Hemorrhoids: Fast, Effective, Science-Backed Ways to Find Relief

Hemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swollen veins in your rectum or anus that cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, pain, and bleeding. They can make sitting painful and often bleed during bowel movements. While hemorrhoids rarely lead to severe complications, they can be extremely distressing.

One of the best ways to get rid of hemorrhoids is to consume more fiber. This softens stools, prevents constipation, and reduces straining, which in turn lessens pressure on the rectum and can quickly improve symptoms like bleeding and pain. Additionally, topical applications of natural remedies like witch hazel, aloe vera, and certain essential oils can help soothe irritation, reduce swelling, and alleviate discomfort from external hemorrhoids.

In this article, you'll discover various effective ways to treat hemorrhoids at home and, hopefully, find lasting relief. It's crucial to remember that anal bleeding should never be ignored, as it can be a symptom of more serious conditions like bowel cancer. We'll discuss when it's important to consult your doctor.

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Understanding Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are essentially swollen and inflamed veins located in the wall of your anus and lower rectum. This swelling occurs when increased pressure around the anal area causes these small veins to become engorged with blood.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

The journal Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery reports that hemorrhoids are very common. They're typically caused by increased pressure in the rectum, often due to factors like constipation, prolonged straining during bowel movements, or a diet low in fiber. Pregnancy can also contribute to hemorrhoid development. This increased rectal pressure causes the vein clusters to swell, bulge, enlarge, and sometimes even prolapse (protrude outside the anus).

Small hemorrhoids may resolve on their own within a few days, and home treatments can speed up recovery. Pain from more severe hemorrhoids might take four days or longer to heal. However, if hemorrhoids are pregnancy-related, they may persist until after childbirth.

Hemorrhoids can be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or develop under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).

• Internal Hemorrhoids: These are inside the lower rectum. The only sign might be bleeding when you poop.

• External Hemorrhoids: These appear at the anal opening and may be visible. External hemorrhoids commonly cause a burning sensation in the anus along with pain, discomfort, and itching. Sometimes, internal hemorrhoids can prolapse, becoming visible as a bulge at the anus.

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Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Often, bleeding during a bowel movement or frequent anal itching are the first signs of enlarged hemorrhoids. However, some symptoms can be very uncomfortable depending on their severity.

According to Dr. Scott C. Thornton, Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, common hemorrhoid symptoms include:

• Drops of blood in the toilet water or on toilet paper after wiping.

• A visible lump of soft tissue at the anal opening (pink or bluish).

• An urgent urge to scratch the anus.

• Pain when having a bowel movement.

• Extreme pain caused by prolapsed hemorrhoids, which may last for three or four days.

Dr. Thornton explains that hemorrhoid severity is graded by their symptoms:

• Grade 1: Some bleeding with a bowel movement, but the swollen rectal veins are generally unseen.

• Grade 2: Hemorrhoids may protrude when straining but retract on their own once straining stops.

• Grade 3: Larger hemorrhoids that protrude during a bowel movement and require being pushed back in manually.

• Grade 4: Prolapsed hemorrhoids where large lumps remain outside the anus. These may require surgery or other procedures for permanent removal.

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Effective Natural & Home Treatments

If you're looking for ways to treat hemorrhoids at home, here are some of the best science-backed methods to find relief without surgery.

1. Boost Fiber Intake to Prevent Constipation and Straining

Consuming enough fiber is crucial for faster hemorrhoid relief. Fiber helps relieve and prevent constipation, a primary cause of piles. Research in The Permanente Journal suggests that eating 30-35 grams of fiber a day is essential for natural hemorrhoid treatment. You can increase fiber by adding more beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet.

Alongside fiber, drink enough water daily to further soften stools and ease passage. You can also use psyllium husk, a fiber supplement, as it helps prevent constipation and relieve pain. Dr. Herman Villalba, who researches hemorrhoid remedies, recommends psyllium as a natural reliever. Its increased fiber bulks up and softens stools, preventing straining. A 2005 review of seven randomized trials confirmed fiber's laxative effects and its role in treating painful hemorrhoids, with some studies showing it reduces pain, itching, and bleeding.

2. Apply Witch Hazel for Soothing Relief

One of the best ways to get fast hemorrhoid relief is to apply witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) due to its astringent properties. The book Herbal Medicine notes that witch hazel's high tannin content helps relieve hemorrhoid symptoms like itching, irritation, and inflammation around the anus. It's used topically to help reduce hemorrhoid size and alleviate discomfort. Apply pure witch hazel with a cotton ball for quick pain and inflammation reduction.

3. Use Aloe Vera for Pain Relief

Aloe vera is a well-studied natural remedy for irritating skin problems. You can apply it to your anal area for natural hemorrhoid relief, as it helps soothe irritation and reduce pain during bowel movements. A 2018 review of natural hemorrhoid treatments highlighted aloe vera's potential as a home remedy. A double-blind clinical trial also found an aloe vera-containing cream effective for anal fissure pain. You can even combine coconut oil and aloe vera to create a soothing lotion.

4. Apply Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar

While there isn't direct scientific research on apple cider vinegar specifically for hemorrhoids, there's evidence that its acetic acid helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Research in Medscape General Medicine found that acetic acid in apple cider vinegar kills various strains of bacteria.

To use, dilute equal parts of raw apple cider vinegar with water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to your anal area for quick relief from discomfort, ideally after each bowel movement.

5. Essential Oils for Targeted Relief

Certain essential oils, when properly diluted, can offer fast relief from external hemorrhoids due to their medicinal properties that help reduce pain, soothe itching, and decrease inflammation.

• Chamomile Oil: A 2014 report on chamomile essential oil's healing properties found it effective for hemorrhoids. Topical preparations can reduce anal inflammation.

• Peppermint Oil: Its high menthol content creates a cooling sensation. The European Journal of Dentistry reported peppermint essential oil can have a cooling effect. Blend it with a carrier oil like coconut oil for fast pain relief.

• Rose Oil: According to the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, salves containing rose oil have been used for centuries to treat hemorrhoid symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce hemorrhoid size.

• Myrtle Essential Oil: The Journal of Integrative Medicine reported studies showing that essential oil from the common myrtle plant can relieve hemorrhoid discomfort, significantly improving symptoms like bleeding, pain during defecation, irritation, itching, and anal heaviness. Myrtle essential oil may help cure Grade 1 and Grade 2 hemorrhoids.

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before topical application and perform a patch test first.

6. Natural Supplements for Internal Support

If you're prone to hemorrhoids, some natural supplements can help improve blood flow and prevent blood pooling in veins.

• Horse Chestnut Extract (Aesculus hippocastanum): Research in Alternative Medicine Review found that oral supplementation with horse chestnut can help cure hemorrhoids. Researchers discovered it strengthens tissue, improves circulation, and boosts capillary flow, helping prevent hemorrhoids and their painful symptoms.

• Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus L): This extract can help relieve internal and external hemorrhoids by improving blood circulation and addressing vein issues like venous insufficiency. Clinical research in 2012 found that daily use for three months helped relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, including lower leg heaviness, ankle swelling, and tingling.

• Pycnogenol: Derived from pine bark, Pycnogenol contains natural ingredients that may help cure hemorrhoids. Phytotherapy Research found that rectal bleeding from external hemorrhoids was reduced within 48 hours of oral intake. Combined oral and topical application reportedly cured hemorrhoids in less than seven days.

• Flavonoid Supplements: The World Journal of Gastroenterology reported that oral supplements containing flavonoids can help relieve chronic vein conditions. Since hemorrhoids are essentially bulging veins, flavonoids can help them heal quicker. A review of 14 randomized trials found that flavonoids can improve symptoms like bleeding, itching, and pain.

Fast Relief: Practical Steps for Hemorrhoid Discomfort

Let's look at some other practical steps you can take to quickly alleviate anal discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids.

1. Cold Compress for Quick Pain Reduction

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic recommend placing a cold compress on your anus for fast hemorrhoid pain relief. The cold pack reduces swelling and restricts blood flow to the area, which can help shrink hemorrhoids. This helps stop itching almost instantly and provides quick pain relief.

2. Sitz Bath for Healing

A very simple solution to soothe enlarged hemorrhoids is to use a sitz bath. A 2018 study in Women and Birth reported that regular use of a sitz bath can help heal hemorrhoids. A group using a sitz bath three times a day was found to be almost as effective in curing hemorrhoids as a group using an anorectal cream.

To make your own sitz bath, fill a tub with water until it reaches your genitals when sitting down. Mix in about 20g of salt and sit for 10 to 15 minutes, three times a day, to treat your hemorrhoids without surgery.

3. Maintain Good Hygiene

If you have hemorrhoids, maintaining good hygiene is crucial to reduce swelling, pain, and itchiness. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic recommend washing the anal area daily to prevent infections and irritation.

4. Use Moist Wipes or Damp Toilet Paper

Another way to reduce irritation and shorten healing time is to wipe with damp toilet paper or moist wipes that don't contain alcohol or perfume. This is gentler on the inflamed area than dry toilet paper.

Conventional Treatments for Stubborn Hemorrhoids

In some cases, conventional treatments are needed to get rid of hemorrhoids permanently. This may be necessary if you have extremely enlarged and painful internal or external hemorrhoids or if you have a prolapsed hemorrhoid.

• Rubber Band Ligation: This procedure helps permanently get rid of large internal and external hemorrhoids by constricting their blood supply. An elastic band is placed around the enlarged hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off within about a week. Digestive Surgery reports it can successfully treat Grade 2, 3, and 4 hemorrhoids.

• Injection (Sclerotherapy): Doctors from the National Health Service report that injecting a special fluid into the enlarged vein can permanently get rid of internal hemorrhoids. The fluid helps reduce the hemorrhoid's size, which should be gone for good in about four to six weeks.

• Surgery (Hemorrhoidectomy): Some severely enlarged hemorrhoids require surgical removal. This procedure is called a hemorrhoidectomy, with recovery typically lasting about two weeks. For prolapsed hemorrhoids, doctors may also use a stapled hemorrhoidectomy.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids

You can often prevent hemorrhoids by making some lifestyle changes. The World Journal of Gastroenterology reports that dietary and lifestyle alterations should be part of getting rid of hemorrhoids for good.

• High-Fiber Diet: Getting enough fiber helps treat and prevent hemorrhoids. A review in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that sufficient fiber intake can reduce your risk of hemorrhoid bleeding, itching, and rectal pain by up to 50%. One study also showed that adequate fiber intake reduces the recurrence of hemorrhoids in people prone to them.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough fluid daily helps heal and prevent hemorrhoids by keeping stool soft and easier to pass. The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that dehydration can cause constipation.

• Don’t Strain During a Bowel Movement: Avoid prolonged straining, as this puts pressure on the veins and muscles around the anus. Ensure you prevent constipation so you don't need to strain. Also, use the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Research has shown that squatting for defecation can help prevent or cure hemorrhoids. Additionally, avoid sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods.

How Long Hemorrhoids Last & When to See a Doctor

Depending on their location and severity, hemorrhoids can last from one or two days up to a few months. However, many of the remedies mentioned above can significantly help them heal faster.

Doctors from the National Health Service advise that you always see a doctor for any signs of rectal bleeding. Even though the majority of cases of bloody stool are benign, you need to rule out more serious causes for rectal bleeding, as it can be one of the warning signs of colon cancer.

Also, visit your doctor if home remedies don’t help heal your enlarged hemorrhoid symptoms quickly. Your doctor may recommend conventional treatments to cure hemorrhoids for good and improve your quality of life.

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Have you found any specific home remedies particularly effective for hemorrhoids, or do you have tips for preventing them?