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One thing to realize. Everyone has hemorrhoids, but unless they constantly trouble someone, others may not register them at all.
Hemorrhoids are actually bulging veins around and inside the rectum. In fact, we should be grateful for their existence. Without them, stool could begin to leak out of the anus.
The bad news is that in about half of the population hemorrhoids will develop at least once in a lifetime to a stage where they cause problems.
The good news is that there are natural remedies that can be used to treat them or prevent the onset of health complications.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- swelling
- itching
- bleeding
- irritation
- pain
- So it is not a very pleasant health problem.
Make sure you have the correct diagnosis. Although they are harmless by themselves, they share some common signs with other, more serious conditions.
What exactly are hemorrhoids?
If we were to describe them precisely, they are swollen, indented and inflamed blood vessels in the wall of the anal opening or in the lower part of the rectum.
The above symptoms occur when there is increased pressure causing the veins to bulge and fill with blood.
This happens most often during bowel movements, from weakening of the anal sphincter due to prolonged sitting, or during pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids can be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).
Natural remedies for hemorrhoids
So, what can be done to relieve the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids? You have the following options:
1 Think about fiber
The prevalence of hemorrhoids in the Western world is so high mainly because of the local lifestyle and type of diet.
Changing eating habits, exercising, adequate fluid intake and stress reduction will help not only hemorrhoids but also improve your overall health.
Your mantra should be fiber. Its lack in the diet is the most common cause of constipation.
As you probably know, fiber is found mainly in fruits and vegetables. For better results you can also consider supplements.
A great dietary source of fiber is, for example, ground flaxseed.
Among supplements, psyllium is well known. You can start your day with a glass of water and a teaspoon of psyllium to give you an extra dose of fiber.
2 Keep it clean and dry
Do not use commercially made soaps for washing the anus when showering. These are often rather irritating.
A better choice is either a natural soap or just clean water. Wash the anus and its surroundings thoroughly and dry carefully after showering.
3 Apple cider vinegar
There are several natural substances that can be applied to hemorrhoids. Try apple cider vinegar – the king of alternative medicine.
Simply moisten a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and apply it to the anal opening. This should help with inflammation.
4 Witch hazel
Witch hazel (lat. Hamamelis virginiana) is an excellent herb for hemorrhoids. It is used in the form of a cream, liquid or poultice.
The leaves and stems of this plant have been used to treat hemorrhoids since time immemorial. It has the following effects:
- reduces bleeding
- relieves pain
- reduces itching
- reduces swelling
- You can buy, for example, hygiene wipes moistened with witch hazel, or apply a decoction of it using a cotton ball. You can also add aloe vera juice.
Another option is to prepare a witch hazel bath.
Simply take a few handfuls of the dried herb, put it into a bathtub with warm water and soak in the bath until the unpleasant hemorrhoid symptoms subside.
5 Butcher’s broom
Butcher’s broom (lat. Ruscus aculeatus) is another herb effective for hemorrhoids.
It works by constricting and narrowing veins and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Its extract can be taken in capsule form or as a tea. It has a slightly bitter taste, so you can sweeten it with honey.
6 Squatting
When I traveled across Asia, I got used to using squat toilets. I even became a fan of them after I realized their many health benefits.
One of them is the prevention of hemorrhoids. Did you know that in countries where this type of toilet is used, hemorrhoid problems almost do not exist?
Refitting a home toilet or changing apartment or house can be a bit impractical. However, whenever you have the opportunity, do your bowel movement in a squatting position (for example when wandering in the woods).
Finally, squatting is the most natural way to have a bowel movement.
Conclusion
Try one or two recommendations from this article to relieve your hemorrhoids and find out which method works best for you.
