Image credit: Dr. Axe
Perhaps a sensitive topic for most, and many of you probably wouldn’t even click on this post at work. I don’t blame you. But if you’re reading now, that means you needed this info. In fact, most people do at some point in their lives. A whopping 75%! Although common, hemorrhoids are far from normal and should be treated as such. In essence, these inflamed blood vessels cause pain, bleeding and itching and a generally miserable existence. No one should just accept them as a matter of course, but action should be taken to reduce the inflammation and improve the diet to include more fiber. (If you’re just given birth, well, you get a free pass there, but you still shouldn’t have to suffer!)
To get to the root of the problem, you have to adjust your diet. Dr. Axe offers some soled suggestions:
Dr. Axe Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids
#1 Cold compress
Wrap some ice in a clean cloth and apply it directly over the hemorrhoids. Doing this several times, a day will help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce hemorrhoids effectively.
#2 Apple Cider Vinegar
Pure and natural apple cider vinegar is highly beneficial in treating the condition. For external hemorrhoids, take a cotton ball and soak it with apple cider vinegar. Apply it directly on the hemorrhoids for an instant relief. Please note that applying it directly may cause a stinging sensation for some time but that will decrease itching and pain instantly. For internal hemorrhoids, consuming a teaspoon of vinegar with water, may provide relief from pain and bleeding.
#3 Psyllium husk
Hard stools may worsen your hemorrhoids causing more bleeding and pain. Psyllium husk is crammed with fiber, which makes stools softer and eases its movements. Consuming it regularly may help in reducing stress in the swollen veins providing it time to heal.
#4 Soaking
Soaking yourself in a tub of warm water may provide instant relief from pain and itching and cause the blood vessels to relax. You may soak the inflamed area for 15 -20 minutes in warm but not hot water. Wipe the area gently using a wet towel so not to dry it. Doing it regularly helps in reducing hemorrhoids effectively.
#5 Hydration
Dryness may aggravate hemorrhoids and may cause excessive bleeding. Never use a dry tissue to wipe the affected area as it may cause unwanted scratches that can worsen the swollen vessels. Instead use a non-perfumed, non-medicated wet tissue to wipe off without drying out your skin. You may also place vitamin E capsules in the opening of the anus to sooth the area and re-hydrate it.
#6 Witch hazel
It reduces, pain, itching and bleeding until the hemorrhoids fade out. Apply a little amount of witch hazel regularly in the inflamed area for long relief from the problem.
#7 Aloe Vera
For internal hemorrhoids, cut stripes of the aloe vera leave discarding all the thorns and freeze it. Apply it on the inflamed area for the double action of Valtrex in inflammation. For external ones, just apply the gel extracted from aloe leaves to soothe and hydrate the swollen veins.
#8 Tea tree oil
Add one or two drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like castor oil or sweet almond oil and apply it directly over the inflamed area with the help of a clean cotton swab. Doing this regularly will shrink the hemorrhoids until it cures completely. Other essential oils that may have a healing effect are lavender essential oil and rosemary essential oil.
#9 Lemon Juice
Apply it directly on the inflamed area or consume lemon juice with ginger with honey to reap the nutrition benefits of the fruit for reducing pain and inflammation.
#10 Olive oil
Consuming small amounts of olive oil with food on a regular basis may improve the functionality of the bowel movement due to the presence of monosaturated fatty acids in olive oil.
For some more options to provide immediate relief, like our favorite Apple Cider Vinegar and witch hazel:
