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According to MayoClinic.com, hemorrhoids or piles are inflamed veins that occur within the lower rectum or anus due to constipation, frequent diarrhea, and obesity. While the internal hemorrhoids are marked by the symptoms of mucus discharge and bleeding; the external hemorrhoids are characterized by hard lumps triggering pain, burning sensation, and irritation.
Although there are many pharmaceutical medicines that claim to treat piles effectively, they carry the risk of minor to major side effects. Moreover, in some cases, it has been noticed that despite taking medicines, patients suffering from piles had to undergo a surgery to remove the adamant, painful lumps.
Therefore, people are looking out for home remedies for hemorrhoids, which treat the condition in a more effective manner. According to several trials and patient experiences, the various home remedies are effective enough provide relief from pain, itching, bleeding, burning sensation, and irritation. In fact, some experts are of the opinion that the medical treatment for piles is actually the second option to choose when home remedies fail to show significant improvement.
Best Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
Sitz Baths
Taking a Sitz bath is the perfect and easiest way to obtain instant relief from painful hemorrhoids. This water therapy involves warm water that is known to calm down the sphincter muscle, which results in relieving pain due to hemorrhoid protuberance.Furthermore, it also boosts the blood circulation to the affected area, which aids in contracting the swollen veins. Start by pouring 3-4 inches of warm water in your bath tub and sit in it with raised knees for at least 15 minutes. Repeating this therapy for 3-5 times in a day promises instant relief from pain.
Witch Hazel
When the distilled extract of this herb is applied topically, it tends to shrink the protruded lumps and reduce pain, bleeding, itching, and swelling due to hemorrhoids.This is the scientific finding of the University of Maryland Medical Center whose study revealed that this herb is an astringent that shrinks and heals the inflamed tissue. Available at all medical stores, the extract is effective when applied directly on the influenced area with cotton for 3-5 times in a day.
Psyllium Seeds
One of the ways to deal with painful piles is to ensure that the hard stool becomes soft and is passed easily without putting any pressure on the affected veins. Because psyllium seeds are rich in fiber, they make stool softer and bowel movement less painful by absorbing a lot of water.
Therefore, ensure that you consume a lot of water while taking these seeds. Start by consuming one teaspoon of these seeds in 8 ounce glass of water in your breakfast for a week. Then, increase the frequency of its intake in the next week by taking it with lunch. Similarly, in the third week, have the same mixture with your dinner. If you take this mixture thrice a day, there is no need to consume any other fiber-rich supplement.
Baking Soda
Studies have revealed that baking soda has the power of reducing itching in the area affected by piles. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a paste created by mixing a small quantity of baking soda and a few drops of water. Alternatively, sitting in a tub filled with the mixture of warm water and generous quantity of baking soda is also relieving.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is regarded as one of the best home remedies for reducing pain, itching, and swelling owing to hemorrhoids.You can apply a small amount of Aloe on the external part of the anal opening after a bath. Alternatively, you can also apply when the lumps trigger a burst of pain.
Vinegar For Alleviating The Symptoms Of Pain And Itching
Vinegar possesses astringent properties that help in reducing the swelling, which is actually responsible for itching and pain. All you have to do is just dip a cotton ball into vinegar and chafe gently onto the lumps to reduce pain and itching. Alternatively, you can pour a few drops of vinegar to warm water in a bath tub before you sit in it.
Special Diet For Losing Weight
Sometimes, even obesity can lead to painful hemorrhoids. So, it is recommended to restrict the intake of daily fat, meats, and deep fried foods. In fact, such patients should increase the daily intake of citrus fruits and fiber-based items such as whole grains and vegetables.
While the former items are rich in Vitamin C that strengthens the blood vessels and reduces the intensity of inflammation, the latter ones aim at softening and alleviating the bulk of stools. According to MayoClinic.com, 20 to 35g fiber is required daily along with 8 glasses of water to alleviate constipation.
Moreover, citrus fruits contain major flavonoids that are beneficial during an acute hemorrhoid attack. For a pregnant woman, Daflon that refers to a product rich in citrus bioflavonoids is suggested. This is because it reduces the symptoms of inflammation, heaviness, discharge, and itching instantly.
Cold Pack Therapy
Just like a hot water therapy that ensures significant relief, a cold therapy is also effective in reducing swelling associated with piles. You can apply an ice pack on the anus to experience a soothing effect. However, ensure to keep a soft thin cloth between the pack and the skin.
Oak Concoction
Oak is known for its powerful astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. For hemorrhoids, its bark is useful, which can be used internally or externally.According to the Herbalist David Hoffmann, one should boil the mixture of one cup of water and 1 tablespoon of bark for 15 minutes, allow it to cool, and then apply it on the affected area or consume it. However, avoid the usage if the patient is suffering from constipation.
Exercise To Stay Active And Relieve Strain On The Veins
The condition can worsen for all those who live a sedentary life by sitting for extended periods at work desk. Therefore, just take frequent breaks and try to walk for a few minutes.
Consider performing some quick exercises like standing up and sitting down gently, stretching your legs aside, and doing some pranayams. Doing so can relieve the strain on a few body parts, which can avoid worsening the hemorrhoid problem. Likewise, avoid sitting on hard surfaces or chairs and do not strain yourself during a bowel movement.
Note: In case of herbs, it is best to seek a medical advice before using them, as a few can induce some minor side effects.
