Introduction
Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids is most important for hemorrhoids patients as , “Doc, sitting feels like sitting on glass” that’s a phrase I hear often in my clinic when patients describe the discomfort of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can cause pain, itching, bleeding, and significant discomfort during daily activities. While medical treatments are available, many people prefer natural hemorrhoid treatments to safely manage symptoms at home.
As a doctor and medical educator, I will share evidence-based, naturally remedies for hemorrhoids,what shrinks hemorrhoids fast, along with medical tips for hemorrhoids pain relief.
Understanding Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be:
- External – under the skin around the anus, often painful.
- Internal – inside the rectum, usually painless unless they protrude or bleed.
Statistics (CDC, 2023): 1 in 20 Americans suffer from hemorrhoids at some point, and the risk increases with age.
Common causes:
- Chronic constipation( Read Here Natural Remedies for constipation) or diarrhea
- Straining during bowel movements
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Prolonged sitting
- Low-fiber diet
Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids
Natural remedies for Hemorrhoids focus on relieving symptoms, reducing swelling, and preventing recurrence without strong medications. Here’s how each method helps:
1. Warm Sitz Bath
A Sitz bath is when you sit in warm water up to your buttocks, usually for 10-15 minutes. The heat improves blood flow to the anal area, reduces muscle spasms, and helps shrink swollen veins. It also cleanses the skin, preventing infection if there are small tears.
Why it helps:
- Reduces anal sphincter tension → less pain
- Improves circulation → promotes healing.
- Reduces itching and irritation.
Pro tip: Adding Epsom salt can increase the anti-inflammatory effects.
2. High-fiber diet.( Read Here For Fiber Rich food)
Fiber adds bulk and softness to stools, making them easier to pass without straining – one of the biggest causes of hemorrhoids. A soft stool moves more gently through the rectum, reducing pressure on the hemorrhoid veins.
Why it helps:
- Prevents constipation (a primary trigger of hemorrhoids)
- Reduces stress → reduces swelling.
- Supports healthy gut bacteria, which can reduce inflammation
Examples: oats, brown rice, apples, pears, broccoli, lentils.
3. Proper hydration
Water works in conjunction with fiber. Without enough fluid, fiber can harden stools, making constipation worse. Staying hydrated keeps stools soft and promotes regular bowel movements.
Why it helps:
- Prevents dehydration-related constipation.
- Softens stool → Reduces pain during bowel movements.
4. Cold compresses
Applying ice or a cold gel pack wrapped in a cloth to the anal area numbs nerve endings and constricts blood vessels. This helps shrink swollen hemorrhoids and relieve pain within minutes.
Why it helps:
- Vasoconstriction → Reduces swelling and bleeding.
- Numbing effect → Instant pain relief
5. Aloe vera gel
Pure aloe vera contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants. When applied externally, it soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, and can speed up the healing of minor tears caused by hemorrhoids.
Why it helps:
- Calms inflammation → Reduces itching and irritation
- Moisturizes → Prevents further skin irritation.
6. Witch Hazel
This plant extract acts as a natural astringent, tightening tissues and reducing swelling. It also has mild anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Available in liquid form, wipes, or medicated pads.
Why it helps:
- Shrinks swollen tissue.
- Reduces itching and irritation.
- Gently cleanses the area without harsh chemicals.
7. Regular exercise
Even light activity, such as walking for 20-30 minutes daily, stimulates bowel movements and improves blood circulation in the lower body. Prolonged sitting or standing can worsen hemorrhoids by increasing pressure on the rectal veins.
Why it helps:
- Promotes regular bowel movements.
- Reduces venous congestion in the rectal veins.
- Helps maintain a healthy body weight (obesity is a risk factor for hemorrhoids)
Clinical Insight:
In my patients, combining a warm sitz bath in the evening with a fiber rich breakfast in the morning and daily hydration consistently provides faster relief than either treatment alone.
What shrinks hemorrhoids the fastest?
For quick relief:
- Cold compresses reduce swelling immediately.
- Warm sitz baths relax muscles and reduce discomfort.
- Witch hazel tightens tissue quickly.
Clinical tip: In my practice, patients who combine fiber, hydration, and sitz baths often report significant improvement within 48-72 hours for mild hemorrhoids.
Natural remedies for external hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids can be painful due to nerve endings in the skin of the anus. Natural remedies for external hemorrhoids include:
- Ice packs for pain
- Witch hazel wipes
- Apply aloe vera
- Loose cotton underwear to prevent irritation.
- Avoid prolonged sitting
Case example: A patient with painful external piles found significant relief after alternating cold compresses with warm sitz baths twice daily.
Natural Remedies for Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids often present with bleeding during bowel movements. Remedies focus on reducing strain and swelling:
High-fiber diet & hydration
Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet
Regular gentle exercise
Sitz baths for prolapsed piles
Witch hazel suppositories (herbal, not medicated)
Note: Persistent bleeding must be evaluated by a doctor to rule out other conditions like colorectal cancer.
Stages of Hemorrhoids
Stage I: Internal piles bleed but don’t prolapse.
Stage II: Prolapse during bowel movement but retract spontaneously.
Stage III: Prolapse and require manual pushing back in.
Stage IV: Permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back often painful.
PubMed Study (2021): Early-stage hemorrhoids respond better to lifestyle and dietary changes, reducing the need for surgery.
How to Push Hemorrhoids Back In
For prolapsed internal hemorrhoids (Stage III):
Wash hands thoroughly and wear disposable gloves.
Apply a water-based lubricant.
Gently push the hemorrhoid back inside the rectum using a finger.
Follow up with a warm sitz bath to relax muscles.
Important: Never force the hemorrhoid in if it’s swollen, painful, or stuck this may require urgent medical attention.
Rarely Discussed Clinical Insight
From my experience, toilet posture plays a big role in hemorrhoid flare-ups. Using a small footstool to elevate your feet mimics a squatting position, which aligns the rectum for easier bowel movements and reduces straining.
When to Seek Medical Care
Natural remedies for hemorrhoids help many patients, but see a doctor if you have:
Heavy rectal bleeding
Severe pain or swelling
Symptoms not improving after 1–2 weeks
Black or tarry stools
References:
Final Words – Living Comfortably with Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common, but they don’t have to control your life. By adopting natural remedies for hemorrhoids, improving diet, and preventing constipation, you can significantly reduce discomfort and recurrence.
Call to Action:
Have you tried any natural remedies for hemorrhoids? Share your experiences in the comments, or book a consultation for a personalized treatment plan.
FAQS
Eat:
- High-fiber foods: Foods like beans, lentils, broccoli, apples, raspberries, and whole wheat bread are excellent choices.
- Foods rich in flavonoids: Berries, grapes, and citrus fruits contain flavonoids that can help strengthen blood vessels.
Avoid:
- Low-fiber foods: A diet low in fiber can lead to constipation, which is a major cause of hemorrhoids.
- Spicy foods: Some people find that spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
- Excessive alcohol and caffeine: These can lead to dehydration, which contributes to constipation.
Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, have anti-inflammatory properties. However, you should never apply essential oils directly to the skin, especially in a sensitive area like the anus, without diluting them first with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil). Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any allergic reaction before applying it to the affected area. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before using essential oils for this purpose.
Yes, many natural remedies and lifestyle changes can be effective in relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids, especially for mild to moderate cases. These methods often focus on reducing inflammation, soothing irritation, and improving bowel function to prevent future flare-ups. However, if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or if you experience significant bleeding, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
A sitz bath involves soaking your buttocks and hips in warm water. You can do this in a regular bathtub with a few inches of warm water, or by purchasing a small plastic tub that fits over your toilet seat. The goal is to soak the affected area. Many people find it helpful to do this after a bowel movement to soothe any immediate irritation.
- Warm sitz baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 15-20 minutes, two to three times a day, can help reduce swelling and irritation. You can use a bathtub or a small basin designed for this purpose. Adding Epsom salt to the water can also provide extra relief.
- Witch hazel: This natural astringent can be applied topically using a cotton ball to the affected area. It can help reduce itching, pain, and swelling.
- Aloe vera: Pure aloe vera gel (without any additives) can be applied directly to the hemorrhoids to soothe and calm inflammation.
- Dietary changes: Eating a high-fiber diet is one of the most effective ways to manage and prevent hemorrhoids. This includes consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber softens stools, making them easier to pass and reducing straining.
- Drinking plenty of water: Staying well-hydrated helps keep stools soft, which also reduces the need to strain during bowel movements.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help prevent constipation and improve overall digestive health.
🧑⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Asif, MBBS, MHPE
Dr. Asif is a licensed medical doctor and qualified medical educationist with a Master’s in Health Professions Education (MHPE) and 18 years of clinical experience. He specializes in gut health and mental wellness. Through his blogs, Dr. Asif shares evidence-based insights to empower readers with practical, trustworthy health information for a better, healthier life.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay medical advice based on content you read here
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