Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are something many women deal with at some point in their lives. Approximately half of all Americans have had hemorrhoids by the age of fifty, but only about 4% need medical treatment, which means natural remedies for hemorrhoids have proven to be effective.

Alternative medicine practitioners believe the most effective way to treat hemorrhoids is to combine a variety of approaches. Below I've divided the natural remedies for hemorrhoids into 5 categories, including lifestyle solutions, home remedies, Ayurvedic remedies, and Yoga.

But first, let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of piles and the various reasons that trigger this condition.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus and in the rectum that may have prolapsed. Hemorrhoids are very much like varicose veins. The veins enlarge and lose their elasticity, and the result is a saclike protrusion on the wall of the anus.

They are not tumors or growths.

Sometimes they develop into painful inflammation and bleed.

Some of the common symptoms of this condition are:

• Presence of blood clots around the anus
• Presence of blood in stools
• Itching and irritation near anus
• Frequent urge to pass stools even when there are no stools
• Discomfort and pain in the anal region

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids commonly occur during pregnancy because of hormonal changes, the pressure of a growing uterus, and the strain of bearing down for delivery.

The veins located in and around the anus or rectum develop inflammation due to one or more of the following reasons:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Hard stools
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Anal intercourse
• Sitting for long hours on the toilet
• Obesity
• Insufficient fiber in the diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of adequate sleep
• Inadequate intake of fluids
• Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption [leading to chronic constipation]
• Food allergies
• Hereditary

Different Types of Hemorrhoids

There are two main types of hemorrhoids – internal and external. As the names suggest, internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anus, while the external hemorrhoids develop outside and around the rectum.

The internal piles can be further divided into four categories.

External piles can be become thrombosed and prolapsed when the hemorrhoid turns blue or purple, leading the clogged veins to rupture and start bleeding.

Since, natural remedies for hemorrhoids are effective only to a certain extent when the  condition is fourth degree, doctors quite often suggest surgical excision or rubber band ligation.

Now that we have a brief idea about hemorrhoids, here's the solutions that are right from the girth of Mother Earth.

Lifestyle Solutions for Hemorrhoids

Hydrate generously

Stools turn dry when you are dehydrated preventing smooth bowel movements. Water is the best, most natural stool softener and prevents constipation, so aim to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water daily. In addition, drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices without adding sugar or other artificial sweeteners.

Load up on fiber

Fiber helps to bulk up the stool by binding with it and making it easier to eliminate. Spinach, unpeeled apples, bananas, radishes, avocado, all types of berries, raisins, dates, etc help in increasing the fiber content. Choose to include whole grains, preferably free from gluten, to contribute to your daily diet.

Move your body

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of chronic constipation. So if you do not have any exercise regimen in your life, it is high time you take up one.  Walking strengthens the muscles of the butt and rectum, which is essential if you want to clear up hemorrhoids. Even 15 to 30 minutes of brisk walk, 5 days a week could bring in some noticeable changes.

Sleep & Relaxation

Sleep and piles are connected. When there is a lack of sleep, your body dehydrates faster. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation, leading to piles. Try to catch up at least 6 to 8 hours of calm and deep sleep if you want natural remedies for hemorrhoids to help you.

Toxins

Eliminate refined carbohydrates, sugar, refined flour, alcohol, and cigarettes from your life This one does not need any explanation. It has been proven that these toxins dehydrate your body. The excess pressure you
put on the anus while trying to eliminate the hard stools affects the veins, triggering inflammation, blood clots, and pain.

Avoid straining on the toilet 

Don't sit on the toilet for longer than 10 minutes at a time because it causes blood to pool in the veins.

Avoid heavy lifting  

Use your leg thigh muscles when you lift, not your back Using the muscles of the stomach and back puts pressure on the anal region. Don't hold your breath as you lift. It puts pressure and strain on the veins. Instead, take a deep breath and exhale at the moment of lifting. Avoid heaving lifting as much as possible.

Be Gentle

Use moistened toilet paper or witch hazel wipes and avoid harsh toilet paper.

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Ice packs

Placing ice packs over the affected area could help in easing the inflammation by promoting the constriction of blood vessels. It eliminates the soreness and offers immediate relief from pain. Wrap a few cubes of ice in a clean, soft cloth and place it on the affected area directly for instant relief.

A cryotherapy device such as the Anucure can also give instant cooling and pain relief for inflamed conditions. Anucure is a cold applicator that is placed in the freezer and then applied directly to the swollen tissues, which eliminates pain and itching. This product works wonders!

Lemon juice

The various nutrients and compounds present in lemon strengthen the capillaries, offering relief. Also, it is also an excellent detoxifier packed with fiber that cleanses the intestines and promotes smooth bowel movement.

You can use it internally and externally to heal piles. For topical application, dip a clean cotton piece in lemon juice and place it on the affected area for easing the inflammation and pain. A mixture of lemon juice, ginger juice, mint juice, and honey in equal proportion when consumed 3x a day is known to be useful in healing piles.

Coconut Oil

Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an effective solution for the treatment and prevention of external hemorrhoids. Coconut oil improves the elasticity of blood vessels, which in turn reduces the inflammation and shrinks the size of blood vessels in the anal canal. Take one tablespoon virgin coconut oil daily to alleviate inflammation and promote the smooth functioning of your excretory system. You can also apply coconut oil mixed with turmeric powder on the hemorrhoids to speed healing.

Flax seeds

These contain Omega 3 fatty acids which possess anti-inflammatory properties. Also, flax seeds are also good sources of fiber that help in healthy bowel movements. Consume about 1 tbsp powdered flax seed along with two glasses of water or use in the form of supplements to see noticeable changes.

Probiotics

Gut-friendly bacteria are beneficial for digestion and healing. Include probiotic supplements or daily servings of good non-sweetened yogurt in your diet.

Aloe vera gel

Can help relieve pain and soothe the burning sensation. The fresh pulp is best.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel is helpful because of its astringent properties. Apply it 3x daily with a sterile cotton pad to think the swollen vein.

Squat, Don't Sit

Use a Squatty Potty to put your body into a natural squatting position and un-kink your rectum and put you in the correct position to eliminate. It reduces straining and decreases the pressure in the anus and rectal veins. The reduction of straining will help to heal and prevent hemorrhoids.

This device is also an excellent toilet training aid. Little ones get a place to support their feet, which helps to remove the fear of falling. They also don't need to hold onto the dirty toilet seat for balance.)

Vitamin K

To help bleeding hemorrhoids, eat foods like alfalfa, blackstrap molasses, and loads of dark leafy vegetables high in vitamin K.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Hemorrhoids

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda teaches you Nature’s great principles of health and natural living. If you are new to Ayurveda, start here: What is Ayurveda About?

Ayurveda treats the person and not the disease, so it's good to learn the basics yourself. Learn what your unique doshas are and what lifestyle will allow you to be your best self.

Hemorrhoids can be caused by any of the three doshas, but they are most commonly caused by unbalanced Vata (air) and Pitta (fire).

Vata type hemorrhoids are dry. There will be more pain but no bleeding.

Pitta type will have more redness, swelling, and often bleeding.

Kapha types are large, white or pale in color and slimy.

The digestive fire (Agni) must be improved through diet and herbs.

The most typical herbs used are astringent to tighten the tissues. Haritaki, alum, pomegranate, red raspberry, and mullein are common in a formulation prescribed by your Ayurvedic practitioner.

Other supporting Ayurvedic herbs include:

Turmeric

Curcumin, a compound present in this golden yellow spice, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help in curing hemorrhoids. Prepare a paste by mixing ½ a teaspoon turmeric powder with sesame oil or castor oil and apply it on the affected area. You can also add the 1/4^th spoon of cumin seed powder and a little crushed black pepper to improve the circulation to the area and ease the pain. Alternatively, consume turmeric in the form of curcumin supplements. Or, just mix 1 tsp spice powder to 1 glass milk and drink this before bedtime to see the differences. (If you go this route, make sure your turmeric is fresh. (no longer than six months old).

Triphala

Triphala is an Ayurvedic mixture prepared from three herbs – Amlaki, Bhibhitaki, and Haritaki. All these herbs contain fiber and are detoxifiers by nature. These powerful herbs are used to eliminate the causes such as constipation, as well as diarrhea, thereby healing your hemorrhoids.

Aloe Vera Juice

The emollient, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe Vera juice is an effective topical natural remedy for hemorrhoids. You can apply it on the external hemorrhoids to relieve pain and swelling. Daily intake of aloe juice helps in promoting inflammation, circulation, and detoxification, which help in better management of hemorrhoids. 

Ashwagandha

It is known as Withania Somnifera and is one of the most often recommended adaptogens to relieve stress and improves and improve overall well-being. Being a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb, it helps in easing the hemorrhoids caused due to stress and obesity.

Psyllium Husk

Hard stools are the deadliest enemies of piles. They worsen the pain and trigger bleeding. Take psyllium fiber daily to help you eliminate, and it will aid healing and prevent further hemorrhoids from occurring.

Yoga Poses for Hemorrhoids

Yoga has been practiced by countless people for thousands of years. Once you start to practice Yoga, you will begin to enjoy better health, deeper sleep, a sharper mind, and a better outlook on life.

You'll also notice an improvement in your posture, flexibility, vision and general appearance. In other words, you'll feel more vibrantly alive and enjoy better health.

I've given you lots of natural remedies for hemorrhoids here. So, it can be helpful to read it over again to digest the information, or bookmark it for future reference.

Now it's necessary to take action. This may mean learning to  modify your diet and/or lifestyle, or learning how to support your body's healing with Ayurveda or Yoga.

Make sure you take the Ayurvedic body/mind type quiz above and check out what YogaDownload below has to offer you today.

Please leave me a comment or question in the comment section below.

Ayurvedic Healing – Dr. David Frawley The Ayurvedic Encyclopedia – Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing – Phyllis A. Balch World Atlas of Alternatives – Dr. David Williams Liebach JR, Cerda JJ: Hemorrhoids:modern treatment methods. Hosp Med. 1991; 53: 68

What are the 10 best Yoga exercises for weight loss?

Discover the Surprising Benefits of Natural Remedies

Related Content:

Beginners Guide to Best Hemorrhoid Treatment

Best Yoga Poses for Women

10 Ways to Improve Circulation Naturally

Exercises for Restless Leg Syndrome

How to Start a Compost Bin to Turn Your Scraps into Black Gold