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Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as bleeding, itching, swelling, soiling and prolapse. If you’re among the three-quarters of the population who has experienced hemorrhoids, you’re probably searching for some quick ways to get relief.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the most talked-about natural treatments for hemorrhoids.
ACV derives from fermented apple juice. Adding yeast to apple juice or crushed apples leads to the production of alcohol. After fermentation, the apple cider continues to rest, and bacteria eventually transform the alcohol in the cider into acetic acid, more commonly known as vinegar.
ACV contains about 5 or 6% acetic acid. While research on the topic is somewhat lacking, the acetic acid found in ACV could provide health benefits, including the supposed ability to provide relief from hemorrhoids.
Using any of the four methods we’ve outlined below, apple cider vinegar can reduce pain and discomfort in only a few weeks. However, while natural hemorrhoid treatments can help reduce symptoms, a treatment such as the CRH O’Regan Hemorrhoid Banding System can remove hemorrhoids.
Whether you’re considering a short-term solution like apple cider vinegar or a longer-lasting hemorrhoid treatment like hemorrhoid banding, proper medical care is essential. Please consult a medical professional before self-diagnosing your condition.
Apple cider vinegar works to alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms because the natural agent in unpasteurized vinegar reduces inflammation, providing temporary relief from hemorrhoid symptoms like itchiness and pain.
Apple cider vinegar may provide some relief from your hemorrhoid symptoms. However, the respite is usually temporary, and you may need to use ACV several times per day.
If you have hemorrhoids and are experiencing discomfort due to symptoms, your best option is to speak with your physician to learn more about possible treatment options.
If you decide to use ACV for hemorrhoids, there are several ways to apply it. For best results, apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area two to three times a day. After a few weeks, some patients report a noticeable reduction in their hemorrhoids’ size and milder symptoms.
Please note that, when applied directly to hemorrhoids, the ACV’s acidity may cause a stinging sensation at first, but should subside after a few moments. Some patients report a stinging for a minute or two, followed by pain relief that can last a couple of hours. If you experience persistent discomfort, stop using ACV on the skin immediately.
Here are some common ways to use ACV for hemorrhoids for pain relief.
You can pour a small amount of ACV onto a cotton ball and wipe the cotton ball directly onto the hemorrhoids to get relief from itching and other symptoms. While some people who put ACV on their hemorrhoids find that their symptoms ease, others experience burning and irritation in the area. You might want to dilute the ACV if you’re concerned about irritation or speak with your physician to learn more about other topical treatments that can provide relief.
If you want to try applying the vinegar to your hemorrhoids, here’s what to do.
Step 1: Soak a cotton ball or toilet paper in the apple cider vinegar.
Step 2: Apply directly to the area affected by hemorrhoids.
Step 3: Repeat the process several times a day.
Apple cider vinegar is safe to drink. It’s a common ingredient in salad dressings and dips. While it might have an unpleasant taste when you drink it straight, it could also offer some measure of pain relief for your hemorrhoids.
Here’s how to make a tonic with ACV:
Step 1: Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of water.
Step 2: Drink the tonic once or twice a day.
A sitz bath is a soothing natural treatment for hemorrhoids by itself. Soaking the rectal area in warm water may help encourage blood flow, easing symptoms. However, mixing apple cider vinegar into a sitz bath combines two natural hemorrhoid treatments into one, which may make it that much more effective.
You can buy a sitz bath — a small bowl that rests on top of a toilet — at many drugstores. If you don’t want to buy one, another option is to fill your bathtub with a few inches of water and soak in that. To make a sitz bath with ACV, follow these instructions.
Step 1: Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar into a sitz bath.
Step 2: Soak in the apple cider vinegar sitz bath for at least 10-20 minutes.
Step 3: If needed, you can repeat this process a couple of times a day.
If you’re concerned about burning or irritating your skin by applying concentrated ACV to it, diluting it can help. Another way to enjoy the potential benefits of ACV is to create ice cubes with it. The coldness of the ice can help reduce swelling, itching and other discomforts caused by hemorrhoids.
To make ACV ice cubes, follow these steps.
Step 1: Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of water.
Step 2: Pour into a standard ice cube tray and freeze overnight.
Step 3: Use the apple cider vinegar ice cubes to ice the area three times a day. Be sure to wrap the ice cube in a soft cloth or paper towel.
Aside from making a delicious salad dressing or adding some zest to a recipe, apple cider vinegar can have some health benefits. It’s worth noting that much of the evidence about the advantages of ACV is anecdotal and that research is lacking.
Adding more ACV to your diet may provide the following perks.
Whether you are drinking it or applying it topically, apple cider vinegar can present some risks. Before you start using it for any reason, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor.Some potential drawbacks of ACV include the following.
As with any home remedy, it’s a good idea to approach the use of ACV to treat your hemorrhoids with caution. You’re likely already experiencing considerable discomfort from the hemorrhoids themselves, and want to ensure the remedy you use relieves your symptoms, rather than making them worse.
Learning about the experience others have had with ACV can help you determine if it’s the right option for you. Below are some descriptions of the outcomes others have encountered after using ACV.
“I have tried apple cider vinegar undiluted using a cotton ball. The pain of the sting was excruciating but I thought I have to tolerate if I have to get any results…. but the result I got was that the ACV burnt my skin and caused it to get infected.”
“ACV doesn’t seem to be doing anything at all, other than making them more tender. I’ve been applying to one hem to see if there was any improvement. Nothing after four days at all. Perhaps mine have just been there for too long.”
“I agree. I take ACV orally and tried it topically for hemmorhoid type problem. It was the worst thing I could ever have done. Intense burning and swelling caused a normally 3 day issue into an extreme 1 week issue in which sitting was almost impossible. If anyone tries this, I would be very careful and wash the ACV off with any sign of uncomfortable burn.”
While apple cider vinegar is a natural treatment for hemorrhoids, it offers temporary results. Because hemorrhoids can get infected and worsen if left unattended for too long, it is best to only use ACV to alleviate discomfort while you look for a longer-lasting solution to your hemorrhoids.
The CRH O’Regan System offers a pain-free, quick and easy way to get lasting relief from hemorrhoids. There’s no risk of burning or irritating your skin with CRH O’Regan, and you don’t have to drink pungent vinegar. To learn more about how the treatment works, speak with a trained physician. Your physician can diagnose hemorrhoids and discuss your options with you in greater depth.
Use our physician finder to get in touch with a doctor near you who’s trained in the CRH O’Regan System. You deserve long-lasting relief from your hemorrhoids.
