Ever thought of using coconut oil for hemorrhoids?
Well if not, then you should consider to give it a try.
Hemorrhoids are horrible and more common than you think.
In North America and Europe, 75 percent of adults suffer from this problem at least once in their lives [1].
About half of these people ages 50 years and above actually need medical treatment. But, only 4 percent go to their doctors [1].
The usual victims are older adults between the ages 45 and 65. But it’s also possible for young adults and children to have this condition [1].
Pregnant women are also at higher risk of hemorrhoids [1].
Also known as piles, hemorrhoids refer to the swollen veins located in the lower rectum and the anal area [2].
There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal hemorrhoids – This type of hemorrhoids occurs inside the rectum.
- External hemorrhoids – This one develops beneath the anal area [2].
The exact cause of hemorrhoids is not known. But some factors may increase its risk or trigger its onset:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Sitting for long periods
- Anal intercourse [1]
There are cases in which hemorrhoids do not exhibit any symptoms. But when this condition does, it causes the following:
- Pain and irritation in the anal area
- Itchiness around the anus
- Painful lump or swelling near the anus
- Leakage of feces
- Pain during bowel movements
- Bleeding [3]
Hemorrhoids can cause significant pain and discomfort. But it’s good to know that this condition is not life-threatening.
But, there are few cases in which it leads to a blood clot, a condition known as thrombosed hemorrhoid [2].
Read More: 12 Safe Ways to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Naturally
How Does Coconut Oil Relieve Hemorrhoids?
Here are the two ways coconut oil can help with your hemorrhoid problem:
1. Coconut Oil Reduces Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil relieve hemorrhoids.
Various studies have proved its ability to tone down swelling many times.
Study says coconut oil exhibits moderate anti-inflammatory effects in acute inflammatory models [4].
Researchers used ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear edema on some of the animal subjects. They also used paw edema induced by carrageenin and arachidonic acid on the rest [4].
Coconut oil reduces the activity of serum alkaline phosphatize. It can also decrease the formation of granuloma [4]. This may be useful for chronic inflammation.
A 2011 study conducted by Malaysian scientists reported the similar result. But this time, they stated that coconut oil works only on acute inflammation but not in chronic cases [5].
Key Takeaway:
Some components are responsible for chronic inflammation. Coconut oil can decrease the effectiveness of those components.
Read More: Coconut Oil for Tanning Bed: Why & How You Should Use It
2. It Alleviates Pain
Coconut oil can also soothe the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Because it’s rich in analgesic and antinociceptive properties.
Coconut oil can exhibit moderate analgesic effects on rat subjects [4].
Another study confirmed its ability to block pain signals in the brain [5].
Coconut oil cannot control the source of the problem. But, it can do so much in relieving the distressing symptoms that it causes.
It makes the oil a recommended complementary medicine for this inflammatory condition.
Key Takeaway:
Coconut oil contains analgesic and antinociceptive components. These properties help reduce the pain and discomfort because of hemorrhoids.
Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Hemorrhoids
There are various natural remedies that you can use for hemorrhoids.
Below is a list of remedies made with the use of coconut oil.
Most of these are for topical application, while one is for oral consumption.
It involves the use of other natural ingredients like essential oils and aloe vera.
Be sure to follow the instructions.
1. Oral Intake of Coconut Oil
Oral consumption of coconut oil can help its anti-inflammatory properties to take effect.
Here’s how you can consume coconut oil:
Consume a tablespoon of coconut oil before each meal. Do this three times a day for one to two weeks.
2. Topical Application of Coconut Oil
You may also apply coconut oil to the affected area to reduce inflammation and infection.
How to use coconut oil on your skin:
Soak a cotton pad in coconut oil. Apply coconut oil on the affected area. Leave it on for one to two hours. Repeat procedure daily for one to two weeks, or until condition gets better.
Read More: Treat Eczema Naturally with Coconut Oil: 6 Simple Ways to Try Now
3. Essential Oil Blend # 1
Essential oils have many powerful components. These can help reduce the severity of hemorrhoids.
Learn how to make essential oils blend for hemorrhoids:
Put 3 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops of geranium oil, and 2 drops of bergamot oil in a bottle. Shake well. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Shake once more. Use a cotton ball to apply the oil blend in the affected area. Do this process three to four times a day for up to three weeks.
4. Essential Oil Blend # 2
You should not use essential oils undiluted as they are too strong and may cause irritation.
Try this essential oils mix for hemorrhoids:
Add 2 drops of each of cypress oil, juniper oil, and geranium oil in a glass jar. Pour in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Shake the glass jar to blend. Apply a thin layer of the oil blend in the affected area using a cotton pad. Repeat remedy twice a day for up to one month.
Read More: 10 Best Essential Oils for Bone Healing & How to Use Them
5. Essential Oil Blend # 3
Cypress oil, calendula oil, and geranium oil have significant anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help ease the condition.
You can try this essential oils mix to reduce inflammation:
Blend 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 5 drops of cypress oil, 5 drops of geranium oil, and 2 drops of calendula oil in a bowl. Mix well. Use a cotton pad to apply oil mixture to the affected skin. Do this several times a day for two to three weeks or until the inflammation subsides.
6. Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera Combination
Aloe Vera is an excellent way to tone down swelling, and at the same time, prevent infection.
Simple way to use coconut oil and aloe vera for hemorrhoids:
Break off the leaf into two. Squeeze to release the gel. Scoop out the gel. Add gel to a tablespoon of coconut oil. Dissolve gel into the oil. Using a cotton pad, apply the mixture to the skin. Spread a thin layer. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. Do this remedy once a day for one to two weeks.
Read More: 11+ Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
7. Coconut Oil and Turmeric Mixture
As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric is also a suitable treatment for hemorrhoids.
Try this turmeric and coconut oil mixture to soothe hemorrhoids:
Dissolve turmeric powder in coconut oil. Blend well. Soak a cotton ball into the mix. Press mixture in the affected area. Hold it for five to 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat it dry. Use this remedy once a day for up to one week, or until condition gets better.
8. A Blend of Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil
We all know how effective tea tree oil is in treating many skin diseases. It’s not a surprise that you can use this oil for your hemorrhoids treatment as well.
You can make a blend of tea tree oil and coconut oil and use this to treat hemorrhoids without any worries. The anti-inflammatory agents of tea tree oil reduce inflammation and provide relief.
How to use coconut oil & tea tree oil for hemorrhoids:
Combine a tablespoon of coconut oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture oil and dab it in the affected area holding it there for at least five minutes. Repeat three times daily till you get relief.
Read More: 9 Natural Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Keloids
9. Coconut Oil and Garlic Paste Mixture
Another useful way of treating hemorrhoids is a garlic and coconut oil mix.
Garlic has strong antibiotic properties. These properties can help to get rid of the pathogens that cause infections. It also calms down your inflamed veins and regulates blood circulation of the rectum.
Try this coconut oil and garlic paste mixture to treat hemorrhoids:
Mix ½ tsp of garlic paste with 1 tsp of coconut oil and keep the mixture in the freezer for ten to fifteen minutes. Apply the mixture on your affected area daily till you get relief.
Properties of Coconut Oil
Coconut has earned the title “tree of life” as you can use the fruit and most of its parts.
People in many parts of the world cultivate it for the vast array of products that it provides [3].
Most of these are famous for their “nutritional and medicinal values” [3].
Everyone admires coconut oil for its high concentration of saturated fat [3].
There was a time when saturated fat had a negative reputation. People thought it could increase the risk of heart disease.
Later, researchers found that saturated fats did not cause harm to people’s health.
Most dietary fats that you can buy from the market today contain long-chain fatty acids [3].
Coconut oil consists of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). These are much more beneficial, as the liver can absorb and metabolize them with efficiency[3].
MCFAs turn into ketones. These supply the brain with energy and improve mental function [3].
Some of the well-known benefits of coconut oil include:
- Reducing risk of heart disease
- Lowering blood pressure
- Protecting liver against damage
- Alleviating inflammation
- Preventing Alzheimer’s disease
- Aiding indigestion
- Promoting skin health
- Boosting brain function
- Powering up the immune resistance
- Avoiding oral problems
- Helping in weight loss
Read More: Coconut Oil for Bruises: 8 Simple Ways to Heal Bruises at Home
When to See a Doctor
Hemorrhoids isn’t life threatening. You can usually soothe the symptoms using natural remedies such as coconut oil. But if you have painful, long-lasting hemorrhoids, you must consult a doctor.
You know it’s time to see a doctor if you have:
- Rectal bleeding
- Rectal pain and discomfort
- Lump in the anus
- Blood in stool
End Note
Hemorrhoids may not put your life at risk.
But, this does not mean that you should completely ignore this condition.
As it can cause intense pain and discomfort, you’d want to relieve it using natural remedies. These remedies are not only useful but also safe even for long-term use.
One of the natural remedies that you should consider trying is coconut oil.
This oil has many other benefits that you should take advantage of.
Read Next: Top 17 Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids That Actually Work
