How To Treat Hemorrhoids Naturally
Hemorrhoids or piles are, without a doubt, an annoying and painful condition. Believe it or not, it is a very common problem that can be alleviated in a very simple way by practicing good lifestyle habits and some homemade measures.
Habits and home measures are a complement to what the doctor indicates, therefore, the advice of the professional should never be discarded. Let’s see more about it below.
What to know about hemorrhoids?
According to Dr. Parswa Ansari, ” Hemorrhoids are dilated and tortuous veins (varicose veins) located on the walls of the lower rectum and anus ” and therefore can be classified as internal or external. The most frequent complication in the former is bleeding during bowel movements and, in the latter, the formation of a quite painful clot.
The symptoms of piles or hemorrhoids are the following:
- Itching or itching.
- Discomfort when going to the bathroom.
- Pain in the area when sitting.
- Tender and hard lump in the anus.
- Bright, painless blood that comes from the rectum.
Generally, they are the product of an increase in pressure. The causes of this increase in pressure are diverse. Among them, the following stand out:
- Pregnancy.
- Large stools
- Constipation.
- Hepatic cirrhosis.
- Sitting for a long time.
- After delivery, due to pressure when pushing.
- Make a lot of effort to go to the bathroom.
- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables.
- Eating a bad diet, rich in ultra-processed foods, fried foods and junk.
With what could hemorrhoids be relieved naturally?
On the other hand, Dr. Ansari indicates that ” most hemorrhoid symptoms subside without treatment, but fiber, emollient laxatives, and sitz baths help relieve symptoms.”
Therefore, once you determine the cause of your piles with your doctor, the next step will be to do everything you can to improve the situation. For example, if it is due to constipation, it would be good to increase your fiber intake (fruits and vegetables), and if the reason is due to sitting for a long time, change your position, try to avoid this and be more active during the day.
In addition, you can take advantage of the benefits of some home remedies for hemorrhoids, as long as your doctor authorizes it.
1. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel has multiple medicinal applications. It is a natural alternative that refreshes and reduces inflammation in the area and also helps relieve itching and burning.
- You just have to cut an aloe vera leaf lengthwise, extract the inner gel and apply to the area (which should be well clean and dry).
- Other options are to remove the spines from the aloe leaf and place it directly on the rectum, so that it absorbs the gel or to buy a cream that contains aloe (in pharmacies).
2. Epsom salts
Sitz baths are highly recommended in these situations, as they relieve symptoms and prevent new bleeding or pain. It is recommended that you prepare it in a container that is comfortable for you, since you will be sitting there for a few minutes. The water may not be boiling, but it may be hot – to a bearable temperature – to lukewarm.
- You can add a teaspoon of Epsom salts to the sitz bath.
- In the end, cold water can help cool the area.
3. Medicinal herbs
To prepare sitz baths, the best plants to choose if you have piles are chamomile, horsetail, and calendula. These three have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that contribute to relief.
Use them to make sitz baths (if you buy them in bulk, using a handful will suffice), or apply to the affected area with a cotton ball dipped in a cup of warm tea of your chosen herb (one tablespoon per cup).
4. Compresses
Take a towel or cotton cloth and wet it well with warm water. Sit on it for about 15 minutes, between 3 and 5 times a day, or whenever you feel discomfort. The water and humidity will hydrate the area and reduce inflammation of the hemorrhoids.
You can also apply ice in the form of a compress (never directly on the skin, because it can burn it) by wrapping it in a cloth. Leave a few minutes. You will feel the relief almost immediately.
Other recommendations
- Drink a lot of water.
- Drink natural fruit juices instead of industrial drinks.
- Improve your diet and try to include more fresh foods rich in fiber.
- Don’t strain when you go to the bathroom.
- Keep the area well-groomed and avoid drying it with sudden movements.
- Wear cotton underwear, as this will prevent moisture build-up and excessive heat.
- Avoid being sedentary, as well as maintaining poor postural hygiene.
Finally, if the appearance of hemorrhoids becomes constant or you have tried these home remedies and they have not worked for you, do not hesitate to go to your doctor to help you solve the problem.
