What are some natural remedies for hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable or painful. Also called piles, they are actually veins that have swollen up. Because they are in your rectum or anus, they can cause problems when having a bowel movement or afterwards. You may have irritation, pain, and itching. And you may even have bleeding.

Before thinking of opting for medical treatment for hemorrhoids, try natural and home remedies. Many ingredients may be available in your kitchen or easily accessible via the pharmacy section of your supermarket. Here are some natural treatments for hemorrhoids.

Sitz bath

This is a shallow small tub that you can place over your toilet. If you don’t have one, you can use your bathtub instead. Fill it with up to four inches of warm water. You can put Epsom salts or baking soda in it.

Sit in it for 15-20 minutes, with your bottom under the water and your knees drawn up. After this time, pat the wet area dry with a soft towel. You can do this 2-3 times a day. Alternatively, you can mix Epsom salts with glycerin in equal quantities and apply externally. Cover with a gauze pad and leave for 15 minutes. It is best to do this sometime after your bowel movement.

Castor oil

You can use castor oil externally or take it internally. This helps with the bowel movement. You can apply the castor oil in the affected region to shrink the piles.

Or you can mix 3 ml castor oil with milk and drink it in the night. This will also facilitate  your bowel movement the next day.

Witch hazel

Put some witch hazel on cotton balls or gauze and apply to the affected area. Witch hazel will shrink the swollen piles and is also an anti-inflammatory. You can also get ready to use witch hazel wipes, creams, and gauze, if you prefer to use those.

Alternatively, you can put a few tablespoons of this liquid into your sitz bath and it will have a similar effect.

Tea tree oil

Don’t use this directly, but dilute it in carrier oil before using. In fact, if you mix it with coconut oil, you will benefit from both. This helps reduce inflammation, itching, and swelling, giving relief.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has many beneficial properties. It is a moisturizer and an anti-inflammatory. You can use aloe vera directly from a plant. Or you can buy creams and lotions containing aloe and use them.

Ice packs

Using an ice pack will help reducing swelling and numb pain. Don’t apply ice or ice pack directly on the skin, but wrap it in a soft and thin towel or cloth. Use it for 15 minutes hourly.

Psyillium husk

This is a traditional laxative supplement that helps bulk up the stool. It may be available as granules, powder, or grains. It has to be taken in water. And you can take it up to three times a day.

It is a stool softener as it is naturally occurring fiber. It also helps make you regular, if you suffer from constipation.

Apart from these natural remedies for hemorrhoid treatment, you should you take in enough fiber in your diet. You should also drink plenty of water which will reduce the chances of constipation.

It is important that you do not sit for very long on the toilet, do not strain, and go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge to go. Using a stool for to raise your feet will also help reduce pressure when going.

Keep the area clean and dry. Wear loose fitting underwear and clothes that do not chafe the skin or cause irritation.