Hemorrhoid Home Remedies

Hemorrhoids are both common and painful. But there are hemorrhoid home remedies out there to help you!

What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen (inflamed) veins in the rectum area. They can occur on the inside of the anus, internal hemorrhoids, or on the outside of the anus, external hemorrhoids. It is possible to have both types at the same time. Internal hemorrhoids are typically painful, swollen, and cause bleeding while external hemmroids usually cause pain and itching, but no bleeding. See hemorrhoids picture below.

Hemorrhoid Diagram
Photo Credit: Nephron

What causes hemorrhoids?

• Preganancy (most common) - due to increased pressure (from the fetus) on the blood vessels in the abdomen.
• Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea) - due to straining which can increase pressure in the anal canal.
• Low fiber diet - fiber helps produce stool that is softer and easier to pass.
• Obesity or sitting for long periods of time - due to increased pressure from body weight.

• Apple Cidar Vinegar - apply directly to hemorrhoids.
• Cayenne pepper in water - Mix 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper with 8 ounces of water. Drink 2 to 3 times a day for at least a week or until hemorrhoids disappear.
• Bag of ice - it may sting at first but this can help relieve some of the pain by numbing and cooling.
• DO NOT use regular toilet paper. Use medicated wipes (can be purchased at your local drug store, eg Walgreen's, CVS). You can even make your own at home -- place coffee filters in a plastic sandwich bag with zipper close. Pour enough witch hazel into the bag to saturate the coffee filters. Voila! You're very own wipes.

When to see a Doctor.
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids can sometimes lead to more serious health problems. If you are concerned with your self-diagnosis or you try the hemorrhoid home remedies above and see no improvement, see your physician right away.

• Bleeding occurs in the rectal area that is not associated with passing stools.
• Rectal pain lasts longer than 1 week after you have tried other home remedies.
• Pain or swelling becomes more severe or painful.

References:
"Healing Remeides" by Wilen and Wilen
"Herbal Healing Secrets for Women" by Vukovic (2000)
"The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women" by the Editors of Prevention Magazine