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Hemorrhoids are inflamed pockets of tissue around the rectal area that can cause various uncomfortable symptoms, such as itchiness, burning, irritation, pain, swelling and more.
Fortunately, there are plenty of natural hemorrhoid relief remedies that patients can try at home to alleviate their symptoms. For those interested in how to treat hemorrhoids at home, this article will go over some of the most common and effective home remedies to soothe hemorrhoids.
While reading this home hemorrhoid treatment comparison guide, it’s important to remember that hemorrhoids rarely go away on their own and can only be eliminated with a doctor-administered treatment, such as the CRH O’Regan Hemorrhoid Banding System.
Although they can’t get rid of the underlying problem completely, hemorrhoid home remedies can temporarily relieve irritating hemorrhoid symptoms while you wait to see a doctor.
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The top 10 natural solutions for short-term hemorrhoid symptom relief include:
One of the most effective temporary ways to reduce the inflammation and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids is using a topical hemorrhoid cream, such as the products sold by Preparation H and Tucks. These hemorrhoid creams work by numbing the affected area to alleviate symptoms like pain, itchiness and general soreness. Typically, you can find these over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams at your local pharmacy.
Along with hemorrhoid creams, many stores carry pre-moistened towelettes for reducing hemorrhoid symptoms as well. When shopping for at-home hemorrhoid remedies be aware that some medical wipes can make the area more irritated and might not be the right fit for you.
Although Vicks Vapor Rub is usually used as a cough suppressant, it can also provide temporary relief for hemorrhoid symptoms. Applying a small amount of Vicks to the affected area can help reduce swelling, itchiness and hemorrhoid-related pain for several hours. The rub might sting a bit when initially applied, but this should be followed by a cooling sensation that soothes the pain.
Eating foods that are full of fiber can lessen the effects of hemorrhoids by softening your stool and increasing its bulk. Softer stool can help prevent the straining and constipation that often worsen hemorrhoid symptoms. To get more fiber each day, work these foods into your diet:
Because the natural agent in unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar can shrink and reduce inflammation, apple cider vinegar is one of the top DIY hemorrhoid treatments. By decreasing inflammation in the affected area, apple cider vinegar can temporarily alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms like pain and itchiness. To safely apply apple cider vinegar, dip a cotton ball in the vinegar and dab it onto the area for a few minutes.
Coconut oil is a great hemorrhoid relief home remedy because it acts as a natural moisturizer to soothe hemorrhoid symptoms. Applying a bit of coconut oil to the affected area may also decrease the amount of swelling and irritation around the hemorrhoid and reduce the urge to scratch. If you decide to try this natural home remedy for hemorrhoids, look for organic virgin coconut oil.
From itchiness to painful bowel movements, a sitz bath can temporarily relieve a wide variety of hemorrhoid symptoms. Essentially, a sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that can soothe hemorrhoids by relaxing the muscles around the rectal area and increasing blood flow. You can either fill a bathtub or find a sitz bath that fits over the toilet seat at your local drug store. Regardless of which method you choose, fill the tub with warm water and a dash of salt before soaking for about 15 minutes.
Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate, which is a chemical compound that helps naturally relax the muscles. Adding Epsom salts to a sitz bath is a great way to soothe the symptoms caused by hemorrhoids even more effectively. Applying an Epsom salt compress directly to the inflamed area is another method of decreasing irritation from hemorrhoids.
Witch hazel is an astringent that comes from the bark and leaves of a shrub called the Hamamelis Virginiana. When applied to the affected area, witch hazel is a natural way to get relief from some of the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids for a few hours. Although witch hazel can temporarily calm hemorrhoid symptoms, it is not an effective means for treating the hemorrhoid itself.
For those with more severe hemorrhoid symptoms, applying a cold and hot compress to the anal area at alternating intervals may provide some much-needed pain relief. An ice pack can help reduce local inflammation and irritation but should never be left directly on the skin for more than 10 minutes. After icing the affected area for 10 minutes, apply a warm compress for an additional 10 minutes.
As a soothing topical application, aloe vera is one of the most popular hemorrhoids home treatment options for uncomfortable symptoms. Aloe vera gel contains naturally occurring properties that reduce inflammation while assisting with skin repair. The plant’s healing qualities make it an effective DIY solution for hemorrhoid symptoms.
While natural home remedies for hemorrhoids can provide temporary relief from symptoms, they are not a permanent fix. For long-term hemorrhoid relief, consider a treatment like hemorrhoid banding. Also known as rubber band ligation, hemorrhoid banding is a long-lasting technique for alleviating discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Specifically, the CRH O’Regan System is the leading hemorrhoid banding treatment available. During the CRH O’Regan System procedure, a small band is wrapped around the base of the hemorrhoid to restrict the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal mass. After a few days without a blood supply, the hemorrhoid shrinks and eventually falls off, along with the band. Typically, the hemorrhoid and band fall off during a regular bowel movement without the patient even noticing.
Talk to a doctor for more information on the right treatment and relief options for you. To get rid of your hemorrhoids once and for all, find a physician that offers the pain-free CRH O’Regan banding procedure and get on the path toward the hemorrhoid-free life you deserve.
