Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in or around the anus. Excessive pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area causes hemorrhoids. They mainly affect people who are constipated, frequently strain when having a bowel movement, or have repeated episodes of diarrhea. The common symptoms of hemorrhoids are pain while opening your bowels and it may feel as if they have not emptied completely, bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, skin around anus may be itchy and irritated. Sitting down may be uncomfortable. Hemorrhoids can also protrude outside the anus and form a painful swelling. This condition is common in overweight people and in pregnancy. Natural remedies can relieve pain and reduce inflammation as well as improve the ease of bowel movements. 

Home Remedies

• Treat constipation to avoid triggering or aggravating hemorrhoids. Small
     hemorrhoids often subside once the constipation is relieved. Drink a cup
     of warm milk with 1 teaspoon plain ghee at bedtime or take 1 teaspoon
     psyllium husk (isabgol husk) at night in 1 cup of warm water. This laxative
     will keep the stools soft and avoid pressure on the rectal blood vessels.

• Drink 1/2 cup of pure aloe vera juice 3 times a day.

• Drink 1 cup of carrot juice mixed with 2 teaspoons of cilantro juice twice a 
     day on an empty stomach for relief of hemorrhoids.

• Add a pinch of ginger to 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and take twice a
     day.

• Soak 3 to 4 figs overnight in water. Take these figs early morning along
     with the water in which they are soaked. This treatment should be
     continued for 3 to 4 weeks.

• Take 100 mg of grated radish mixed with a teaspoon of honey twice daily.
     Radish is considered highly valuable in piles.

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 1 teaspoon ghee and apply directly to
     hemorrhoids at bedtime.

• For bleeding piles, drink 1 cup of cranberry juice or pomegranate juice
     twice a day. These fruits are hemostatics (they stop bleeding) and will be
     helpful.

Do's

• Wash the anal area with warm water instead of using toilet paper, and
     then apply some castor oil to hemorrhoid.

• Go to bathroom when urge. Don’t strain or hold breath when having bowel
     movement, and don’t rush.

• If possible, sit in shallow, warm water for about 15 minutes, 2 times
     a day.

• Eat more fiber rich foods, fresh vegetables and fruits.

• Drink eight to ten glasses of pure water daily.

• Exercise regularly for 20-30 minutes.

Don’ts

• Don’t strain or hold breath while passing stool.

• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Take frequent short walks.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects.

• Avoid foods and beverages that seem to make your symptoms worse.
     These may include nuts, spicy foods, fermented foods, coffee, and alcohol.

See Doctor                                    

• A lump or bulge that is not tender.

• Pain or swelling is severe.

• Moderate rectal pain, bleeding, or irritation lasts longer than 1 week after
     home treatment.