Hemorrhoids, also known as piles are swollen veins around the anal opening or the anal canal. They can be painful and linger on for a long time causing distress. The main symptoms include bleeding during the bowel movement and itching. The first thing that people do to cure hemorrhoids is get an OTC medication, without knowing their possible side effects.
Hemorrhoids: Common Symptoms
The most common symptom for hemorrhoids is the presence of blood. If the hemorrhoid is internal, then the blood will be bright red and will be most noticeable on toilet paper. If external, you could experience a blood clot around your anus or swelling. Overall, common symptoms include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Itching
- Irritation
- Blood clots or lumps around the anus
- Anal pain
Now there are a number of pharmaceutical ointments but they come with side effects. They are called phenylephrine topicals (creams, rectal gels, rectal ointments, and rectal suppositories). They can cause:
- Rectal bleeding
- Severe irritation inside or around your rectum
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Buzzing in your ears
- Chest pains
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeats
- Seizures
- Severe headaches
- Shortness of breath
Simple Home Remedies
Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies that are as effective and provide fast relief. Here are some remedies which will help you get rid of hemorrhoids quickly and naturally.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an effective natural ingredient that assists fast relief from hemorrhoids. The anti-inflammatory action of aloe vera helps in resolving the symptoms in a fast and easy way.
For internal hemorrhoids, cut stripes of the aloe vera, leave discarding all the thorns, and freeze it. Apply it on the inflamed area for the double action of a cold compress along with a reduction in inflammation. For external ones, just apply the gel extracted from aloe vera leaves to soothe and hydrate the swollen veins.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Pure and natural apple cider vinegar is highly beneficial in treating the condition and apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular natural treatments for hemorrhoids.
For external hemorrhoids, take a cotton ball and soak it with apple cider vinegar. Apply it directly on the hemorrhoids for instant relief. Applying it directly may cause a stinging sensation for some time but will decrease the itching and pain instantly.
For internal hemorrhoids, consuming a teaspoon of vinegar with water, may provide relief from pain and bleeding. Alternatively, add some ACV (half a cup) to a sitz bath.
3. Coconut Oil
Apply coconut oil directly to hemorrhoids, rinse and repeat. In addition to symptoms subsiding, the hemorrhoids should disappear over the course of just a few days.
4. Cold Compress
A cold compress will help the hemorrhoids to shrink in size. It will reduce pain and provide instant relief from itching. It will be easier to pass stools once swelling is reduced. Wrap some ice in a clean cloth and apply it directly over the hemorrhoids. Doing this several times, a day will help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce hemorrhoids effectively.
5. Hydration
Dryness may aggravate hemorrhoids and may cause excessive bleeding. Never use a dry tissue to wipe the affected area as it may cause unwanted scratches that can worsen the swollen vessels. Instead use a non-perfumed, non-medicated wet tissue to wipe off without drying out your skin. You may also place vitamin E capsules in the opening of the anus to sooth the area and re-hydrate it.
6. Lemon Juice
The antioxidants present in lemons help in curing the condition. Apply it directly on the inflamed area or consume lemon juice with ginger with honey to reap the nutritional benefits of the fruit for reducing pain and inflammation.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another great ingredient that helps in curing the symptoms of piles. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the area and reduce discomfort. Moreover, it increases the elasticity of the blood vessels reducing the trauma of passing hard stools.
Consuming small amounts of olive oil with food on a regular basis improves bowel movement due to the presence of mono-saturated fatty acids in olive oil. Make sure it is a good oil, many olive oils are not healthy. Processing has left them devoid of the fatty acids and companies inject them with synthetic fatty acids and flavorings.
8. Psyllium Husk
Hard stools may worsen your hemorrhoids and cause more bleeding and pain. The fiber in psyllium husks make stools softer and transit easier. Regular consumption may help reduce stress in the swollen veins providing it time to heal.
9. Rutin
A compound found in numerous plants like buckwheat, oranges, grapefruit, lemon, cranberries, and asparagus. Rutin is another home remedy often used for hemorrhoids. Buying it in supplement form may be the best option.
One supplement user says, “I have had a hemorrhoid for almost a year now. Just last week I started taking Rutin 500 mg twice a day, in the morning and one before going to bed. … taking Rutin for only a week the inflammation has gone down and my hemorrhoid thankfully is almost gone, it’s less than the size of a pea today.”
10. Soaking
Soaking in a tub of warm water may provide instant relief from pain and itching and cause the blood vessels to relax. You may soak the inflamed area for 15 -20 minutes in warm but not hot water. Wipe the area gently using a wet towel so not to dry it. Doing it regularly helps in reducing hemorrhoids effectively.
11. Tea Tree Oil
Studies show that tea tree oil reduces inflammation and can cure hemorrhoids naturally. Since it is very strong, it should always be diluted by mixing it with a carrier oil. Add one or two drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like castor oil or sweet almond oil and apply it directly over the inflamed area with the help of a clean cotton swab.
Doing this regularly will shrink the hemorrhoids until it cures completely. Other essential oils that may have a healing effect are lavender oil and rosemary oil.
12. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an astringent and healing tree, witch hazel is one of the oldest known natural remedies for hemorrhoids. Just soak a pad or cotton ball with witch hazel and apply it to the area.
It reduces, pain, itching and bleeding until the hemorrhoids fade out. Apply a little witch hazel regularly in the inflamed area for long standing relief from the problem.
Lifestyle Suggestions
Hemorrhoids are often caused from prolonged periods of constipation; pushing to remove a stool; or very large stools. Western civilization toilets are also not designed to serve the body’s needs. When passing a stool, we should be squatting, not sitting.
Use a stack of books or a small stool to keep your feet on when going to the bathroom so that you are in a squatting position rather than a sitting position.
Apart from this, a few lifestyle changes like drinking more water and maintaining proper hygiene will help you get rid of hemorrhoids fast. Never hold in stools, as it may worsen the condition and delay the treatment. Always wear comfortable clothes to reduce irritation due to hemorrhoids.
