There’s no shortage of methods to deal with hemorrhoids. They range from home remedies to medical procedures that help in relieving the bothersome symptoms and ridding you of them. We will look at some of the best ways you can do away with hemorrhoids for good so that you can finally have some peace and quiet.
Hemorrhoids are also known as piles and they refer to distended or swollen blood vessels in the rectum and anus. There are two main types of hemorrhoids; internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are typically found at the end of the rectum while external hemorrhoids are found on the lining of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids are sometimes pushed out of the anus and they become prolapsed hemorrhoids. Another type of hemorrhoids is the thrombosed hemorrhoids which are hemorrhoids with blood clots in them. The common symptoms of hemorrhoids include itchiness, pain, rectal bleeding, and discomfort.
Hemorrhoids are actually naturally occurring pillow-like clusters of tissue filled with blood in the anus and rectum. However, they may become engorged with blood and this is when hemorrhoids become a condition. This happens when the blood vessels are put under a lot of pressure so they swell with a backflow of blood.
Blood vessels in the anus and rectum can swell because of several reasons, namely:
Straining in Bowel Movements
When you struggle to pass stool because of chronic constipation, it puts stress on the blood vessels in the rectum and anus. This may cause them to swell up.
Being Overweight or Obese
Excess body weight forces the lower regions of the body to bear the brunt of all that weight. This affects blood vessels on these parts including the rectum and anus. Therefore, it’s common for obese and overweight people to have hemorrhoids.
Pregnancy
As many as 85% of women report having suffered from hemorrhoids during their third trimester of pregnancy. This happens when the fetus sits on a major blood vessel that transports blood between the heart and the parts of the body below the uterus. The veins of the rectum and anus also get affected by this so hemorrhoids may develop. Hemorrhoids may also develop during pregnancy because of the imbalance of hormonal levels that lead to abnormal swelling of blood vessels. The strain of childbirth on the anus and rectum is also another reason hemorrhoids may develop.
Aging
Old age is a time when all tissues and muscles of the body are wearing out and the rectum and anus are not left behind. Due to this weakening, any form of pressure placed on the rectum and anus may lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Read more about causes HERE.
Hemorrhoids can actually clear on their own without any intervention if you give them time. However, the pain and irritation can be unbearable so you may likely need a quick reprieve. The best way to get rid of your hemorrhoids while at the same time relieving the symptoms is through natural remedies. Here are natural remedies you can consider using:
Warm Bath
Few things feel as good as soaking in a warm bath when hemorrhoids are driving you crazy with pain. It has a soothing effect on the pain and irritation especially when you add Epsom salts into it. Warm water also reduces inflammation by improving blood circulation.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are potent natural extracts from plants with a plethora of benefits. They are analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Essential oils can therefore be applied to hemorrhoids to treat pain, inflammation, bleeding, and infections. Some of the essential oils you can use include tea tree, peppermint, cypress, clove, and frankincense. Don’t use them directly; dilute them in a carrier oil or add a few drops to your bathwater. You can find oils for immediate relief here.
Aloe Vera
Extract aloe vera gel from a freshly cut leaf and apply it to the hemorrhoids. It has a natural anti-inflammatory effect so it will help with the swelling, pain, and irritation.
Ice
Pressing an ice pack on hemorrhoids is very effective in soothing the pain and reducing inflammation and bleeding. This is achieved when the cool temperatures constrict blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the area.
Tea Bag
Your tea bag gives you more than just a tasty cup of liquid; you can also use it to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. It contains tannic acid which is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Dip it in warm water and press it on the hemorrhoids and it will reduce the swelling, pain, and irritation.
Stool Softeners
You are bound to find stool softeners at your local pharmacy or online pharmacy to prevent constipation. They work by helping stool draw water as it moves down the gut so that it’s easier to move your bowels. You should also increase your intake of fiber-rich foods or fiber supplements which also help to prevent constipation.
Over-the-counter Medications
You can get anti-hemorrhoid ointments, creams, depositories, and gels from your nearest drugstore or online pharmacy. Using them will help in reducing the pain, irritation, bleeding, and inflammation of hemorrhoids.
At times, natural remedies are not enough to completely get rid of hemorrhoid symptoms. For instance, bleeding that goes on for more than 10 minutes should be a cause for concern. In such cases, you should seek medical help immediately. As far as hemorrhoids are concerned, you will rarely ever need medical intervention. You can easily take care of them yourself with natural remedies. Read more here.
