Get rid of Hemorrhoids naturally

Piles or hemorrhoids are a very common condition and very disturbing for the sufferer. Thankfully, there are a few natural methods to get relief from hemorrhoids. Let’s discuss about them.

If you are having hemorrhoids follow these simple instructions -

1. Avoid Constipation

• Drink plenty of water:
  • Dehydration causes constipation as water provides an easy medium to let the waste material outside the body.
  • Many people do not drink enough water, so they get constipated. Constipation always worsen the haemorrhoid symptoms.
  • As per many dieticians, 8-10 glasses of water per day is necessary for the body to keep the bowel healthy.
• Take plenty of fibres:
  • Lack of fibre in diet is one the most important cause of constipation.
• Avoid junk food:
  • Junk food or fast food is devoid of fibre and nutrients. It causes the hemorrhoids to get worse.
  • Try to take healthy snacks like lassi, salads and sprouts instead of unhealthy foods like burger etc.
  • Junk foods may contain a lot of unwanted and harmful ingredients.

2. Avoid over straining

• Do not strain much while passing the stools as it may cause the haemorrhoid to swell up and start paining and/or bleeding.
• Do not spend more than 5 minutes in toilet. Do not read newspaper or use mobile in toilet. You are there for a purpose, do it and come out as soon as you are done.
• Do not hold the urge to go for very long. If you hold the urge for too long it puts unnecessary pressure on the rectum and make the haemorrhoid worse.
• Try to avoid western style toilet seats or put a stool below your feet while using the toilet. Putting a stool below your feet usually relaxes the muscle around the rectum and allows an easy passage of stools through rectum.

3. Maintain a healthy diet

• Take fresh cut fruits daily.
• Increase the amount of water and salad in your diet.
• Reduce the intake of salt and sugar.
• Avoid too much oily and spicy food.
• Take your meals on time and do not skip the meals.
• Include nuts and sprouts in your diet.
• Maintain a Whole-day-fruit diet once a week.
• Always keep in mind your medical history while planning your diet as if you are diabetic, fruits may cause increase in blood sugar level. So, always consult your treating doctor about your hemorrhoid problem.

4. Cut down your addictions

• Limit alcohol intake:
  • Too much alcohol may cause dehydration and puts a lot of pressure on digestive system. Keep it low to moderate amount and is always better to totally avoid it.
• Quit smoking:
  • Smoking interferes with the healing process.
• Gutkha, tobacco etc is very harmful, avoid it.

5. Maintain hygiene

• Always keep the area clean and dry.
• Always wear cotton clothes.
• Wash the area properly after passing the stools.
  • Do not clean too roughly.
  • Try to avoid tissue papers as they may cause injury to the haemorrhoids and bleeding or infection may occur.
• Shave the hair around the back passage. Too much hair may cause the moisture or sweat trapped and may become a cause for infection.

6. Stay physically active

• Keep doing mild exercise daily.
• Avoid lifting heavy weights.
• Focus on aerobics, dancing, swimming and yoga.
• Avoid cycling if the haemorrhoids are swollen and has prolapsed outside.

7. Take local care

• If hemorrhoids are prolapsed they are prone to get injured.
• Use some medicated oil and gently try to push them back inside. Do not force much.
• Avoid too much friction by avoiding synthetic undergarments, too much sitting and prolonged driving.
• You may put a piece or cotton or gauze piece to make a protective padding.
• Do not scratch on the hemorrhoids.
• If the hemorrhoids are prolapsed and bleeding is there, try to take rest at home as the hemorrhoid may start bleeding by minor injury also.
• Sitz bath is very helpful in prolapsed haemorrhoids. Try to do it at least twice daily.

8. Take care of your other medical issues

• If you are having hemorrhoids and any other chronic illness like chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues, chronic diarrhoea etc then you need to manage these problems also.
• If your diabetes is not under control, the wounds may not heal properly and may get worse.
• If you are hypertensive and taking any medicines for the same then bleeding problem may take longer to heal.
• If you are pregnant, immediate consult your doctor.
  • Ignoring them now will make them worse.
  • Many females develop fissure or haemorrhoids at the time of pregnancy that may be very painful. Medical attention helps in relieving the pain and avoid blood loss because of hemorrhoids.
  • Application of specially prepared herbal oils are very effective in managing Piles in Pregnancy.

9. Take expert opinion

• Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are fatal, so always consult a doctor about your problem.
• Do not hesitate as most of us develop hemorrhoid symptoms at some point of life and if they are ignored they may get worse.
• Get yourself properly examined by an expert doctor so that you may know the exact extent of the problem.
• You may also opt for taking online opinion to get generalised opinion from an expert.
• Always tell your doctor about any other illness you have.
• Always inform your doctor about any medicine you are taking for any other problem.

A lot of supplements and over-the-counter drugs are available for hemorrhoids. Always consult an expert before using any of them. Hemorrhoids usually respond very well to ayurvedic treatment. If you are not getting much response or the condition has gone worse then you can opt for Kshar Sutra Therapy or major surgery, whatever your doctor suggests you. Good luck. Stay healthy.

The author of this article, Dr.D.S.Rathi, is Senior Ayurvedic Consultant at Deepak Ayurvedic Centre and has more than 38 years of experience in treating chronic illnesses through ayurveda. He is known for his highly effective herbal formulations to manage various diseases including piles or hemorrhoids and other related problems. He provides piles treatment in delhi through ayurvedic medicines and specially prepared herbal oils and creams.

This article was last updated on 16th Feb, 2019.