How to Treat Hemorrhoids or Piles

How to Treat Hemorrhoids or Piles

Hemorrhoids, widely known as piles, are an inflammation of the veins in the rectum. It often leads to severe discomfort and in more serious cases, even bleeding during bowel movements. This condition can be caused by various factors. The most common reasons being constipation, circulatory problems, pressure on the anal area during pregnancy, the physical strain during childbirth or a sedentary lifestyle, among others. In the following oneHOWTO article we'll explain in detail how to treat hemorrhoids or piles and what you can do to ease the pain they cause.

What is causing your piles?

Before using any home remedy it is important to determine what the cause of the hemorrhoids is, and therefore improve the prognosis. For example, if the problem originates from excessive force when sitting on the toilet the problem, you should just change this habit. If instead, it is the product of constipation or other similar conditions it is best to see a doctor to try to overcome this issue.

Here are some of our recommendations:-

Soft fruits and vegetables

Hemorrhoid sufferers ought to follow a diet rich in vegetables and soft foods. These include fruits, especially plums, kiwis or figs that ought to be soaked the day before they are eaten. A healthy and balanced diet, enhanced with this particular tip, will help to promote intestinal transit and minimize constipation. High fiber foods should also be added to the daily diet to improve your bowel condition - in fact, this is also a good way to prevent piles.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies to improve the symptoms of hemorrhoids which can include itching, burning and inflammation. Cut a piece of aloe vera and apply the liquid from the plant to the area several times a day, especially after bowel movements. It is recommended to clean the affected area before applying.

Exercise daily

Hemorrhoid sufferers should avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise frequently, especially do cardiovascular activities that help improve intestinal health and overall health. Walking 15 minutes after the main meals of the day is highly recommended for patients with this condition.

Combating constipation

Of all the causes of hemorrhoids or piles, constipation is particularly easy to combat. Here is a natural remedy: Leave 5 pitted, dried prunes together 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed overnight. On the next morning, before breakfast, eat them - and chew slowly. However, remember that this is for severe constipation cases.

Drinking at least 2 liters of water a day is also necessary to prevent constipation and reduce the nuisance caused by hemorrhoids. It's very important to stay well hydrated. Find out how much water you should drink daily and the benefits of drinking water.

Use mild soap

Avoid using wipes to clean the anal area, because their ingredients can irritate the sensitive skin there. Similarly, toilet paper can increase the inconvenience. So after defecating it is recommended to wash the anal area with cold water and mild soap, which will ease the discomfort.

Medicinal plants

To ease a swollen anal area and avoid discomfort and bleeding you can use some popular medicinal plants such as chamomile, horehound, horsetail or oak. Just boil a handful of these leaves for at least 5 minutes, after which they will have released their healing ingredients. When the water is cold, submerge the affected area into the water for at least 10 minutes, you will notice instant relief.

You can also apply cotton compresses or gauze soaked in cold chamomile tea 3 times a day for 10 minutes. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this tea is a natural ally to treat hemorrhoids.

Chards are another good and simple ally to naturally combat hemorrhoids. Simply buy a bunch of chard in good condition, wash it well and let it cool in the refrigerator. Apply multiple sheets in the affected area at least 3 times a day.

The potato is also an excellent and simple alternative to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids, because thanks to its properties it can reduce the burning sensation and inflammation. Peel a potato, wrap it in a tissue and apply it to the affected area several times a day. You will get relief from your discomfort.

Another mixture that can be effective is to boil in water two cloves, 3 bay leaves and 3 cloves of garlic. The combination of laurel and garlic is powerful and very beneficial. Boil the water with these ingredients for at least 10 minutes. After, strain the water and wait for the liquid to cool. You can apply this remedy several times a day.

Sitz baths

When pain is present, it is recommended to take a sitz bath with cold water once a day, and two more sitz baths with hot water afterwards. Of course, this should be at a temperature that does not burn or bother you.Take a look at our article to learn more about types of sitz baths. Alternating cold and heat will help reduce the inflammation and pain caused by hemorrhoids or piles.

What to avoid

It is also important to avoid any irritating food that may increase the symptoms and discomfort of piles, so it is advisable to remove these items from your diet:

  • Caffeine, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks.
  • Spicy foods and strong spices such as curry or cardamom
  • Alcohol.
  • Chocolate.
  • Seasonings such as garlic, onion and mustard, which can also be irritating.

As always, it's better to be safe than sorry. Hence, if you are prone to hemorrhoids, don't wait until you have them to follow the advice listed in this article. It's good to know that improving hemorrhoids may take a few days, so it is important to be consistent with the homemade remedies and have patience.

If you suffer hemorrhoids regularly you need to visit your doctor. You should always follow a healthy diet rich in fiber - replace white bread, pasta and rice for whole grain, for instance - and exercise regularly.

If you'd like to read similar articles to How to Treat Hemorrhoids or Piles, we recommend you browse around our Diseases & secondary effects category.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Treat Hemorrhoids or Piles, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.