What Is A Hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that can be very painful. Hemorrhoid symptoms may include itching, bleeding, and extreme discomfort. In our culture this part of the body may be viewed with embarrassment or shame. Nevertheless, it is crucial that people are given the information needed to cure hemorrhoids. Every part of the body serves its purpose, is valuable, and deserves our attention and healing focus when needed.
Types Of Hemorrhoids
There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. The hemorrhoid treatments outlined here are for the external type. An external hemorrhoid is a blood vessel that swells near the opening of the anus. It can cause tremendous pain and discomfort. In some cases, the pain is so great that it is difficult to sit, walk, or even sleep.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining during a bowel movement, i.e., pushing too hard. Straining puts increased pressure on the tissue surrounding the anus, and may cause a vein to become inflamed and incredibly swollen. Hemorrhoids can also be the result of constipation, diarrhea, or simply sitting on the toilet too long, as all of the aforementioned situations can increase pressure on the veins in the anal canal, and around the anus.
Natural Hemorrhoid Treatments
Wondering how to cure hemorrhoids naturally, without surgery? The following are effective natural remedies for hemorrhoids.
- Warm Epsom Salt Bath –one of the best home treatments for hemorrhoids is a warm Epsom salt bath. If you have a severe hemorrhoid, try a warm bath every day (for half an hour, or more) with at least a pound of Epsom salt. You will get some soothing, and pain relief after the first bath. Using this treatment daily for 1-2 weeks will help reduce the size of the hemorrhoid, and possibly eliminate it. The warmth of the water and the magnesium in the salts help to both improve circulation and reduce swelling. We buy large containers of Epsom salt online.
- Un-Petroleum Jelly –unfortunately, hemorrhoids can get dry and itchy. What can you do for a burning, itchy hemorrhoid? Apply Un-Petroleum Jelly. This will keep the hemorrhoid itch-free, which may relieve some discomfort as well as protect the skin from chaffing (so that it does not worsen). If you use this natural remedy for hemorrhoids, you may want to use an unbleached panty liner so that the Un-Petroleum Jelly does not stain your clothing. I keep Un-Petroleum Jelly, an amazing product, in our house at all times. It is also great for diaper rash.
- Witch Hazel –witch hazel can be an effective natural cure for hemorrhoids as it has astringent properties that may help to shrink them. Be sure to purchase a natural product without added chemicals and items that could irritate delicate and inflamed skin.
- Homeopathic Hemorrhoid Remedy –another natural cure for hemorrhoids that can alleviate pain and discomfort is a homeopathic hemorrhoid oil remedy. This is very similar to a hemorrhoid cream, but is oil based. Apply each night before going to bed, then apply a layer of Un-Petroleum Jelly, and use a panty liner as mentioned above.
- Legs Up the Wall Pose –this is my favorite natural, home treatment for hemorrhoids, because it’s free. Try the legs up the wall pose for 15-30 minutes every day to increase circulation to the tail area and relieve pressure caused by sitting on the hemorrhoid. This pose, called viparita karani is a beginner yoga pose that is incredibly relaxing and good for healing fatigued adrenals.
Over The Counter Hemorrhoid Treatments
You may also wish to try an over the counter hydrocortisone cream for your hemorrhoids, which can be very effective. If you decide to use this, do so no more than every other day, as this type of cream can possibly wear down the delicate skin around the anus, and may worsen hemorrhoids in the long run if over used.
Medical Advice For Hemorrhoids
Wondering how to cure hemorrhoids naturally? That’s a good thing. Still, if you have a hemorrhoid, it is very important to consult with a physician. Call your internist or gastroenterologist for more information. Hopefully, the natural treatments for hemorrhoids that I’ve outlined above will prove effective for you so that you can avoid having hemorrhoid surgery.
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
Cblm Holy Family Hospital says
Thank you for sharing that hemorrhoids occur due to low fiber diets and inadequate intake of water which can be quite serious once your anus starts bleeding. A friend of mine just told me that she recently noticed that she often bleeds during a bowel movement. I will suggest her to check with a doctor and make sure to treat the issue so it won’t occur again.
Elana says
Thanks!
Catherine Overmeyer says
Hi there im looking for help. Im constepated and having piles problems. The inside of my anal canal is swollen making it hard to go… Plz help
Elana says
Catherine, I’m so sorry to hear this, I hope you’ll seek the assistance of a medical practitioner for this issue.
Thomas Clarence says
It was really helpful when you mentioned that hydrocortisone creams can be an effective treatment for hemorrhoids. Are enemas also an effective way to treat hemorrhoids and constipation issues? It seems like it would be important for a person that is struggling with this kind of health problem to figure out what works best for them.
Elana says
Thanks Thomas! Yes, we are all different :-)
Roslia Santamaria says
If you are noticing any symptoms of a fistula – abdominal pain, discharge, a change in your bowel habits, severe diarrhea –talk to your doctor right away. Diagnosing an external fistula is relatively simple since the doctor is able to see it. He or she may send any discharge that occurs to a lab for analysis, and may also perform blood tests to help confirm the diagnosis.
Elana says
Thanks Roslia!
RAYMOND PACHECO says
I am suffering with a bloody stul for a month now. I believe it is a hemrroid. I like green
chili and suspect it is the chili, so I made an apointment with the Doc and booked me
for November. That was two weeks ago. Should I take the advise of a Pharmasist? I am
scared that the Doc will want to operate. I am 86 years of age. Thank you. Ray,
Elana says
Ray, thanks for your comment! I’m so sorry to hear about all you’re going through and I hope you’ll keep me posted on how you’re doing :-)
Gautham says
I am not sure if this is a external hemrroid. I have a small greying lump outside my anus. Touching the anus. I had pain for 1 day and after warm tub bath and applying pure aloe Vera and coconut oil there is no pain at all but the small lump is still there
Elana says
Gautham, I’m so sorry to hear that.
Lyla Peterson says
Thanks for explaining how a daily Epsom salt bath for 1-2 weeks can reduce hemorrhoids. I have a hemorrhoid that has been causing me pain for about two weeks now. I will try the Epsom salt baths.
Elana says
Thanks Lyla and good luck in healing.
Levi Armstrong says
My wife has been suffering from hemorrhoids, and she has been complaining about how much it itches. I’m thankful for your tip of using an un-petroleum jell to relieve the itch caused by hemorrhoids. I’ll relay this information to my wife and also look for a hemorrhoid non-surgical procedure to get rid of her problem permanently.
Elana says
Thanks Levi, so happy to help :-)
Khalil saoud says
Thanks for the information but I have an internal hemorrhoids without pain but it keeps bleeding all the time I go for bowel movement. I did try several cream including preparation h suppose terry but no cure yet .
Any information how to stop internal bleeding ?? I did colonoscopy but things are clear except inner hemorrhoids.
Elana says
Khalil, thanks for your comment. I think this post might be helpful to you:
https://elanaspantry.com/what-is-pelvic-floor-therapy/
I hope you’ll stay in touch and keep me posted on how you’re doing!
Elana
Cajune says
Hi Elana, I am curious to know why you recommended pelvic floor therapy for bleeding internal hemorrhoids, I have them as well and looking for natural cure instead of surgery. Thank you
Elana says
Cajune, thanks for your comment. My pelvic floor therapist has told me that this is a condition they treat :-)
Jay Jorgenson says
I like that you explain that hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that can be very painful if not treated on time. My grandpa has hemorrhoids and he is hurting. Thank you for the information. I’ll contact a clinic so I can take my grandpa to get a hemorrhoidectomy procedure.
Elana says
Jay, thanks so much!