Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids ( Piles ) Pain

Home remedies for hemorrhoids pain. Hemorrhoids is quite a mysterious health concern. Its exact cause is not yet known. Hemorrhoids can however be easily relieved at home using simple and completely natural home remedies, no need to even apply the creams.

It is somewhat strange that what we come to call as "hemorrhoids" isn't the right term for it. Hemorrhoids are actual vascular structures at the real end of the food canal, that is the rectum. It is when these hemorrhoids are inflamed that we get what is known as piles.  So, it is not hemorrhoids that is the problem, but the inflammation of hemorrhoids that causes the extreme discomfort. But, we generally tend to call the condition as a hemorrhoid.

Many people have hemorrhoids, but they do not know what they actually are, like in biologic terms . So, what are Hemorrhoids ? They are something similar to varicose veins in the excretory region on the body. They may emerge out of the body and feel like lumps ( external hemorrhoids ) or stay inside the body ( internal hemorrhoids ).

The symptoms of hemorrhoids are numerous. It is an inflamed tissue and it causes discomfort in certain postures. There is obvious discomfort while defecating. One can have pain, sometimes severe enough to warrant bed rest. Itching is seen in most cases. Rectal bleeding occurs if the hemorrhoid ruptures.

Hemorrhoids are generally seen in middle aged men and women. They also occur in pregnant women.

Aloe vera is excellent for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                     ( Photo Courtesy: ofernandezberrios )

Both the internal and external hemorrhoids condition can be managed with home remedies.
. These are some home remedies for hemorrhoids which help in reducing pain, itching and discomfort.

1. Sitz bath with Epsom Salt( The best remedy for hemorrhoids )
Does sitz bath come as a surpirse ? A sitz bath is a bath in which the person sits in water up to the hips only. It is quite an ancient practice. But it is still powerful even today.
Sitz bath is very relaxing and calming. It is the best thing you can do to relieve your hemorrhoids. This is how you do it.

You can do it many times a day ( like 5 -6 times a day if you are free ).

" If you do not have Epsom salt, use plain salt. You can also do this without the lavender essential oil. It would still be a remarkable hemorrhoid remedy. "

"For most people with mild hemorrhoids, sitz bath can provide nearly complete relief from them within a few days. "

Sitz bath for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                                ( Photo Courtesy: revjim5000 )


2. Cold compress 
From the warm and absolutely soothing sitz bath, we now move on to a remedy you wouldn't like initially, but it works like a charm. Using ice on your hemorrhoids shrinks their size. If this is done when the hemorrhoid is young and just emerging, this remedy can nip it in the bud. That hemorrhoid may shrink all the way down to being non existent. Icy cold water provides great relief from irritation and itching. If you feel discomfort, apply a cold compress to the affected area.
Apply the cold compress to hemorrhoid for 10 minutes straight. It should feel cool and soothing, but not freezing cold.
Applying cold compresses many times a day can completely vanish a newly formed hemorrhoid. But, it may not be that effective on existing large and highly inflamed hemorrhoids. 


3. Tea bags reduce swelling
This brilliant property of tea can be put to use for relieving a hemorrhoid.

  • Ingredients
    Tea bags ( it can be any tea bag, like green tea, black tea, white tea or any combination tea like peppermint)
  • Directions / How to use
    Prepare tea using a tea bag. Now, let the tea bag cool a little, just enough for your skin to be able to bear it. Apply it directly over the hemorrhoid. Keep it in place using your fingers. After about 3 - 5 minutes, remove the tea bag. If you experience relief , then next time around, you can hold the tea bag in place using a bandage for about 20 minutes.
  • Why it works ?
    Tea contains a special class of compounds known as tannins. They are powerful at reducing swelling or puffiness. It is also a mild astringent.


Warm tea bags for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                                   ( Photo Courtesy: matsuyuki )


4. Witch hazel ( The best astringent )
There are many hemorrhoid products which have witch hazel as ingredient. It is quite popular herb that is used for a plethora of medical conditions. Applying witch hazel containing cream can reduce pain in the affected area. Here is how you can use witch hazel for your hemorrhoids.

  • Ingredients
    Witch Hazel gel ( It can be easily obtained at a supermarket )
    Toilet paper
  • Directions / How to use
    Soak the entire roll of toilet paper with witch hazel gel. Now, use this paper to wipe after defecating. It cleanses better and reduces hemorrhoids
  • Why it works ?
    Because of its astringent nature ( tissue shrinking capability ). Witch hazel is one of the best astringents known to man. It is quite powerful yet very soothing.


Witch hazel for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                                   ( Photo Courtesy: dendroica )


5. Reduce dampness
For some time in a day, provide dry air to the affected area using a table fan or something like that. Do not blow hot air as it can have negative effect. Dry air takes up moisture and dries the skin. The skin is not damp and thus less prone to further problems. 


6. Daily hygiene
It is not that hemorrhoids are in any way related to daily hygiene, but practising certain steps can be beneficial in this situation.
  • Wear 100 % cotton undergarments. Cotton is a very breathable fabric and it allows air to pass through. 
  • Take more frequent warm water baths. This helps to eliminate sweat which may compound the inflammation. 

7. Constipation relief
Try constipation home remedies to get relief from the condition that leads to hemorrhoids. Once constipation is under control, one may not have any need to strain while passing stool and hemorrhoids do not get worse.
There is some correlation between constipation and the possibility of developing hemorrhoids. So, preventing constipation in the first place can be a lifelong saver from hemorrhoids.

8. Aloe Vera Gel
This small plant exudes a thick greenish liquid. Aloe Vera juice is great for providing relief from hemorrhoids pain. It is also an ancient remedy from the Roman times. It is a powerful healer, an astringent and a moisturizer.
Take an aloe vera leaf. Cut it and expose the surface exuding the gel. Apply this cool and natural gel to your hemorrhoids. It is also fit for internal use for internal hemorrhoids.
Aloe Vera gel provides considerable relief from inflammation and itching of a hemorrhoid.

      
9. Comfrey poultice 
Comfrey is a herb that is used for treating skin conditions and fractures. It can be used as a poultice and applied to the affected area to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

  • Ingredients
    Comfrey powder
  • Directions / How to use
    Make the powder into a poultice and apply it over the external hemorrhoids. It really works great for hemorrhoids that pop open and have bled. It heals them pretty fast.


comfrey root powder as poultice for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                                    ( Photo Courtesy: graibeard )


10. Honey with Olive Oil and some Beeswax
This is your homemade cream for hemorrhoids. It is a natural formulation which is being evaluated for its efficacy in treating hemorrhoids. You can make yours at home using the ingredients. You have to mix equal parts of each ingredient. Then apply it over the hemorrhoid. It is surely very soothing and healing. It may take a while to show up the results, but it can be a great home made solution for hemorrhoids.


11. Garlic gauze
Garlic can be put to use to reduce a hemorrhoid in size and provide relief.

  • Ingredients
    Garlic Cloves
    Water
    Jar
    Cotton balls
    Gauze
  • Directions / How to use
    Mince some garlic cloves. Add them to a jar of water and keep it overnight. Then dip cotton ball inside the liquid and apply it over the hemorrhoid. Dip a gauze strip too in the liquid and paste it as a bandage over the cotton ball. Remove the bandage and the cotton ball after a few hours. Look for the results. You would be pleasantly surprised. The size of the hemorrhoid would shrink.
  • Why it works ?
    Garlic works even in this condition, even though hemorrhoids is not an infection.


garlic for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                                  ( Photo Courtesy: mat-packer )

12. Wiping a Banana peel
Look for a healthy banana peel. It should be organic and pesticide free. Then eat the banana and apply its inside peel on your hemorrhoids. It can shrink the hemorrhoid and it combats itching the best.

Banana peel for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                                 (  Photo Courtesy: claireknights )


13. Horse chestnut seed extract
 Horse chestnut is the nut from a tree. It is well known for its tonic effects for veins. It makes the blood vessels stronger and more capable. Therefore, conditions like varicose veins and hemorrhoids can be prevented. However, one should consult a doctor before taking any such herb.
How to take it ? Horse chestnut can be taken as a seed extract. It is processed to remove poisonous compounds from the horse chestnut.  You should consult with a practicing herbalist about the safe dosage. Plus, you should also mention this to your doctor as it may interfere with other medications that you may be taking.

"Avoid this during pregnancy ."

Horse chestnut - excellent for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                                     ( Photo Courtesy: fauxpress )


14. Butcher's Broom
This is a herb which has been tested for its efficacy in treating hemorrhoids. It is excellent for varicose veins too. You can take its extract, but consult with a herbalist about the safe dosage. Also consult with a doctor. 

" Avoid taking herbal products during pregnancy. "

15. Apple Cider Vinegar
Wiping the hemorrhoid with apple cider vinegar also helps to relieve the itching and discomfort.

16. Diet For Hemorrhoids
I am of the opinion that altering diet can bring fruitful results in any condition. In order to relieve hemorrhoids, you can do the following changes in your diet.

  • Drink ginger tea. Also consider drinking lots of pomegranate juice. They are potent blood thinners which help to improve blood circulation and prevent pooling of blood. 
  • Drink the juice of a lemon with its peel on. It contains bio-flavonoids which help in hemorrhoids. Drink this first thing in the morning in a glass of warm water and 1 lemon juied. You should see positive results in less than a week. Lemon juice in the morning is a brilliant cleanser. It also contains a special bioflavonoid by the name Rutin, which seems to improve hemorrhoids in quick time. 
  • Prevent constipation by ensuring that you get your daily requirement of dietary fiber. Foods rich in fiber are seeds ( flax seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds ), fruits and vegetables. 

Pomegranate juice for hemorrhoids
                                                                                                               ( Photo Courtesy: klg19 )


Hemorrhoids are quite a complicated situation. In some people, they can return again and again. Home remedies for hemorrhoids are only powerful up to some extent. They can shrink most common hemorrhoids, even the ones that go bad. They can help if the pain is severe, there is large swollen hemorrhoid. But, if it gets too bad, that is a blood clot develops inside it ( called a thrombosed hemorrhoid ), then you should go to a doctor.In some cases, internal hemorrhoids can be prolapsed and emerge out. This is also a serious situation which indicates that your hemorrhoids are getting worse. One should go to a doctor.

When applying any home remedy, note for its results. If it is not providing results within a first 2 or 3 applications, then you should probably change the remedy or consult a doctor.

In severe cases, they hurt a lot. The pain intensity scale can rise and you may be in deep pain. Large and multiple hemorrhoids can lead to considerable rectal bleeding. This may be fatal in rare cases and one should be rushed to the hospital.
So, the point is to start using home remedies as soon as you suspect a hemorrhoid and follow a diet and exercise regime to prevent it in the first place.