.
There is no known cure yet but there are medications that can help to soothe the symptoms. There are also home remedies that can help the patient to feel more comfortable.
Home Remedy #1: Ice Packs
An ice pack can be useful in many situations. If you have picked up an injury, for example, then an ice pack can help to soothe the area and also help contract blood vessels. Its ability to reduce inflammation and ease pain makes it popular for a variety of problems, including hemorrhoids.
Ice packs are thankfully very easy to make. Grab some ice and wrap it in a small, clean towel and then apply to the area. It can bring instant relief to the pain even if it is not complete relief. You can also do this for as long as you like and as often as you like.
Home Remedy #2: A Warm Bath
A bath is often welcome regardless of whether or not you have hemorrhoids. Just sitting in the bath and soaking can be a great way to get some peace and quiet, and to just relax. If you do have hemorrhoids then a warm bath may be able to help relieve you of the symptoms.
A shallow bath that reaches just above the waist is best for this scenario and the water should be warm rather than hot. You can also try adding some other remedies such as apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts. You can also do this two to three times a day to help relieve your symptoms as much as possible.
Home Remedy #3: Take It Easy
A lot of activity can cause blood to go surging through our veins, and this can be a bad thing for people with hemorrhoids. Plus, friction caused by clothing or even just by the movement of your own skin can make matters worse. For some people, a busy day can end up being agonizing for them.
To help reduce pain and inflammation, you should try to just take it as easy as you can from time to time. Spend the day in bed watching TV or reading books, making sure you place as little pressure on the hemorrhoids as you can. When it comes to sleeping, try to sleep on your stomach if you can.
Home Remedy #4: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is often used by people that are trying to eat a healthy diet. Not only is it a healthier option to some other oils, but it also tastes great and smells amazing. It is also said to offer various health benefits. It can also be used to help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer so this may be able to help relieve some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids. In addition to helping reduce swelling of the hemorrhoids, it can also help to decrease the temptation to scratch. This can be very useful because scratching hemorrhoids is likely to make matters worse.
Home Remedy #5: Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is the name given to a plant that belongs in the Hamamelidaceae family. It is also sometimes called winter bloom in the United States. Witch hazel extract is often produced by boiling the stems of the plants. The resulting solution is then used to treat various ailments and is known to be able to reduce swellings.
Studies have shown that witch hazel does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also an astringent, which means that it causes tissues to decrease in size. Gently applying witch hazel to hemorrhoids can help to reduce the symptoms, but you should stop using it if the symptoms become worse.
Home Remedy #6: Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, which is commonly known by the brand name Vaseline, is made from waxes and mineral oils. It was first discovered forming on oil rigs and despite it potentially causing problems such as causing malfunctions, workers found that they could use it to seal wounds and burns. It is often used in a wide variety of ways today.
Many people with hemorrhoids use petroleum jelly to help ease their symptoms. The jelly creates a protective barrier between their hemorrhoids and nearby skin and clothing, thus reducing friction and other contact. This can help to reduce swelling and soreness that might occur otherwise.
Home Remedy #7: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an unassuming houseplant that can be found in many households around the world. Its thick, green stems are found to be attractive to many people but it is not only their aesthetic appearance that is appealing. The stems also contain a jelly-like substance that is thought to provide a wide range of health benefits.
Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to ease itching and burning. It is readily available in pharmacies or you can use it directly from the plant if you have one. Just remember to make sure there are no added ingredients as they could make things worse.
Home Remedy #8: Fiber
It is important that we get a lot of fiber in our diet. It can be found in bread, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and wide selection of other foods. It helps us to maintain a healthy digestive system and this is very important for our health overall. It can also help to ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids, even if it is in an indirect manner.
Plenty of fiber will help make it easier for you to pass stools, and can also reduce the frequency of passing stools. In passing healthier stools less often, you are putting less pressure on the hemorrhoids. This can help the patient in the short term while also making things more comfortable for them in the long term.
Home Remedy #9: Glycerin and Epsom Salts
Glycerin is often used in cosmetics as a kind of moisturizer, which can be helpful where hemorrhoids are concerned. Epsom salts are often used at bath time as they can have a soothing, relaxing effect on the muscles. It is often used by patients with hemorrhoids to help soothe their symptoms.
To use these together as a remedy, first mix them together in equal parts. Then, apply the mixture directly to the hemorrhoids and leave it there for around 20 minutes, repeating four to five times a day. If you like, you can also try adding this solution to a warm bath. Many patients claim the mixture does help to reduce pain.
Home Remedy #10: Goldenrod
Goldenrods are flowers that are members of the Asteraceae. They are often found in meadows and prairies of North America and can be found as far south as Mexico. Most are herbaceous plants and are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and they are used in a wide range of remedies.
Goldenrod’s anti-inflammatory properties can mean that they can be helpful in soothing symptoms caused by hemorrhoids. Apply it gently to the hemorrhoids and it should hopefully ease the symptoms. Remember though that some herbal treatments might make things worse so it is a good idea to check with your doctor first.
