At a glance: This article lists some natural remedies for external and internal hemorrhoids (piles) that you can try at home. It also mentions a few homeopathic medicines that help treat haemorrhoids and some essential do’s and don’ts while suffering from piles.
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and the lower rectum and can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids may not cause pain but could bleed. External hemorrhoids cause pain and discomfort while sitting and walking.
So, what causes hemorrhoids? Straining during bowel movements is the primary cause of piles. It may also occur in obese people and pregnant women. While a high-fibre diet is strongly recommended, this might not be enough to treat the problem.
Hence, often stool softeners are prescribed. However, some of them are habit-forming medications, and you might have to depend on them frequently.
Instead, try the following home remedies that are natural and effective in treating hemorrhoids or piles. Some of them are prescribed treatments in alternative medicine systems of Ayurveda and TCM.
External treatments
Both internal and external Hemorrhoids is common in pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, and the home remedies mentioned below are safe and effective for them to use.
1. Sitz bath
This home remedy is excellent for pregnant women and postnatal women who are suffering from internal/external hemorrhoids. Taking a warm sitz bath will help relieve the irritation when suffering from a haemorrhoid problem. A sitz bath is a small plastic tub that can be placed on your toilet seat. Alternatively, you can use any tub, including a bathtub, for this purpose.
Sit in either the sitz bath or the tub for at least 20 minutes after every bowel movement to find relief.
Things you can add to your sitz bath
You can just use warm water in your sitz bath/bathtub, or you can also add Epsom salt, baking soda, sea salt, essential oils such as lavender oil or herbs of choice.
Common herbs like red raspberry leaf, witch hazel, chamomile, yarrow or calendula are great choices.
You can also try the Chinese herb She Chuang Zi (Cnidium Monnieri Fruit) used to ease haemorrhoid symptoms in China for ages if this is something accessible to you.
Preparing herbal sitz baths is like brewing a huge pot of tea. Brew your “tea”, add it to the tub, sit and (try to) relax.
Note: Women should avoid this treatment during their periods.
2. Witch hazel
Witch hazel is one of the time tested remedies for treating piles. It will help reduce the pain, swelling and itching associated with haemorrhoids.
Witch hazel is available in liquid form, which you can buy from stores. Soak a cotton pad in the liquid and apply over the affected area. You can also do this after your sitz bath. Also available is Witch hazel cream that you can gently apply on and around the anus.
Topical application is safe in pregnant women, however, avoid intrarectal usage.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is highly effective in soothing itching and irritation, and you can apply it over the anal area. This home remedy is also safe in pregnant women to manage hemorrhoids, however, avoid intrarectal application.
Are you prone to haemorrhoids, and are you travelling? Add a travel size aloe gel to your travel kit. It can come really handy to stay comfortable in case of a flare-up.
Make sure you get a product without unwanted additives such as perfumes.
Pro tip: You can also add turmeric powder to your aloe vera gel before applying it and make it more potent.
4. Mayinglong Musk Ointment
This TCM herbal formulation, available as a topical ointment, effectively relieves pain and swelling caused by haemorrhoids and anal fissures. It will shrink the haemorrhoids temporarily with use and makes it easier to pass bowel movements. Follow the usage instructions on the package and use as directed to find relief.
Topical application is safe in pregnant women, however, avoid intrarectal usage.
Internal treatments
Internal treatments treat both internal and external haemorrhoids. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should consult an expert before using the following home remedies for piles.
5. Triphala
Consuming Triphala helps relieve constipation, the main causative factor of haemorrhoids. Thus, it is a great home remedy not only to find relief from hemorrhoids pain but also regularly to prevent recurrence of piles.
You can add a teaspoon of Triphala powder to a glass of warm water and drink it before going to bed. Continue this process to treat your piles’ problem completely.
Also, you can add Triphala powder to your sitz bath.
6. Castor oil
Castor oil can help decrease the pile size and also provide relief from the pain. Besides, since castor oil is a natural laxative, it prevents constipation and further swelling and inflammation in the anal area.
Add a tsp of edible grade castor oil to a glass of warm milk and drink it before bedtime. You can also apply the oil to the affected area.
7. TCM herbal remedy
Fargelin is a Chinese herbal medicine formulation that helps stop the bleeding and provide relief from the pain. It is readily available in pill form. However, while using this home remedy for hemorrhoids relief, please follow the usage instructions on the package.
Homeopathy remedies for haemorrhoids
You can also consider Homeopathy if it is something you are more comfortable with. Homeopathy has a whole range of medicines to help with hemorrhoids depending on the nature of the piles, discomforts experienced, and the underlying cause.
Most common homeopathic medicines such as Arsenic album and Nux vomica, along with many others such as aloe, graphites, sulphur, pulsatilla, arnica Montana and Ignatia, find a place in the hemorrhoids treatment.
However, since homeopathy is a highly individualised treatment method, it is best to consult a homeopathic doctor who will prescribe the most suitable medicine for you.
Some Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Get ample exercise
Don’ts
- Do not strain and force a bowel movement
- Do not use toilet paper, instead use a wet wipe, preferably enriched with witch hazel or aloe
- Go to the toilet as soon as you have the urge to go, don’t delay
Wrapping up,
As you can see, we have compiled a list of remedies for hemorrhoids from a diverse array of medicine systems so that you can opt for the one most accessible to you as well as something that you are comfortable with. This aspect is one of the keys to trying out natural remedies; it will help you approach the issue with a positive mindset without anxiety.
When you suspect you have hemorrhoid, try any or a combination of these simple remedies to relieve the discomfort. And, most likely, the haemorrhoids will heal by themselves within some time. But, if it doesn’t go away, consult an expert.
And remember that many problems in your rectal area have similar symptoms, and you might confuse them with hemorrhoids. So, get examined first before you embark on hemorrhoids home remedies!
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