Hemorrhoids occur due to varicose veins like swelling of the blood vessels in the lower areas of the rectum and anus. What happens is, when blood vessels are stretched by the bowel movements, particularly hard or solid stools, they become thin, irritated, inflamed, and even rupture to cause bleeding. Thrombosed hemorrhoids cause excruciating pain and discomfort to the patient. Fortunately, hemorrhoids dont pose a very serious health problem. But in severe cases natural home treatments will prove inadequate and surgery will be recommended.
If you can live with the symptoms (if your case is not too severe) then home treatments can help you shrink and heal hemorrhoids in a matter of days or sometimes a few weeks. In this article, we will discuss some home remedies to reduce hemorrhoid swelling naturally and quickly.
Preventing further irritation to an already inflamed area, is the important first step, before trying to shrink hemorrhoids through any self treatment.
Simple lifestyle changes will help eliminate one of the main reasons for a hemorrhoid flare up that is straining during the bowel movements. For example, drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated and your colon wont absorb too much water out of the fecal matter to make it hard. A clean and clear colon coupled with a healthy diet rich in water and fiber will go a long way to reducing any pain when passing stools. To allow hemorrhoid shrinkage to happen, make sure your diet facilitates good bowel movements, with little or no strain and aggravation placed on the tissues and veins. Preventing any build up of toxins within your body is very important for revitalizing your healing process. Make sure to include some physical activity and exercises in your daily routine. Physical activity will improve your metabolism, stimulate the excretion of toxic waste and promote quick healing of your hemorrhoids.
In order to take care of any pain, itch or swellings from hemorrhoids, consult with your doctor on the use of steroid based ointments to reduce the inflammation. Alternatively, use herbal remedies. In fact, some herbs are often very effective and are also safer for slightly longer term use. Witch hazel extract and aloe vera gels are well-known home remedies for hemorrhoids. You can:
Apply witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, or yarrow tea to get some relief from pain and inflammation. Use comfrey root, elderberry or mullein poultice to reduce swelling and inflammation. Drink tea of red grape vine leaves, collinsonia root, stone root, buckthorn bark, and parsley to get relief from pain and inflammation. Take cayenne and garlic enemas to ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Apply hydrocortisone based over the counter medicines.
Ice packs and sitz baths (sitting in warm water) are very effective in reducing the pain and inflammation from hemorrhoids. Applying ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes will constrict the veins in the area and reduce the swelling. Similarly, sitting in warm water for 15 - 20 minutes, particularly after bowel movement will provide a very soothing effect on the buttocks area.
You can consider some alternative medicines, especially ayurvedic medicines, to shrink your hemorrhoids. Alternative medicines and supplements may lack scientific studies, but they contain traditional herbs and ingredients that are well-known to provide relief from various ailments. For example, triphala powder (available in capsule form) will prevent constipation and any toxin build up within the body. Arshkuthar rasa is another very popular ayurvedic medicine for shrinking hemorrhoids.
Such alternative remedies are usually very safe to use and free of side effects. They are more suitable for shrinking hemorrhoids at the initial stages (mild to moderate in severity) but can be used to help support any kind of recovery from hemorrhoids.
Consult your doctor first before embarking on a course of home treatments and herbal remedies. Your condition may require surgical removal of the affected blood vessels.
