Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids
If you are dealing with hemorrhoids you know how uncomfortable they can be to suffer through. Thankfully, there are many different home remedies for hemorrhoids! But first, what exactly is a hemorrhoid? A hemorrhoid is a swollen blood vessel, similar in nature to a varicose vein. Hemorrhoids are located around or in the rectum or anal cavity and can show no symptoms or may become itchy and noticeably swollen. Severe hemorrhoids can form blood clots, which are incredibly painful. Hemorrhoids may cause bleeding in the area in which they’re located, which can be shocking if you go to the bathroom and notice fresh blood. Thank goodness there are home remedies for hemorrhoids so you can reduce and alleviate any pain you have in the comfort of your own home!
Before we discuss home remedies for hemorrhoids, it’s probably best to talk about what causes them first. Several different factors cause hemorrhoids, including genetics. If you strain to have a bowel movement or spend long periods of time on the toilet this can also result in hemorrhoids. Often sitting on the toilet for too long or straining during a bowel movement is connected to constipation, so it’s important to take care of any constipation issues you may have. Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or any weight gain can play a factor in causing hemorrhoids as well. Having diarrhea for an extended period of time may also leave you looking for home remedies for hemorrhoids.
Now that we’ve explained what a hemorrhoid is and what causes them, let’s discuss home remedies for hemorrhoids. There are many simple things you can do to heal your hemorrhoids. One of the first things you should try is soaking your bottom in warm water. You can do this by getting into a warm tub full of water that does not have any chemical things like bubble bath in it. Very simple and soothing!
Other home remedies for hemorrhoids you may want to consider include eating 1.5-2 grams of dried, powdered mango seeds with honey or dried figs that have been soaked in water over night. Both home remedies for hemorrhoids can reduce and get rid of hemorrhoids over time. Though some home remedies for hemorrhoids include warm water, other home remedies for hemorrhoids suggest using cold water instead! If you’re having difficulty with swollen hemorrhoids, try using a cold compress on your rectum for up to an hour to reduce the size of your hemorrhoids—one of the most soothing home remedies for hemorrhoids!
Perhaps one of the best known home remedies for hemorrhoids is the use of witch hazel. Witch hazel can reduce inflammation and provide you with some much needed relief! Either use a cotton ball to apply the witch hazel to your rectum or keep it in the bathroom near the toilet and put it on your toilet paper each time you use the bathroom.
Another one of the most common home remedies for hemorrhoids, which also works to prevent hemorrhoids once they’re gone if you continue to use it, is the practice of taking powdered psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is a fabulous from of soluble fiber that helps keep you regular while also softening stool—making bowel movements less painful and preventing bowel movements from further straining or aggravating your hemorrhoids.
Though some home remedies for hemorrhoids may seem like things commonly used to prevent or treat diaper rashes, they can also be perfect for you if you’re suffering from hemorrhoids. One such remedy is the use of zinc oxide paste, which is commonly found in diaper cream. You can either add the zinc oxide past to petroleum jelly or you can use straight zinc oxide paste. This will reduce swelling and promote healing. To apply it, simple put the paste with or without the petroleum jelly on a cotton ball or toilet paper and apply it to the swollen area.
In addition to the home remedies for hemorrhoids that we’ve already discussed, there’s one last remedy that is worth trying if you are experiencing bleeding hemorrhoids. This remedy uses garlic to reduce swelling and bleeding. Garlic is also excellent when it comes to destroying bacteria. To use the fresh garlic, you must apply it to the hemorrhoid directly. You can do this by placing it on or in your rectum. Some suggest inserting the garlic if necessary and leaving it there overnight.
Regardless of the hemorrhoids treatment you choose to use, it’s nice to know that there are many simple and effective ways to reduce and get rid of painful hemorrhoids without having to take a trip to the pharmacy. Hemorrhoids are painful to have and uncomfortable to discuss with others, even with the people who are the most close to you. Home remedies for hemorrhoids allow you to deal with them effectively, naturally and privately!