Over 15 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoidal disease [1].
Hemorrhoids refer to swollen veins in the rectum and anus commonly caused by overexertion during bowel movement or pressure during pregnancy [2].
There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external [3].
The external type, which lies outside the anus, is more painful and annoying [3].
Fortunately, this problem can be resolved right away with the help of these scientifically proven home remedies.
In this article, you will learn about:
- Safe ways to get rid of hemorrhoids
- How to use these home remedies properly with directions
Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids
1. Olive Oil
An efficient way to manage hemorrhoids is with the use of olive oil.
In a pilot study conducted in the New York, USA, 15 patients diagnosed with first- to third-degree hemorrhoids were asked to apply a mixture of olive oil, honey, and beeswax to the affected area and let it sit for 12 hours [4].
Results demonstrate that the mixture caused a significant reduction in unpleasant symptoms such as bleeding and itchiness [4].
Those with anal fissures reported less pain, bleeding, and discomfort [4].
There were no adverse reactions after using this herbal mixture [4].
When taken orally, olive oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, toning down inflammation in the anal veins [5, 6].
Contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties are the phenolic compounds in olive oil [6].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of plum leaves
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Consume a teaspoon of olive oil each day to tone down inflammation.
- Crush plum leaves to release the juice.
- Add juice to two teaspoons of olive oil.
- Apply to the affected area.
- Repeat the remedy once a day until symptoms subside.
2. Honey
Honey is another main component of the herbal solution for hemorrhoids mentioned previously.
The 15 patients involved in the said study were treated with a honey and olive oil combination and reported that it significantly improved their condition without any side effects [4].
Bleeding, itchiness and pain were toned down after topical application of the mixture on the hemorrhoids [4].
This can also be attributed to honey’s anti-inflammatory properties [7, 8].
The flavonoids in honey, particularly galangin, can inhibit the actions of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines that trigger the body’s inflammatory response [7].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of beeswax
Recommended Directions:
- Combine all ingredients.
- Spread mixture on the affected area.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
- Repeat the remedy once a day for one to two weeks.
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Honey (Backed by Science)
3. Almond Oil
Sclerotherapy is a standard procedure for treating internal hemorrhoids [9].
Several studies demonstrate that almond oil is a novel but potential sclerosing agent that can be used for this process [10, 11, 12, 13].
At home, you can take advantage of almond oil’s anti-inflammatory properties by applying it topically to the affected area of your skin.
Almond oil works by disrupting the activities of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
It also keeps the skin naturally moisturized to prevent any further infection.
Although more studies should be done to establish the safety and efficacy of almond oil as a home remedy for hemorrhoids, it’s good to know that most people who have tried using it have found it to be highly effective.
There have been no reports of adverse reactions following the use of almond oil on the skin.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil
Recommended Directions:
- Use a cotton ball to apply almond oil to the anal fissure.
- Repeat several times a day for one week.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular remedy for wounds and burn injuries [14].
Its wound healing properties have long been recognized by traditional healers all over the world.
Aloe vera tops the home remedies for wounds, cuts, abrasions, and skin injuries.
Aloe vera can come to your rescue when it comes to hemorrhoids.
A 2010 study conducted in Iran confirmed that aloe vera eases the pain and speeds up wound healing after an open hemorrhoidectomy [14].
Now, you don’t have to undergo surgery to use aloe vera’s analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties on your hemorrhoids [15, 16].
This remedy will help tone down the pain and swelling to make it easier for you to manage this condition.
On top of these, it will facilitate the healing of the hemorrhoids and help you return to your routine.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 aloe vera leaf
Recommended Directions:
- Break the aloe vera leaf.
- Extract the gel.
- Chill the gel in the refrigerator for five to 10 minutes.
- Apply aloe vera gel to the anal area.
- Massage gently.
- Repeat treatment three times a day for one to two weeks.
Also Read: Aloe Vera for Gastritis, Ulcer, and Stomach Infections
5. Witch Hazel
Would you trust an evil-sounding home remedy for hemorrhoids?
Well, if you knew about the powers of witch hazel, you wouldn’t care what its name sounds like.
For many years, witch hazel has been used in the United States as a medicated topical solution for many skin ailments, including hemorrhoids [17].
The tincture derived from a shrub native to North America is packed with tannins, catechins, and other compounds that work as an anti-inflammatory [17].
Although most people prefer the topical application of witch hazel, some also use it internally [17].
The use of this herbal remedy for hemorrhoids has been approved by the European Scientific Cooperative [17].
With its astringent, vasoconstrictive, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, it can provide relief for bleeding hemorrhoids [18].
Moreover, it prevents the degeneration of connective tissues in the rectum [19].
What You’ll Need:
- 3 grams of witch hazel leaves
- 150 ml of boiled water
Recommended Directions:
- Steep witch hazel leaves in water for 30 minutes.
- Drink the infusion three times a day in between meals.
6. Butcher’s Broom
Another herbal remedy that has long been used in treating hemorrhoids is a prickly shrub called butcher’s broom [18].
The active compounds in the butcher’s broom responsible for its pharmacological effects are saponins and carcinogens [18].
Because it’s safe and well-tolerated by users, it’s also advisable to use it for treating pregnancy-related varicosities [18].
This herb can treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy without causing any harmful effects on the unborn fetus [18].
In one clinical trial, 124 patients with hemorrhoids were asked to take six capsules of 150 mg butcher’s broom per day for three days [20].
The dosage was reduced to four daily capsules for four days [20].
After the treatment period, 69 percent of the patients said that the efficacy of the herbal remedy was good or excellent [20].
The doctors who supervised the treatment reported that it was safe and well-tolerated by the patients [20].
It did speed up recovery and alleviated local symptoms such as pain [20].
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of butcher’s broom leaves
- 3 cups of water
Recommended Directions:
- Bring water to a boil
- Add butcher’s broom leaves.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Strain the leaves.
- Let it cool.
- Use this solution for washing the anal part several times a day.
7. Fennel
Fennel is one of the main ingredients in an herbal hemorrhoidal cream designed to reduce inflammation [21] moderately.
In this study, 28 male Wistar rats were given various preparations, including fennel as a critical ingredient [21].
After 15 days, it was determined that the fennel users significantly reduced inflammation [21].
It tones down hemorrhoids with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties [22].
Apart from decreasing swelling, it can also make you feel better by easing the pain.
It can also prevent bacterial infections that can worsen the condition.
These findings support the claims of folk healers that fennel is an effective remedy for this troublesome inflammatory condition.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
Recommended Directions:
- Add fennel seeds to water.
- Boil water in a pot.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Strain the seeds.
- Drink the tea twice a day for one week.
8. Chamomile
A cup of chamomile tea has long been a go-to solution for various conditions such as indigestion, bloating, nausea, and many others.
Some people are not aware that it could also do wonders for hemorrhoids.
A team of scientists from Turkey investigated the efficacy of flavonoids in chamomile as a treatment for hemorrhoidal disease [22].
A total of 24 patients diagnosed with acute hemorrhoid bleeding were required to take chamomile extract every day for two months [22].
By the time the trial was over, 21 patients were pain-free [22].
It was noted that the herbal remedy alleviated the severity and frequency of the symptoms [22].
Using chamomile lessened the bleeding, itching, and pain in almost all patients [22].
Since hemorrhoids are usually painful, particularly during defecation, it does make sense to use natural analgesics like chamomile.
It has been proven in many other studies that chamomile has significant analgesic and antinociceptive properties [23, 24, 25].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add dried chamomile flowers.
- Steep chamomile in boiled water for 15 minutes.
- Drink tea once a day for one to two weeks.
9. Calendula
Commonly known as marigold, calendula is an annual flowering plant cultivated in the United States, Europe, and Western and Eastern Asia [26].
Since the 12th century, it has been used as herbal medicine by the Greeks, Arabs, Egyptians, and Hindus [26].
Some of its traditional uses include treating fevers, regulating the menstrual cycle, soothing irritated skin, and alleviating jaundice [26].
Clinical data has also shown that it can reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of wounds by inhibiting inflammatory compounds and promoting the re-growth of new tissues [26].
It’s no wonder that in India, folk healers have long relied on calendula-based ointments to treat hemorrhoids [26].
Salve-containing calendula has been used to accelerate the healing of sores and prevent infections [27].
It is also considered a highly potent alternative therapy for anal fissures caused by swollen veins in the rectum and anus [28].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of calendula
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add calendula.
- Remove from heat.
- Let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain calendula.
- Drink three to four times a week.
Also Read: 12 Impressive Health Benefits of Calendula Oil
10. Gotu Kola
Both oral and topical applications of Gotu kola can help in healing wounds and skin lesions, report a 1996 study [29].
This research, published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, explains that Gotu kola not only boosted the production of skin cells but also enhanced collagen re-growth [29].
Researchers arrived at this conclusion after conducting an animal-based controlled trial in which the rat subjects were observed to have quicker collagen re-growth after being administered with Gotu kola extract [29].
It has been found helpful in venous disorders like hemorrhoids, as it reduces the enzyme that degrades veins’ vascular integrity in the rectum and anal area [30].
Simply put, it works to strengthen the veins in these areas so that they will be less prone to hemorrhoids.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of Gotu kola
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- In a pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add Gotu kola.
- Drink Gotu kola tea once a day.
- Repeat remedy for one week.
11. Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut has long been prescribed in many European countries as a remedy for swollen veins [18].
The German Commission E has recommended it as a standard treatment for chronic venous insufficiency [18].
In the United States, it was only in recent years that it became a popular remedy for such problems [18].
All of the clinical trials that were done to evaluate the efficacy of this herb yielded positive results [18].
It works just as well as rutoside, a standard treatment for this issue [18].
And if there were any side effects, most were mild and rare [18].
One study that focused on horse chestnut as a treatment for hemorrhoids involved 80 patients diagnosed with acute symptomatic hemorrhoids [18].
Half of the patients were given 40 mg of horse chestnut extract three times a day for two months, while the rest were treated with placebo [18].
A remarkable reduction in bleeding and swelling has been observed in the patients who took the herbal extract [18].
What You’ll Need:
- 250 mg of horse chestnut extract
Recommended Directions:
- Take this extract twice a day after meals.
12. Stone Root
Stone root is a non-aromatic plant that belongs to the mint family [18].
It is instrumental in treating hemorrhoids [18].
As the study researchers noted, physically inactive and overweight people are more prone to hemorrhoids, probably because they tend to consume a diet high in fat and sugar [18].
This herbal remedy is beneficial in these cases [18].
It helps resolve the symptoms of hemorrhoids with its flavonoids and saponins [18].
No specific body of research can serve as evidence of stone root’s efficacy and safety for treating this condition.
However, research has proven that flavonoids and saponins, which stone root abounds with, are potent anti-inflammatory agents that can help alleviate hemorrhoids.
Plus, many people who have tried this solution attest that it works and that it does not produce any harmful side effects.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 ml of stone root tincture
Recommended Directions:
- Take stone root tincture three times a day for one week.
13. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a beautiful remedy for hemorrhoids.
We are already familiar with tea tree oil’s numerous health benefits. So it’s no surprise that the oil is also quite beneficial in helping you to treat hemorrhoids.
Tea tree oil’s potent anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation and provide relief. At the same time, coconut oil is fantastic for hemorrhoids itself. Coconut oil contributes to alleviating pain and inflammation as well.
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of tea tree oil
- A tablespoon of coconut oil to dilute
- A cotton ball
Recommended Directions:
- Take the tea tree oil in a bowl and add the coconut oil to dilute it.
- Combine well and soak the cotton ball in the mixture oil.
- Dab the cotton ball in the affected area and hold it there for at least five minutes.
- Repeat three times every day till you get relief.
Also Read: 6 Best Essential Oils For Sebaceous Cysts (With Useful Tips)
Bottom Line
Hemorrhoids can cause severe pain and discomfort.
It can affect your daily activities and hamper your productivity.
Get immediate relief using these home remedies for hemorrhoids that are safe and cost-effective.
I hope this article came to your help to get rid of hemorrhoids fast. For any confusion or queries, feel free to ask by leaving a comment in the comments section below.
Also, could you share your experience with us?
Read Next: Can You Use Coconut Oil for Hemorrhoids?