Best home remedies to manage piles and stop their growth

Overview

Are you suffering from piles and fed up with over-the-counter medications? Why not try some simple home remedies and natural treatments. They not only help in relieving symptoms but also have minimum side effects, unlike many medications. But before you try these remedies, consult your doctor first and get the symptoms examined.

It is also important to stay well-informed before trying these remedies. Some of you may be allergic to certain natural treatments. If anyone develops any allergies, stop the treatment immediately and contact your doctor.

Before we go forward and learn about these amazing remedies, let us first know a bit more about piles.

What are piles?

Piles or hemorrhoids are swollen painful blood vessels found inside the rectum. It is absolutely normal to have blood vessels (piles/hemorrhoids) in the anal region. They, in fact, act as a cushion and help in the normal passing of stools. However, if they are inflamed, they can cause discomfort, pain, and bruises in the anal cavity during bowel movements can cause bleeding.

While the exact cause of piles is unknown, doctors believe that an unhealthy diet, constipation, sedentary lifestyle, or too much exertion of pressure during bowel movements result in piles.

Some people get embarrassed and avoid consulting a doctor. But delaying proper examination will only worsen the symptoms. Piles are not a serious condition and are hundred percent curable. All you need is proper treatment at the right time.

Piles symptoms

The symptoms depend on the type of piles and also on the stages of the disease.

• Itching or discomfort in the anal region.
• Pain and discomfort during bowel movements.
• Presence of painful lumps or spongy outside the anus or around the anal area especially in case of external hemorrhoids.
• Painless bleeding during defecation.
• Painful bleeding during passing of stool.
• Prolapsed hemorrhoid.
• Fecal incontinence.
• Discomfort while walking or sitting.

Causes of piles

• Piles occur due to excessive pressure on the lower rectal region during the passage of stool. The excessive pressure stretches the blood vessels in the lower rectum and causes inflammation, pain, rupture, and bleeding. This is due to:
• Chronic constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Excessive physical strain.
• Frequent passing of stools.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Dietary imbalance especially the absence of fiber-rich foods in the diet.
• Lifting heavy objects.

Other factors include:

• Pregnancy – studies show that around 50% of women develop piles during their pregnancy. The fetal weight puts pressure on the pelvic region. The blood also thickens during pregnancy. This can lead to piles.
• Old age – people above the age of 50 are more susceptible to the disease.
• Obesity – being overweight increases the risk of getting piles.

Best home remedies to manage piles

Warm baths

Warm baths can reduce irritations and pain. Fill the bathtub with warm water just enough to cover your legs and sit and relax for 20 to 30 minutes. It will reduce swelling and irritation. You can also add some Epsom salt to the water to release the pain.

You can also use sitz baths, a plastic tub that can be placed over the toilet seat containing warm water where you can sit and immerse your buttock area.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel has natural anti-inflammatory ingredients. It is a natural form of astringent that can shrink the piles and is a good treatment for external hemorrhoids. It is available in liquid form, anti-itching wipes, soaps, etc.

Do not apply witch hazel directly to the piles, it may cause irritation and itching. You can dilute pure witch hazel and apply it with the help of a cotton ball. Also, use non-alcohol-based witch hazel. Alcohol can irritate the skin.

Cold compresses

Cold compresses and ice packs are also very effective for relieving inflammation and pain in large swollen hemorrhoids. Use a towel or a cloth to wrap the ice pack and apply it to the affected area. Keep it for 15 minutes. Repeat the process a few times until the symptoms are relieved. Do not apply a cold compress directly to the anal region as it may damage the skin.

Coconut oil

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of coconut oil have a soothing effect on the skin and reduce inflammation, pain, and irritation. It also reduces the urge to frequent scratching.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel is very helpful in reducing the swelling of the hemorrhoids. Only use pure aloe vera gel. Do not use lotions, sunscreens, or other products that contain aloe vera. These additives can be harmful to the hemorrhoids and cause side effects.

Before applying, check whether you are allergic to aloe vera. Apply a small amount of the gel to your forearm. Leave it for one or two days and see whether you develop any reactions or not.

Castor oil

Castor oil is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent. It is a natural oil that can reduce the pain and swelling of piles. It can also reduce the size of large piles. Mix castor oil in milk and apply it topically to the affected area. You can also apply castor oil directly to the piles.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is a natural remedy for skin irritations. It has antimicrobial properties and should be diluted with coconut oil or olive oil before applying. Do not apply it directly or it may sting. Apply it thrice daily for best results.

Wet wipes

Avoid using toilet paper after bowel movements. It can irritate the skin. Use alcohol-free wet wipes instead. It has a soothing effect. You can also buy medicated wet wipes that contain anti-hemorrhoidal agents like witch hazel or aloe vera from a medical store.

Laxatives

Natural stool softeners like psyllium husk can ease constipation and help in smooth bowel movements. Stool softeners come in powder form, capsules, or liquids. You can take it once or twice depending on your symptoms.

Radish juice

Fresh radish juice boosts digestion and reduces constipation. Grate some fresh radish or make some juice in a juicer. Start a daily routine by drinking half a cup of radish juice every morning. If you do not like the raw taste, add a pinch of salt or half a spoon of sugar or other spices and blend it into a smooth mixture. It is not only good for your gut health, but also flushes toxins from the body, detoxifies the liver, and is good for the skin.

Garlic water

Garlic reduces blood pressure, and cholesterol, and cleans the arteries. It helps in smoothening inflammation. Boil some garlic in water. Strain the water and refrigerate it. Dab a cotton ball in the water and apply it to the piles to reduce pain and swelling.

Healthy diet

Eat a balanced diet. Include insoluble fiber-rich foods that will add bulk to the stool and help in bowel movements. Add nuts, seeds, fruits like ripe bananas, and a lot of leafy vegetables to your daily diet.

Tea

Black tea has tannic acid that can help you get rid of swelling. It increases blood clotting and reduces bleeding. Prepare some black tea and strain the liquid. Let the liquid cool down. Apply some lukewarm tea for 10 minutes. For best results, repeat the process 3 times a day.

Green tea has antioxidants and helps in faster healing. Prepare some green tea. Add honey and lemon juice and drink it two to three times a day. You can also strain the green tea and allow it to cool down. Apply the water to the affected area. However, if you are applying it topically, do not add honey or lemon juice.

Wear cotton clothes

Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear. The underwear should be breathable so that it does not affect the sores. Do not apply bleach or harsh detergents. It can cause skin irritation.

Exercise

Regular pelvic floor exercises can help in proper bowel movements and reduce the urge of straining. It can help manage the long-term symptoms of piles.

Hydration

Hydrate your body by drinking lots of water and fruit juices, especially during summers and dry winters. It will help in the smooth passage of stools.

Manage stress

Good sleep at night and rising early in the morning help in reducing constipation. Do not stay awake for long hours at night. Develop a healthy sleep routine. Rise up early, go for a walk, or do some exercises. It will keep you fit, reduce stress, and help with bowel movements.

Final words

Many people have found natural home treatments to be extremely beneficial in treating piles symptoms. Long-term use of these remedies can not only help in managing piles but also stop their growth. However, some people are allergic to certain natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil. It is best to consult the doctor or try a skin allergy test before trying any of these remedies.

References