Hemorrhoids are painful. They itch, burn and sometimes bleed. Whole sections of our drugstores are devoted to Over-The-Counter treatments and remedies promising hemorrhoids relief. However, in the long run, many of these ointments only provide more irritation. When asked how to get rid of hemorrhoids, many doctors recommend that we avoid all of the OTC treatments that have ingredients that contain the word “caine”. Since this rules out many of the available hemorrhoid products on the market, I hope you find comfort in knowing that there are even more effective (and cheaper) home remedies for hemorrhoids. Here’s a few:
Warm It Up
Fill up your bath tub with about 4-5 inches of warm water. Of course, you can use more water than that, if you want to enjoy a relaxing soak while shrinking your hemorrhoids. Once you’re seated in the water, make sure to bring your knees up, as close to your chest as possible. This allows more of the warm water to get to the area that needs it. If you want to take this remedy to the next level, add a handful of Epsom salts to the bath. Make sure you stir it up before you get in.
Why it works:
The warm water encourages the blood to flow into the area, which then helps to shrink the swollen hemorrhoids. As far as the Epsom salt goes, it helps to constrict the hemorrhoids.
Tea For One
Another good hemorrhoid remedy is applying a warm, tea bag to the area. Maybe it’s not as easy as the bath, but it will definitely soothe.
Why it works:
Tea contains an ingredient called tannic acid. Tannic acid will reduce the pain and the swelling. It also helps blood to clot, so if you’re experiencing problems with a bleeding hemorrhoid, then this remedy will be most beneficial. Of course, it will also be warm, when applied, which soothes.
Cool It Down
Grab one of your heavy-duty freezer bags and add some ice. Wrap the icy bag in a towel and sit on it for 20 minutes. You can do this as often as necessary, but make sure to take at least a 10 minute break between ice sitting sessions.
Why it works:
Simply, the ice will almost immediately shrink the swollen hemorrhoids.
Just A Dab Will Do Ya’
If you’ve found relief from Tucks pads in the past, then this is a great, inexpensive alternative because the main ingredient in them is witch hazel. Soak a cotton ball in undistilled witch hazel. Apply it directly to the hemorrhoids.
Why it works:
Just like tea, witch hazel contains tannins. They are great because it causes the blood vessels to contract, thus relieving the pain and pressure associated with hemorrhoids.
An Ounce of Prevention…
Put Your Feet Up
A couple of times a day, make a point to lay back on the couch with your feet up. Your mind will thank you for allowing it to rest easy for a few and your overstressed anal area will greatly benefit from your taking the weight off of it.
Eat More Roughage
Okay, I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, but that’s because it’s very important. Research has shown that eating a diet that is high in fiber will significantly reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids. That means eating more high-fiber cereals, whole grain breads and veggies. An important thing to remember about eating this way, though, is that you must make sure that you are getting enough fluids to allow all of this fiber to pass through your body! If you are not drinking enough water, you will become constipated and then you will be back to square one.
Bathroom Behavior Tips
When you feel like you have to go, go. Waiting leads to constipation. Constipation leads to straining. You know the routine.
When you are finished using the bathroom, try to wipe with dampened, unscented, plain, white toilet paper. I know that TP in pretty colors makes the bathroom look pretty, but it also has added irritants and just isn’t worth the risk.
After you’re done with your initial clean up, try using some facial tissue that has an added moisturizer. It will be lubricating and soothing at the same time.
For Those Who Sit All Day
I’m guilty of this one myself. If you’re like me and find yourself either chained to a computer all day or to an office chair, make sure to take a lap around the office every hour. Just five minutes of leisurely walking will greatly reduce the pressure on your rectum. It will also help to keep food passing through the intestines, which will help to stave off constipation.
When To Call The Doctor
Hemorrhoids are pretty common and usually can be treated at home. However, some health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease and bowel infections can present the same symptoms as hemorrhoids do. You should call the doctor if you notice very dark blood in your stool (your poop will look almost black). You should also call the doctor right away if you have significant rectal bleeding, persistent fecal incontinence or if the pain intensifies greatly and suddenly.