How To Treat Hemorrhoids Naturally
To alleviate hemorrhoids it is very important that we follow a diet rich in fiber and that we consume a minimum of two liters of water daily.
We may believe that few people suffer from this problem, but this is not true. More and more people are going to the doctor’s office for a solution to treat hemorrhoids.
However, the drugs or treatments your doctor may recommend may need extra help. In this article you will find some recommendations to treat hemorrhoids naturally.
Hemorrhoids: what, how, why
Hemorrhoids are a great nuisance. Those who suffer them cannot deny it. They are caused by increased pressure in the anal area and some of the triggers are, according to this report from the Mayo Clinic:
- Chronic constipation.
- Pregnancy.
- Birth.
- Obesity.
- Stress.
- Low fiber diet.
- Sitting all day.
- Do not do physical activity.
- Wear very tight clothing.
The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are pain, burning, itching, discomfort, and bleeding.
This is not only annoying but if the situation worsens we may have to go through surgery. Therefore, following healthy habits and turning to natural remedies can be a good option.
Some recommendations to relieve hemorrhoids
- Avoid diets that are very high in protein (such as the Dukan diet).
- Choose a diet rich in fiber, from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
- Do not eat foods that have a lot of sugar (sweets, candies, pastries, etc).
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day in winter and 3 in summer.
- Don’t drink too much coffee and alcohol.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Lose weight to reach a healthy weight.
- Don’t use very strong laxatives.
- Don’t smoke and reduce stress levels.
- Wear cotton underwear and don’t wear tight pants.
- Avoid using overly irritating, dry or scented toilet paper, opt for wet wipes (like those used for babies).
- Don’t delay the urge to go to the bathroom.
- Do not stay seated all day and if your job requires it, put cushions or choose a more comfortable seat (you can also get up from time to time).
Natural remedies to treat hemorrhoids
In addition to complying with the recommendations indicated above (they seem many, but they are easy and provide us with comprehensive health in addition to improving hemorrhoids), it would be good if you take advantage of the benefits of the following homemade recipes.
Witch hazel
It is a tree that has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps reduce the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. This is stated in this study carried out by the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Germany).
You can make wet wipes by pouring in a few drops of witch hazel essential oil. In some stores and pharmacies they are available directly already prepared.
Pay attention if you experience irritation, especially if you have overly sensitive skin. In that case, please discontinue use immediately. You can reduce the effects with a few drops of olive oil to dilute the witch hazel oil.
Horse chestnut
Surely you know this tree that is present in many creams and beauty items.
Horse chestnut flowers are white with some pinkish color and are used to improve blood circulation and tone blood vessels through de- inflammation, according to this study by Seoul National University. P or so, it is perfect to treat hemorrhoids.
Ingredients
- 1 handful of horse chestnut leaves.
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation
- Put both ingredients to heat in a saucepan.
- When it comes to a boil, leave for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cover until cool.
- Strain and pour into a container with more water to make a sitz bath.
- You can also soak a cotton ball or washcloth and clean the affected area.
Comfrey root
Helps relieve pain caused by hemorrhoids thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, as suggested by this study conducted by the Bam University of Medical Sciences (Iran).
You can get comfrey root powder in naturist houses and with a little water make a paste, which you will apply in the area and let it act for about 15 minutes before removing with warm water.
aloe vera
There are many properties of this wonderful plant for the skin and wounds, it helps to heal and reduce inflammation, therefore it is recommended to treat hemorrhoids. This is stated in this study carried out by the Provincial Teaching Surgical Clinical Hospital “Amalia Simoni Argilagos”
Camagüey, in Cuba.
You can open a stem of aloe vera in half and extract its gel, placing it directly on the affected area. Or, apply a piece of the stem (on the gel side) to relieve pain.
White oak bark?
White oak is believed to be a tree that has very interesting properties among them:
- Antiseptics
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Astringents
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. It is advisable to consult a doctor before carrying out the following remedy:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of oak bark.
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation
- Pour the crust into the water, cover and leave for 15 minutes.
- Then strain, soak a cotton ball in the warm liquid and apply to the affected area.
- This recipe is recommended to reduce bloating but not if there is constipation.
Neem tree
It is one of the most used in Ayurvedic medicine for its great properties. It is used in people with cholesterol (according to this study carried out by the University of Phayao, in Thailand) and hemorrhoids.
In the latter case, it is due to the fact that it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, as confirmed by this research carried out by the Qassim University of Saudi Arabia. In turn, it reduces pain. It can be used both internally and externally.
Ingredients
- 1 handful of neem tree bark
- 1 cup of hot water.
Preparation
- Prepare the infusion like any other.
- Let cool for 5 minutes if you are going to drink it or 15 minutes if you will apply it externally.
- In both situations it sneaks.
If you prefer the internal formula, it will help improve digestion and constipation. If you choose the topical option, apply with a cotton ball soaked in the tea already cold or warm, to relieve bleeding and itching.
Now that you know some remedies to treat hemorrhoids, we hope you use them without leaving the treatment recommended by your doctor. The improvement will not take long to become apparent.