Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the final region of the intestine, which usually inflame causing pain and discomfort, especially when evacuating and sitting.
Most hemorrhoids usually go away with home-made measures such as baths, however, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen may also be needed, for example, to help relieve pain and inflammation.
This way, 7 home-made tips for dealing with hemorrhoids and help relieve symptoms include:
1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day
Keeping the body well hydrated is one of the simplest ways to relieve the pain caused by hemorrhoids. This is because, when it is well hydrated, the body has a greater ability to heal and the stool does not get too hard, causing no irritation when passing through hemorrhoids.
To ensure proper hydration, you should drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, or the equivalent of 8 or 10 glasses per day, for example.
2. Eat a high fiber diet
Like water, fibers are also very important for hemorrhoids because they help make the stool softer since they are the fibers that can hold the water.
Thus, in addition to helping to reduce pain during a hemorrhoid crisis, the fibers also help prevent the onset of new hemorrhoids because they fight against constipation. Some of the more fiber rich foods include oats, plums, flaxseed or beans, for example.
Check out a more complete list of fiber foods.
3. Seat Bathing
Seating baths are a type of natural treatment widely used to alleviate the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids as they increase blood circulation to the site, accelerating healing and relieving irritation.
In order to make the seat bath a few inches of warm water, around 37º C, should be placed inside a basin and then seated inside, so that the hemorrhoids are completely immersed in the water.
See also what plants can add to the seat bath, to ensure a faster recovery.
4. Avoid using toilet paper
Although toilet paper is a very practical and simple way to clean your butt after using the bathroom, it has a very uneven surface and therefore can cause irritation of the hemorrhoids, making the pain worse.
So, the ideal is to do the cleaning with moist tissues or, then, to wash the region of the anus in the bathtub after defecating, avoiding to use soap.
5. Apply ice packs
The heat of the baths is a great way to relieve pain and promote healing, however, if there is a very large swelling in the anus region, it is best to apply some compresses dipped in ice water for 5 to 10 minutes, avoiding use ice directly on the skin.
Here's how to prepare cold compresses properly.
6. Pass witch hazel ointments
For external hemorrhoids, witch hazel ointments are a great choice as they relieve irritation and also stimulate healing. Some examples of ointments with this plant include Hemovirtus or Proctosan, for example. The ointments should be applied 2 to 3 times a day, preferably after the bath.
See what other ointments can be used and how to make a homemade witch hazel ointment.
7. Be careful when sitting down
Simple everyday habits, such as sitting, can cause a lot of pain when you have hemorrhoids, as increased pressure in the region of the anus slows the circulation of blood to the site. Thus, to sit more comfortably, one can use a special pillow for hemorrhoids with a hole in the center, for example.
