Approximately half of the American population suffers with the embarrassingly painful issue of hemorrhoids. By the age of 50, most people are dodging out to the drug store to buy hemorrhoid creams and treatments to ease the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, which are inflamed veins in the rectum.
Internal hemorrhoids are painless and typically result from a constipated bowel movement, strained lifting, or even being pregnant, while external hemorrhoids occur when a blood clot develops around the rectum, causing a painful lump and rectal bleeding.
Thankfully, we have a collection of 12 safe and effective home remedies that can pacify the pain of hemorrhoids.
Aloe Vera
According to Healthline, aloe vera is often used to treat hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sometimes, simply applying aloe vera to hemorrhoids will ease painful burning and itching.
The great thing about aloe vera is that it comes in a cooling topical gel form. Look for an aloe vera that contains vitamin E for moisturizing pain relief. It’s best to test your skin’s reaction to aloe vera, however, since some people are allergic. Simply apply a dime-sized amount onto your forearm, wait 24- to 48-hours, and if no reaction occurs, it should be safe to use.
Flaxseed
According to VeryWellHealth, ground flaxseeds, which are high in fiber, are efficient at relieving hemorrhoid pain and bleeding, as well as hard stools. Any food with fiber will help increase the bulk in your stool, which softens bowel movements and causes less straining or constipation.
It’s recommended that those who struggle with hemorrhoids should consume between 25 and 35 grams of fiber per day. Just be sure to stay hydrated in order to reduce constipation with greater fiber intake.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can be topically applied to help shrink hemorrhoids quickly. Coconut oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Coconut oil also contains pain-relieving properties that may reduce discomfort. It’s also thought to help heal hemorrhoids faster due to its anti-bacterial properties.
It’s recommended to apply coconut oil using a clean cotton compress or sanitized fingers. Just be sure to clean and dry the area thoroughly before applying coconut oil.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut is a natural herb that’s been used throughout the ages to help with blood circulation. It’s best taken in capsule form or steeped as a tea.
Horse chestnut is thought to help soothe the painful swelling and inflammation of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It may help to ease common uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids including itching, irritation, pain, and rectal bleeding. Horse chestnut is also thought to strengthen the walls of weak or collapsing veins.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has garnered a lot of attention as a natural hemorrhoid treatment due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is an astringent that may help certain skin conditions, including hemorrhoids.
You can apply apple cider vinegar topically to hemorrhoids using a clean cotton swab. It’s often recommended to dilute the apple cider vinegar to avoid any further irritation due to its acidic nature. You could also add a half cup to your bathwater for soaking. You will likely feel relief in a few hours following this treatment.
Citrus Fruits
According to MedicalNewsToday, eating a diet that’s high in citrus fruits may help to reduce hemorrhoid discomfort. Citrus fruits are rich in bioflavonoids, which are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory benefits. Citrus fruits also contain naringenin, which is a compound that has a laxative effect and can help ease constipation and soften stools.
Eating citrus fruits can help soothe common symptoms of hemorrhoids including itching, bleeding, and discharge, as well as to help strengthen weak blood vessels, within mere days.
Witch Hazel
Often used as an astringent, witch hazel applied using a clean cotton swab can be a gentle and traditional hemorrhoid remedy. It will help ensure that the area is sanitized, which can help prevent infection and decrease painful inflammation.
Witch hazel is known to soothe both itching and pain, which are the two main symptoms of hemorrhoids. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which means witch hazel can also reduce swelling. Witch hazel can be purchased in liquid form or as wipes.
Butcher’s Broom
Butcher’s broom (sometimes called box holly) is a plant that was once used as a cleaner and sanitizer. It has also been used, however, as a traditional European remedy to promote blood circulation for treating hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It may help soothe common symptoms of hemorrhoids including pain and swelling.
You can find butcher’s broom in supplement form or steep a teaspoon of dried leaves in a tea with honey to lessen the bitterness.
Tea Bags
Sometimes it’s the simple remedies that can be the most effective. According to experts at the University of California, San Francisco, something as simple as placing a warm, moist tea bag on a hemorrhoid can provide welcome relief and soothing capabilities.
This effect is likely thanks to the natural tannins in tea, which are often used as a natural astringent. The natural tannins in tea can help reduce swelling, ease pain, and promote blood clotting.
Sitz Bath
Immersing hemorrhoids in a sitz bath, which is a round, shallow basin, may moisten hemorrhoids and help to reduce pain and itching. This could also work with any sort of bathing receptacle with enough warm water to cover the hips.
For even further relief, you could add some apple cider vinegar or coconut oil to the water and immerse the rectal area for 10- to 15-minutes to increase blood flow and reduce hemorrhoid symptoms.
Cold Compresses
Applying cold compresses to the hemorrhoid area may help with inflammation and relieve swelling. For painful hemorrhoids that are on the larger size, cold compresses can be an extremely effective treatment.
Be sure to never apply something frozen directly to the skin though since it may damage the skin. Instead, apply an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel or a cloth. Apply the cold compresses in 15-minute intervals for the most effective treatment.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an effective treatment to help relieve pain, discomfort, and itching since it is a natural antiseptic. According to Healthline, tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties, which could prevent infection and/or irritation to the skin.
A 2012 study found that a hemorrhoid treatment combining tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, and methyl-sulfonyl-methane helped reduce pain, bleeding, and inflammation. You could also use tea tree oil along with other remedies such as witch hazel or coconut oil, for further relief.
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