Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

The blood vessels in the anal canal and around the anus that become swollen or inflamed for various reasons are known as hemorrhoids and sometimes referred to as piles. Hemorrhoids can be common in pregnant women and can be due to increased pressure from the sphincter muscle, which is the muscle that controls bowel movements. Other causes of hemorrhoids can be lack of fiber and hard stools. Hemorrhoids can be considered either internal or external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are the result of sagging blood vessels inside the rectal tract, and at times they can actually sag outside of the anus forming a prolapsed hemorrhoid. External hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels located at the rim of the anus, underneath the skin. Blood pooling in an external hemorrhoid forming a clot is considered a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Both types can be very painful, itchy, and uncomfortable.

There are many treatments available for hemorrhoids, some involving drugs or surgical procedures. A simple home remedy for hemorrhoids might be the first course of action once you have had an exam by a doctor. Here are some hemorrhoid home remedies:

  • Exercise- simple exercise such as a 20 minute walk or doing Kegel exercises can be a great way to improve circulation and blood flow to the pelvic area. Not only will exercise stimulate the bowels to move more often, relieving constipation, but it helps strengthen the pelvic muscles that help pass your stools.

  • Eat more fiber- increasing fiber intake is a great way to relieve constipation which will in turn relieve pressure on the inflamed hemorrhoids. Psyllium is a popular plant-based fiber supplement that is mixed with water and drank or taken in pill form. Increasing water intake is also necessary when increasing dietary fiber, as the fiber serves to loosen the stools by retaining more water in them. In order to decrease the chance of further constipation, six to eight glasses of water or juice should be taken daily.

  • Sitz bath- a sitz bath is considered a small bath, with warm water only covering the buttocks. Sitz baths can be done on the toilet with a plastic sitz bath from the pharmacy. Baking soda or Epsom salts may be added to the warm water and the affected area is soaked for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently pat dry afterwards.

  • Chamomile- as a tea or poultice, this naturally gentle herb can be used to treat hemorrhoids with its anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile lotion or ointment can be applied directly to the anal area for relief. Be careful that you do not have a chamomile allergy.

  • Petroleum Jelly- known as Vaseline, this oily, water repelling ointment can help reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids and act as a protective barrier. This also helps stools pass easier, putting less pressure on the swollen vessels.

  • Zinc Oxide- this white cream that can be used for skin rash is found at the drugstore and can be applied to the anal area with a Q-Tip, reducing pain and swelling.