HOME REMEDIES FOR HEMORRHOIDS/EMROIDS

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are a swelling of the veins or blood vessels in and around your anus and lower rectum. This happens when there is extra pressure on these veins. Hemorrhoids are either inside your anus (internal) or under the skin around your anus (external). About half of all people will have hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also known as piles.

What causes hemorrhoids?

• Often strain during bowel movements
• Are pregnant
• Have a family history of hemorrhoids
• Are older
• Have long-term or chronic constipation or diarrhea

Home Remedies and tips for hemorrhoids:-

• Increase you water intake and stay hydrated. Constipation, or hard stool, is the most common cause of hemorrhoids. Low water intake or dehydration can also lead to constipation. Your provider may suggest that you increase the amount of water you drink daily. This will help to soften your stools.
  
• Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more foods that are high in fiber. This helps softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid straining. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas. Refer to this link on a high fiber diet https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/22-high-fiber-foods#22-high-fiber-foods 
• Ice Packs. Applying ice packs can definitely be effective at relieving pain and inflammation. In addition to reducing swelling, the cold temperatures also have a numbing effect, which helps to temporarily decrease pain. You should always be sure to wrap the ice in a small towel, as applying ice directly to the skin can cause damage and add to the irritation of hemorrhoids. Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at least 3 times per day. For maximum effect, use this treatment after a warm sitz bath, as the sitz bath dilates the veins in the rectum and anus and ice packs contract them. 
• Use topical treatments. Apply a hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone that you can buy without a prescription. You also can use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing medicine.
• Soak regularly in a warm bath or sitz bath. Soak your anal area in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two or three times a day. A sitz bath fits over the toilet.
• Aloe vera. Aloe vera has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. As a result, it can provide relief from the burning, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids. It has also been shown to activate the immune system, enabling the body to combat any infections that may accompany the irritated areas around the anus and rectum. Aloe vera can be purchased commercially or harvested directly from the leaves of the plant. You should only use pure aloe vera gel on hemorrhoids, as additives and preservatives can make symptoms worse. Simply apply aloe vera generously to the affected area via a gentle massaging action, which can be repeated 2 to 3 times a week. You can enhance the inflammation-fighting properties of aloe vera by refrigerating it 15 to 20 minutes before application. 
• Epsom salt sitz bath. This wonder cure contains magnesium and sulphate, which, when absorbed into the skin around the anus, can offer relief from hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process.Epsom salts are usually used in a sitz bath by dissolving the salts in the water. However, the salts can also be used as a paste applied directly to the area or as a soothing compress when mixed with glycerine. 
• Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is another tried and true home remedy to naturally treat hemorrhoids. When applied topically, its anti-inflammatory properties decrease inflammation and relieve pain as well as accelerate the healing of hemorrhoids. In addition, coconut oil has antibacterial characteristics, helping to keep the affected area clean and free of infection. It may even curb the itching associated with the irritated hemorrhoid area. It’s easy to use, just transfer coconut oil to a cotton ball and apply it directly to hemorrhoids for 5 to 10 minutes several times per day. 
• Black Tea Bags. Immerse a black tea bag in a cup of lukewarm water and let it rest for several minutes in the water. While it’s still warm, apply the wet tea bag to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. The process can be repeated 2 or 3 times per day. You can switch it up and use frozen tea bags to instead of warm ones. 
• Increase your physical activity and take more walks. Being physically active has many benefits, including helping your hemorrhoids. One way exercise helps is by making your bowel movements more regular. This will lessen your straining with bowel movements and improve constipation. Some exercises, such as weight lifting and squats, can worsen hemorrhoids. But most exercises can help with your symptoms. Examples include aerobic activities, like taking a walk or swimming. And they have the added benefit of improving your overall health. 
• Essential Oils. Essential oils are overlooked as natural home remedies for hemorrhoids. The anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils shrinks the swollen veins and, thus, reduces the swelling and pain of hemorrhoids. Furthermore, they provide needed support for weakened veins, which may prevent reoccurrence of hemorrhoids. Essential oils may also provide useful hormones, vitamins, and nutrients. The following essential oils may be used as home remedies for hemorrhoids: 

Tea Tree Oil-To unleash its therapeutic effects, mix 2 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of castor oil, transfer the mixture to a cotton ball, and apply it to the affected area. You may repeat the process twice in a week.

Frankincense Oil-To utilize its healing properties, mix 2 drops of frankincense oil with 2 tablespoons of liquid lanolin and gently massage the concoction into the affected area. 

Patchouli Oil-In the rare case of a ruptured hemorrhoid, the oil can also enhance the growth of reparative tissue. For best effect, add 3 drops of patchouli oil to 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil and apply to the affected area once per day. 

• Improve your toilet habits and avoid distractions. Prolonged sitting and/or straining on the toilet can worsen your hemorrhoid symptoms. A good rule of thumb is to remove all reading material from the toilet area. And avoid bringing your cell phone or tablet with you. Instead, it’s important to do your business and get off the toilet quickly, with no distractions.  

• Decrease excess straining during bowel movements, only go when you have to.
• Decrease the time you wait to go.
• If your job requires long periods of sitting, take breaks, get up and move around for a brisk walk.
• Try sitting on a doughnut shaped cushion, taking pressure off your sensitive area.

• Don't scratch hemorrhoid area, and don't over-wipe.
• Wear breathable fabrics that are soft and less irritating than synthetic materials.
• Decrease your weight, placing less strain on your bottom, and, of course, your body overall.
• Wet Wipes. It is very important to clean the rectal area as to make it free of any stray fecal matter, which could add to the irritation of hemorrhoids. Furthermore, using toilet paper after a bowel movement can only aggravate matters when suffering from hemorrhoids. Instead, wet wipes can be very effective at cleaning the rectal area without causing further irritation of existing hemorrhoids. For an added boost, choose wet wipes with anti-hemorrhoid ingredients such as witch hazel or aloe vera, which are not only soothing but also help hasten the resolution of hemorrhoids. Avoid wet wipes with added alcohol or perfumes, as these ingredients have the potential to increase irritation of existing hemorrhoids.