10 Science-backed Natural Remedies to Cure Hemorrhoids!

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles is a common problem that occurs when the veins around the anal opening or the anal canal become swollen. This problem most frequently occurs when people are between age 45 and 65. Hemorrhoids are very painful and can linger on for a long time causing distress. The main symptoms include bleeding and itching during the bowel movement.

There are two types of Hemorrhoids – internal and external. The internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and external hemorrhoids lie below the skin around the anus.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

• bleeding during bowel movements
• Swelling
• blood clots around the anus
• Itching
• Pain
• Leakage of feces
• The urge to have a bowel movement even when there is no stool

Some common causes of Hemorrhoids

• Age
• Sitting for a long period of time on toilets
• Chronic diarrhea
• constipation
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Anal Intercourse
• Having a low fiber diet

Home remedies for Hemorrhoids

1. Cold compress

Wrap some ice in a clean cotton cloth and apply it directly over the hemorrhoids. A cold compress done several times a day will help the hemorrhoids to shrink and become small in size. It will help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce hemorrhoids effectively. It also reduces the pain effectively and provides instant relief from itching. It will be easier to pass stools once the swelling is reduced.

2. Apple cider vinegar

ACV has the solution for every skin problem. To treat external hemorrhoids, apple cider vinegar is highly beneficial. All you need to do is dip a cotton ball in pure apple cider vinegar and then apply it directly on the hemorrhoids. This will give an instant relief. Note – applying ACV directly might cause a stinging sensation for some time but not to worry for it. It will decrease your itching and pain instantly. To treat internal hemorrhoids, consume 1 teaspoon of pure apple cider vinegar with water. It will provide relief from pain and bleeding.

Read: 30 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

3. Psyllium husk

Hard stools worsen the condition of hemorrhoids which cause more pain and bleeding. Psyllium husk is packed with fiber, which makes stools softer and eases its movements. Consuming Psyllium husk regularly helps to reduce the stress in the swollen veins.

4. Hydrate

Dryness in the body may also aggravate hemorrhoids and cause excessive bleeding. Avoid using a dry tissue to wipe the affected area, this might cause unwanted scratches that can worsen the swollen vessels. It is advised to use a non-perfumed and non-medicated wet tissue to wipe off which does not dry out your skin. You can also place vitamin E capsules in the opening of the anus to sooth the area and re-hydrate it.

5. Almond oil

Almond oil, is used mainly for external hemorrhoid treatment. It is best known for its emollient and deep tissue absorption properties. Almond oil helps in moisturizing and eases the inflammation, and also help in relieving the burning sensation in and around the anus. Take a cotton ball and soak it in pure almond oil and apply it on the affected area. Do this several times a day.

6. Witch hazel

Witch hazel effectively reduces the pain, itching, and bleeding until the hemorrhoids fade out. Apply little amount of witch hazel on regular basis in the inflamed area. This will give long relief from the problem.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is the magical solution for every health issue. It is an effective natural ingredient that provides fast relief from hemorrhoids. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe Vera help to get relief from hemorrhoids quickly. To treat internal hemorrhoids, take leaves of aloe Vera and cut out thorns. Freeze the strips. Apply the cold gel on the inflamed area for the double action i.e. aloe gel and cold compress to reduce the inflammation. To treat external hemorrhoids, apply the gel directly to soothe and hydrate the swollen veins.

8. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil help in reducing inflammation and cure hemorrhoids naturally. But tea tree oil should always be diluted by mixing it with a carrier oil as it is very strong in nature. Mix 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like almond oil or castor oil. Dip a cotton ball in it and apply it directly over the inflamed area. Doing this on regular basis will shrink the hemorrhoids and will cure it completely.

9. Lemon oil

Lemon oil is also best suited for hemorrhoids. The antioxidants present in lemons help in curing the condition. Apply lemon oil directly on the inflamed area using cotton or you can also consume lemon juice with ginger and honey to enjoy the nutrition benefits of the fruit for reducing pain and inflammation.

10. Olive oil

Olive oil is another great ingredient that is best suited to cure the symptoms of piles. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce discomfort and helps in soothing the area. Furthermore, it also increases the elasticity of the blood vessels reducing the problem of passing hard stools. Intake of small amounts of olive oil with food regularly helps in improving the functionality of the bowel movement because of the presence of monosaturated fatty acids in olive oil.

Tips to remember

• Gently wipe your anus with white toilet paper moistened with water after each bowel movement. Or else, use baby wipes.
• Or you can also clean yourself in the shower rather than using a toilet paper.
• Do not use that contain perfumes or dyes.
• Apply ice followed by a warm compress.
• Take warm bath.
• Try not to sit or stand for a long time when your hemorrhoids are irritated.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Wear cotton underwear to prevent the moisture build-up.
• Wear loose clothes, avoid synthetic clothes.
• Do not hold your breath when trying to pass a stool. It puts greater pressure on the veins in the lower rectum creating more problem.
• Do not wait to pass a bowel movement.
• Staying active will help to prevent constipation and reduce the pressure on veins.
• Sit on a doughnut-shaped cushion.
• Have short walking breaks in between if you need to sit for a long time.
• Have a balanced diet, rich in fiber.
• Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C (like lemons, oranges, broccoli, etc.). This will strengthen and tone blood vessels