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Natural remedies for piles
Piles, also called hemorrhoids are swollen (or bulged) veins inside and outside the rectum. Piles that grow in the lining of the anus are called ‘Internal piles’ and those that grow outside (at the base of anus) of the rectum are called ‘external piles’.
Internal hemorrhoids are not seen but felt, especially when passing hard stools. External hemorrhoids are painful and itchy in nature. A person suffering from external piles may not be able to sit on a flat surface. Usually hemorrhoids go away on their own in a couple of weeks. If they don’t, you will need to see a good urologist or you can try some home treatment methods that can relieve some symptoms of pain and itching.
Home remedies to treat piles symptoms
- Sitz Bath – Sitz bath is a small bowel like structure that can be kept on the western toilet. It is filled with warm water, Epsom salt, baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Once mixed well, the person has to sit on it to wet his bottom with the water. This can help reduce itching, inflammation of the affected area.
Chemical salt packets will also be available to add to the water in sitz bath. - Witch Hazel – An astringent used as a tropical remedy in many medical conditions. Apply witch hazel cream directly to the affected area to get relief from symptoms. By nature, witch hazel cream is anti-inflammatory and anti oxidant.
- Coconut Oil – Acts as soothing agent when applied on external piles. It can help in reducing itching and swelling.
- Aloe Vera – Aloe vera, due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties, helps in healing wounds. It can reduce itching, burning, irritation and swelling in the area affected with piles. Note that you should use only ‘Pure Aloe Vera’ but not any other cream made with Aloe Vera and other chemicals as those chemicals can worsen your condition.
A little cold Aloe Vera (from your refrigerator) can give even more relaxed feeling when applied. - Applying Ice pack – Ice pack can give you relief from swelling, itching and redness. It also helps in reducing the pain temporarily. All you need to do is to just wrap ice packs or ice cubes in a cotton hanky or towel and apply it on the affected area. Do not apply ice directly as it can cause tissue damage.
- Drink enough water and other liquids. People suffering from internal hemorrhoids will have a hard time when passing hard stools as the stool doesn’t puts lot of pressure on the inner lining of the rectum. As a result, they may even see blood streaks on the stool.
In order to soften the stools, you need to drink a lot of water and other liquids. You can also try stool softeners if they are available without prescription. This helps you pass stools with ease without hurting the inner lining of the rectum. - Painkillers that are available without prescription. Medicines such as ibuprofen can be taken as per mentioned dosage to relieve from pain.
- Eating more fiber rich diet. Eating more fiber in the diet helps in softening of stools that can be passed out very easily. Add more green vegetables and fruits to your diet.
- Avoid tight under wears and lower wear. Use cotton under wears as much as possible that can let your skin breath. The dress you wear should make you feel comfortable in it rather than being too tight and causing discomfort and pain.
- Turmeric powder – Turmeric has got anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply pure turmeric power to the affected area to reduce redness and swelling. This can also help in healing of bleeding piles.
- Tea tree oil – known for it’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties just like turmeric. You can use the oil directly or apply gels made with tea tree oil to relieve from the symptoms of piles.