Often called piles, hemorrhoids are inflamed or swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. Whether they are induced by straining during bowel movements or by increased pressure during pregnancy, roughly half of adults may experience hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, with external hemorrhoids being the most common and troublesome. Use the following herbal remedies to naturally get rid of hemorrhoids without having negative side effects.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a superstar in the world of home remedies, and it is a popular natural treatment to help reduce hemorrhoids. Soak a cotton ball in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the hemorrhoids, taping it on overnight. Repeat this process until the inflammation dies down.
Squat, Don’t Sit
Squatting as opposed to sitting can help you properly and fully eliminate your bowels. When you sit down to poop, your knees are at a 90-degree angle to your abdomen. That can pinch your anal canal and prevent full bowel elimination, which means you strain harder to eliminate bowels. Squatting straightens the rectum, allowing easy passage of stool. You may want to look into a Squatty Potty to allow gravity to do most of the work, which helps to avoid colon build up. You don’t want to strain to eliminate because that can cause hemorrhoids or pelvic issues.
Friendly Fiber
If you have hemorrhoids, it may be beneficial to add more fiber to your diet. This can relieve constipation and put an end to straining or built-up pressure in the rectum and colon. You can add fiber to your diet by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts & seeds, and whole grains. It is best to avoid processed foods, meat, dairy products, sugars, and fried foods because these can be rough on the digestive system, lead to colon build-up, and even constipation. Flax is a great source of fiber, and omega-3s can help get things moving as well.
Soak In A Bath
To help decrease pain or irritation, you can soak in a warm bath every day for at least 10 minutes. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the bath for additional remedying properties. To help reduce pain and swelling of external hemorrhoids, you can sit on a hot water bottle or ice pack.
Coconut Oil & Aloe Vera
If the itching or burning is intense around the anus, apply coconut oil or aloe vera to the external hemorrhoids because they both have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. These can help decrease swelling, much like apple cider vinegar, as well as soothe itching.
