Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Here are some simple and effective natural remedies to treat hemorrhoids:

• Sitz Bath: Having sitz baths at regular intervals proves beneficial in relieving sore hemorrhoids. It involves sitting in a tub of warm water for 15 minutes a few times a day. Warm water comforts the sphincter muscle soothing the pain in the protruding hemorrhoid.

• Echinacea: Application of Echinacea extract on the affected area controls itching.

• Aloe Gel: Applying aloe gel is effective for hemorrhoidal pain and itchiness.

• Fiber: Fiber has proved to be quite beneficial in providing relief from hemorrhoid symptoms and bleeding. It softens stool, making it easier to excrete for people suffering from constipation. This helps the person to defecate without straining themselves. In seven random clinical trials involving 378 participants, an improvement was observed in hemorrhoids symptoms, including pain, itching and discomfort,through fiber consumption. Fiber rich foods lie include vegetables and whole grains. Another easy option is to take a fiber supplement, such as Psyllium (powdered form).

• Other Dietary Changes: Intake of fruits and vegetables should also be increased, while the intake of fatty food products, such as cheese and red meat, should be reduced as much as possible. Drinking lots of water is also one of the easiest remedies to naturally cure hemorrhoids. Since increased consumption of water eases stool movement, the pressure on the affected area is reduced.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: For patients experiencing bleeding hemorrhoids, Apple Cider Vinegar can be an effective remedy. Add a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to water and drink it. This should ideally be repeated for each meal.

• Bioflavonoids: These are a kind of plant compound and are believed to stabilize and strengthen the blood vessel walls. There are also said to decrease inflammation. These compounds are beneficial in relieving pain, anal discharge and anal discomfort. It does have some side effects that are mild and rare. Bioflavonoids are very good for pregnant women suffering from hemorrhoids. These compounds are widely found in citrus fruits, oxerutins, diosmin and herperidin.

• Witch Hazel Compress or Cream: Available over-the-counter, witch hazel compress is prepared from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana plant. It is a topical formation that can be easily applied on the affected area around the anal canal. It is available in the form of medicated pads, distilled liquid and ointment. It is believed that witch hazel acts as an astringent and proves effective for bleeding hemorrhoids.It might also be beneficial in alleviating itching, pain and swelling related to hemorrhoids.

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps in curing constipation and in relieving pressure in the rectal region. One must also avoid sitting for long hours at a stretch. Sitting on a rubber or air-filled donut(which can be bought from a local pharmacy) can also be helpful.