Healing Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid or piles is noticed in nearly 50-75% Americans. Excessive pressure on the walls of the rectum leads to enlarged hemorrhoidal blood vessels and weakened muscles that support these vessels. Due to the weakened muscles, when these vessels lining the anus lose their support, they form sac like protrusions. The protrusions inside the rectal canal are referred to as internal hemorrhoids while protrusions under the skin surrounding the anus are called external hemorrhoids.

If the blood from an external hemorrhoid clots to form a thrombus, it is known as thrombosed external hemorrhoid. When the internal hemorrhoid is pushed out of the anus, it is called prolapsed hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids become more common with the advent of age. Young people and pregnant women can also develop hemorrhoidal problems. Let us take a look at the causes and symptoms of hemorrhoids, before discussing how to treat hemorrhoids.

Diarrhea, habitual straining due to constipation, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, prolonged sitting as a result of sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercises, obesity, pregnancy, liver cirrhosis, anal intercourse and anal or rectal infection are some of the common causes of hemorrhoids. Sometimes, even the genetic factors are responsible to develop hemorrhoids. Digestive system disorders and cancer can also cause hemorrhoids.

Feeling of incomplete bowel movement, blood in the stools or on toilet paper after wiping, soft lump felt at the anal opening, rectal itching are the commonly observed symptoms of hemorrhoids. If the question 'how to heal hemorrhoids' is haunting you, here is an overview of the natural remedies for hemorrhoids.

• Ointment: The butcher's broom ointment or balm consisting of bayberry, myrrh, goldenseal root and white oak, relieves the pain due to hemorrhoids. Application of petroleum jelly, cortisone creams and hemorrhoidal cream (such as Preparation-H) can also reduce the pain due to hemorrhoids.

• Fenugreek Seeds: Soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water for 5-6 hours, add them to a cup of water and then boil the water for 5 minutes. Add sugar or honey for taste and drink it three times daily. This works great for hemorrhoids.

• Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids help to strengthen the walls of the affected blood vessels and thus they can help decrease the inflammation by stabilizing the walls of the vessels. Most citrus fruits like lemon and orange are packed with bioflavonoids.

• Water: Water is the most important part of the piles treatment at home and offers an easy way of healing hemorrhoids naturally. You are expected to drink adequate quantity of water to avoid constipation. Sufficient amount of water can help digest the food properly.

• High Fiber Diet: A high fiber diet consisting of whole grains, flax seeds, green vegetables and fresh fruits, etc. help digest the food properly. This type of diet can reduce the irritation due to hemorrhoids.

• Witch Hazel: You can apply witch hazel thrice a day, with an aseptic cotton pad and it will work as an astringent to decrease the bleeding, swelling and pain caused by the hemorrhoids.

• Essential Oil: Various essential oils like castor oil, olive oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, almond oil, etc. can reduce the effect of constipation. These can be applied externally too, to relieve the itching sensation.

• Warm Tub-water: You can sit in a tub full of warm water for 10 minutes to relieve the pain and itching sensation.
• Cotton Clothing: You should wear cotton underwear to avoid itching sensation. Avoid wearing tight underwear too.

• Hygiene: You should clean the anus after each bowel movement by patting gently with moist toilet paper or moistened pads to avoid further infection.
• Medicines: You can take over-the-counter medicines or pain killers but if the problem does not disappear, you should consult your doctor.

• Exercise: You should not lift heavy objects but you are expected to follow some specific exercises for hemorrhoids, every day so as to improve the digestive system and to improve the strength of the muscles.

• Diet: You should avoid alcohol, tobacco, sodas, junk, fried, processed or fast food and you should opt for a healthy and balanced diet so as to keep yourself fit and active.
• Triphala: The ayurvedic herb triphala can relieve constipation and is used as a bowel tonic.

• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel, when applied to the area surrounding the anus, can soothe the burning sensation.
• Herbal Tea: Various herbal teas like chamomile tea help to lessen the hemorrhoids.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda, when applied to the area around anus, minimizes the itching sensation.
• Ice: You can always apply ice packs to relieve the pain, causing numbness.

Though healing hemorrhoids naturally is possible, they can also regrow and swell up again, within a short period of time. Hence, you should better consult your physician before opting for the home remedies to heal hemorrhoids naturally. Take care!