Painful, irritating and at times embarrassing, haemorrhoids or piles are quite a common disorder affecting a vast majority of people. Haemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anal canal that cause extreme discomfort. Depending on the area of inflammation, haemorrhoids can either be internal or external.When the inflamed veins appear inside the anal canal, they are internal haemorrhoids and when they appear close to the anal opening they are external haemorrhoids.Normally caused due to pressure on the pelvic and rectal veins; constipation, obesity and pregnancy can also cause haemorrhoids.
Loss of blood during bowel movements, difficulty in bowel movements, inflammation, burning sensation and itching are the most common symptoms of haemorrhoids. One may also experience intense pain while cleaning the anal area. Haemorrhoids can affect people belonging to any age group, but they are commonly seen in people above the age of 50.
Common Home Remedies for Haemorrhoids
On taking the right measures at the first sign of haemorrhoids, the symptoms can be effectively controlled. Sometimes, home remedies are adequate to relieve the symptoms. Some of the popular home remedies are listed below.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well acclaimed for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is more effective for those suffering from external haemorrhoids.Rub the gel from the stem of the plant carefully on your anal area for efficient relief from itching, swelling and pain. The gel has hydrating properties. Commercially available, pure aloe vera gel is also effective.
Garlic
Peeled cloves of garlic can provide immense relief from inflammation and itching. Simply insert a single clove of peeled garlic into the anal area like a suppository. Leave the clove overnight. The inserted garlic will get discharged during your next bowel movement. This is an excellent remedy for internal haemorrhoids.For external haemorrhoids, boil a few cloves of garlic in water and strain the water. Soak gauze pads in the strained water once they are cooled and gently apply the soaked gauze on your anus. Repeated application can provide relief.
Tomato
This humble kitchen essential is known to reduce the size of haemorrhoids. The acidic nature of this berry has positive effects on the swells.Apply slices of tomato on the swollen vein and let it rest for a few minutes before washing it off. On regular application, you will find a prominent reduction in swelling.
Corn Starch
Keeping the anal area dry is an absolute necessity to reduce irritation. Sprinkling a small amount of corn starch on the anal area can absorb all the moisture. Using this powder in the morning can maintain dryness in the anal area throughout the day.
Sitz Bath
Sitz bath is medically proven to relieve the pain associated with the inflamed and swollen veins. Fill the bath tub with four to five inches of warm water. Sit in the tub for fifteen to twenty minutes and make sure your anal area is covered with water. Pat dry the anal area with a soft cloth. This can be repeated several times a day. Warm sitz bath is an excellent cure for soreness and severe pain.
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Ice Packs
Application of ice packs on the swollen veins can relieve the pain and itchiness. Put ice cubes in an ice pack or a plastic bag; wrap this up with a small piece of cloth or a soft towel.Place the towel on the anal area. The towel should be left untouched at least for fifteen minutes. Ice packs provide instant relief from the symptoms and repetitive application of ice can reduce the swelling considerably.
Drink Enough Water
Water is an excellent stool softener. It is important to keep your stools soft to avoid pain during bowel movements. Drinking around eight to ten glasses of water a day prevents hardening of stools. Soft stools can prevent pain and inflammation during bowel movements. Water is as effective as over the counter stool softeners.
Fibre Rich Food
Food items rich in fibre keep the stools soft and prevent constipation. Constipation can aggravate the symptoms of haemorrhoids.Increasing your intake of lentils, vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains can provide the necessary amount of fibre to prevent constipation. Oatmeal, nuts and barley are also rich sources of fibre.
Oatmeal Bath
Being a rich source of fibre, oatmeal can loosen stools when consumed regularly. Apart from consumption, oatmeal can relieve the symptoms of piles even on external use. A warm bath with oatmeal can soothe the inflammation, itching, burning sensation and pain. For best results, soak yourself in a warm water bath with oatmeal mixture at least twice or thrice a day.It is important to avoid certain food triggers such as alcohol, spices, coffee and cola that can aggravate the symptoms. Sitting for long hours can also worsen the symptoms. Home remedies also involve maintaining healthy bowel habits and proper hygiene.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.