Piles Remedies and Hemorrhoid Treatment

What are hemorrhoids or piles? What causes hemorrhoids? Is there any natural hemorrhoid treatment? Read on to find the answers on how to treat hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are veins that are swollen and inflamed. There are two types of hemorrhoids. One is called internal hemorrhoid. These hemorrhoids are inside the anal canal. Because they are inside the anal canal, the hemorrhoids don't cause discomfort or pain. But they have a soft covering, are fragile and can bleed easily.

The internal hemorrhoid can protrude out of at the anal opening. When it does, it can either re-enter the anal canal on its own or need to be pushed back inside with a finger. Problems happen when the internal hemorrhoid prolapsed and won't move back in even after being pushed. Sometimes the prolapsed hemorrhoid that fall out of the anus contains blood clot and it is referred to as thrombosed hemorrhoid.

External hemorrhoids appear outside the anal canal at the anal opening. These hemorrhoids are covered with skin, are tough and don't bleed easily. And since they are on the outside of the anal opening, they cause discomfort and pain especially if there is blood clot.

Some of the Causes of Hemorrhoids

1. The pull of gravity can cause all the veins in the body to be pulled downwards.
   
   
   
2. It is possible that it is genetic and runs in the family.
   
   
   
3. Age contributes to hemorrhoids. It usually happens to people above 30.
   
   
   
4. Constipation is another contributing factor that causes the veins in the rectum to swell.
   
   
   
5. A diet that is low in dietary fiber and not drinking enough water cause constipation.
   
   
   
6. Being overweight puts pressure on the veins and is another one of the causes of hemorrhoids. People who eat foods high in fiber are seldom obese.
   
   
   
7. Taking laxatives habitually contributes too.
   
   
   
8. Pregnant women are likely to get hemorrhoids. But the hemorrhoids will usually retract after childbirth.
   
   
   
9. Anal intercourse is another reason for swollen and inflamed veins in the anal canal.
   
   
   
10. Long periods of sitting down and lack of movements over time can cause blood circulation to the heart.
    
    
    
11. Long periods of standing in the long run cause gravity to pull the veins downwards.

The common hemorrhoid symptoms are itchiness or irritation at the anal opening, burning sensation, pain and bleeding. If it is an external hemorrhoid, you can feel a small lump of tissue at the opening of your anus. If there is bleeding during bowel movement, it may be due to internal or prolapsed hemorrhoid.

But before you conclude the itchiness to hemorrhoid, there are certain things you should know. Bad anal hygiene could have caused the itchiness at your anal opening. It could be perianal wart or anal wart which is caused by human papilloma virus or HPV and not hemorrhoid. Worms in the intestine may also contribute to the irritation at your anus. And so does psoriasis or any other skin infections.

If you bleed each time during a bowel movement, you must see a doctor. It could be a symptom of colorectal cancer. Bleeding may happen when there is cancerous growth in the colon, rectum and appendix.

If it is confirmed that it is hemorrhoid, here are several home remedies for hemorrhoids and alternative hemorrhoid treatment methods.

Hemorrhoid treatment No. 1 - Get a sitz bath

Buy a sitz bath. It costs between $7 to about $23. If you don't want to buy one, get a basin that is big enough to fit your buttock and hip.

Fill it with warm water, enough to cover your bottom. Place your butt inside and sit between 15 to 20 minutes and do this about 3 to 4 times a day. This is one of the ways to get hemroids relief, soothe the inflammation and relax muscle spasms.

For more effective result add either Epsom salt or cranesbill root powder.

Hemorrhoid treatment No. 2 - Place a warm cloth

An alternative to the sitz bath is using a warm cloth. Wet a wash cloth with warm water, wring it and place at your anus.

Hemorrhoid treatment No. 3 - Apply poultice

A poultice is a soft cloth that is applied with medication, warmed and placed on inflamed or painful area on the body. One of the ways to heat it is to warm it in a microwave oven.

1. St John's wort oil contains tannin that has the ability to shrink and constrict tissues.
   
   
   
2. Comfrey is an anti inflammatory herb that when applied topically will soothe it. It contains tannin.
   
   
   
3. Some studies conducted found that Chamomile has the potential to soothe skin around the anal opening. You can use chamomile or mullein oil to relieve the irritation at your anus.
   
   
   
4. Witch hazel also has anti inflammatory and astringent properties. Because of its ability to shrink and contract blood vessels it is one of the common ingredients used in many hemorrhoid medications. They are also sold as witch hazel pads and hemorrhoidal wipes.
   
   
   
5. White oak bark is another strong astringent. It is available in liquid extract.

These three hemorrhoid treatment are for immediate pain relief. What's more important in the treatment of hemorrhoids is to prevent flare ups. This means practicing some good anal hygiene, avoiding some foods and beverages and increasing the intake of foods and beverages that naturally cure constipation.

Hemorrhoid treatment No. 4 - Eat foods rich in dietary fiber

Dietary fiber regulates bowel movements. Fiber helps add weight to your stool and soften it. Eating fiber rich foods not only reduce your chance of constipation, it helps avoid developing irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids.

1. Whole grains such as rye, oats, barley and brown rice.
   
   
   
2. Vegetables such as spinach, sweet potatoes and artichokes.
   
   
   
3. Legumes, beans such as soybeans, nuts and seeds.
   
   
   
4. Fruits such as apples, berries, prunes and figs

Hemorrhoid treatment No. 5 - Drink lots of water

The recommended amount of water everyone should drink is about 8 glasses. Water helps with the digestive process. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables because they contain fiber and water.

Hemorrhoid treatment No. 6 - Anal cleansing

One of the best ways to clean and rinse is to use water. Use a jet or fix a bidet to your toilet bowl for convenience. After rinsing pat your bottom with dry toilet paper.

Hemorrhoid treatment No. 7 - Lose weight

If you are overweight, shed off the excess fat. If you are fat, you will put more pressure at your anal area when you sit down.

Hemorrhoid treatment No. 8 - Take herbal supplements

Since hemorrhoid happens due to the swelling and inflammation of the veins, it is important to ensure smooth blood circulation to the rectal vein and capillaries.

1. Butcher's broom has been used to improve blood flow to the veins. It can also help to relieve constipation and treating hemorrhoids. Butcher's broom root extract is available in capsules and whole dried roots.
   
   
   
2. Horse chestnut is another herb that provides healthy blood circulation to the veins and capillaries.
   
   
   
3. Eat ginger root or take ginger supplement. Ginger increases the digestive movement in your stomach and duodenum. It will help you avoid constipation.
   
   
   
4. Petersen J. Fred MD in his Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics stated that 1/2 to 1 drop doses of stone root extract a day is a remedy for treating hemorrhoids.

Don't sit or stand too long. If your job requires that you do either one of them, take regular breaks. To prevent constipation, avoid putting off the need to go to the toilet. If you hesitate, you will cause lost of moisture and your stool will turn hard and dry.

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