How to Treat Hemorrhoids Naturally Without Surgery?

What is Hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoid is abnormally swollen veins in the rectum and anus. They are much like varicose veins you might see on a person's legs. When bulging hemorrhoid veins are irritated, they cause surrounding membranes to swell, burn, itch, become very painful, and bleed. Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure in the rectum, forcing blood to stretch and bulge the walls of the veins, sometimes rupturing them. Listed below are the most frequent causes of hemorrhoid:

• Constant sitting
• Straining with bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Sitting on the toilet for a long time
• Severe coughing
• Childbirth
• Heavy Lifting

Internal Hemorrhoids

There are two kinds of hemorrhoid: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids usually don't hurt or itch; you can't feel them because they are deep inside the rectum. Internal hemorrhoids are pretty harmless. But since their bleeding could mask blood from a dangerous source like colorectal cancer, they should be treated.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids cause most of the symptoms we commonly hear about — pain, burning, and itching. If external hemorrhoids become strangulated (cut off from blood supply), a clot can form in it and become an excruciatingly painful thrombosed hemorrhoid. Because of these unpleasant symptoms, external hemorrhoids get the most treatment attention.

Once the rectal veins have been stretched out and hemorrhoid created, they are difficult to get rid of completely and tend to recur with less straining than it took to cause them in the first place.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hemorrhoids

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, commonly caused by increased pressure in the area. This pressure can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and bleeding. One of the primary causes is straining during bowel movements, often linked to chronic constipation or prolonged sitting on the toilet. When too much force is applied during defecation, the veins in the rectal and anal region become engorged and inflamed, resulting in hemorrhoids.

Another contributing factor is pregnancy. During pregnancy, the growing uterus puts additional pressure on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava, a large vein on the right side of the body that receives blood from the lower limbs. This pressure can slow the return of blood from the lower body, leading to the enlargement of rectal veins and the development of hemorrhoids.

Key Risk Factors

A number of lifestyle and health-related risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids:

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea: Both conditions lead to repeated straining, irritating the rectal veins.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can slow down digestion and contribute to constipation.
• Low-fiber diet: Insufficient fiber intake leads to hard stools, which can cause straining during bowel movements.
• Obesity: Excess weight, especially in the abdominal region, increases pressure on the pelvic veins.
• Aging: As people age, the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch.
• Heavy lifting: Repeatedly lifting heavy objects can increase intra-abdominal pressure, contributing to vein swelling.
• Prolonged sitting: Sitting for extended periods, particularly on hard surfaces, can reduce blood flow and add pressure to anal veins.

Understanding these causes and risk factors is essential for both preventing and managing hemorrhoids effectively.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Common Signs of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can produce a range of uncomfortable symptoms depending on their type and severity. The most noticeable symptom is rectal bleeding, often visible as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement. This bleeding is usually painless and typically occurs with internal hemorrhoids.

• Another common symptom is anal itching or irritation. The sensitive skin around the anus can become inflamed due to mucus discharge or stool residue from hemorrhoids, leading to persistent itching and discomfort.
• Pain or discomfort in the anal area is also frequent, particularly with external hemorrhoids. These may cause sharp or throbbing pain during or after bowel movements. If a blood clot (thrombosis) forms inside an external hemorrhoid, it can cause a hard, painful lump near the anus.

Symptoms by Type

• Internal hemorrhoids: These are located inside the rectum and are usually not visible or painful. The most common symptom is painless rectal bleeding. However, if they prolapse, they may cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the rectum.
• External hemorrhoids: Found under the skin around the anus, these can be seen and felt. They often cause pain, swelling, and irritation, especially when thrombosed.
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids that bulge outside the anus. They may retract on their own or require manual assistance. These can cause both pain and bleeding.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids: Occur when a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, leading to severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and a firm lump near the anus.

Recognizing these symptoms early is important for effective treatment. While hemorrhoids are not usually dangerous, persistent symptoms should be evaluated to rule out other conditions such as anal fissures or colorectal disorders.

How to Treat Hemorrhoid?

With the rising public awareness of the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals on the body, all-natural medications are increasing in popularity among both consumers and doctors. Eastern medicine, which has treated billions of people for thousands of years, has made a significant impact on the way we view medicine. Most studies suggest that the most effective hemorrhoid treatment is a combination of Eastern and Western medical intelligence.

Conventional (Non-Natural) Treatments

For many individuals, mild to moderate hemorrhoids can be managed with conventional, over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes. One of the first lines of treatment includes the use of topical creams or suppositories containing ingredients like hydrocortisone or witch hazel. These products help reduce itching, inflammation, and discomfort.

Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and swelling. Sitz baths, which involve soaking the anal area in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day, can also provide soothing relief.

Hemorrhoid Surgery: Side Effects and Contraindications

Having hemorrhoid surgery often seems like an enticing remedy to people who have been suffering from hemorrhoid for many years. After applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments and never feeling anything but temporary relief, it is understandable for someone to want to get rid of hemorrhoid forever. However, with hemorrhoid surgery comes consequences that people should definitely consider beforehand.

Patients who undergo hemorrhoid surgery always experience pain in the following weeks. While hemorrhoid surgery is intended to be a long-term solution, the pain is definitely something to consider, especially since hemorrhoid can return after surgery. Besides, the main reason people seek hemorrhoid treatment is to ease the pain, and surgery can be a painful solution!

Another common side effect is the inability to urinate after hemorrhoid surgery. This is so common that hospitals will not even release patients until they have successfully urinated. Less likely, although very possible, consequences of a hemorrhoid surgery include the loss of bladder control or bowel control, hematomas, and infections. Laser surgery, often touted as a safe and painless procedure, can cause deep tissue damage.

Natural Products for Hemorrhoid Relief

Natural Creams and Ointments

Natural hemorrhoid creams and ointments provide topical relief by soothing inflammation, reducing itching, and promoting healing. These products are typically made from plant-derived ingredients and are designed to be applied directly to the affected area. They offer a gentle and effective option for people looking to avoid synthetic chemicals or corticosteroids.

When applied regularly, natural creams can help shrink swollen tissues, relieve burning sensations, and prevent further irritation of external hemorrhoids. These products are often free from artificial fragrances, preservatives, and petroleum-based ingredients, making them suitable for sensitive skin and long-term use.

Natural Pills and Oral Supplements

In addition to topical relief, many people find benefit from using natural oral supplements formulated to improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels. These hemorrhoid relief pills contain plant-based extracts that support vascular health, reduce inflammation from the inside, and aid in preventing recurrence.

Natural hemorrhoid pills are often used in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated. They are typically taken daily during flare-ups and continued as a preventive measure to maintain vein health.

How Natural Products Work to Treat Hemorrhoids

Topical Relief with Natural Creams

Natural hemorrhoid creams and ointments provide targeted, external relief. When applied to the affected area, these products:

• Soothe irritated skin
• Reduce swelling and inflammation
• Alleviate burning, itching, and discomfort

These creams often create a protective barrier over the skin, preventing further irritation - especially during bowel movements. Topical creams are especially effective for managing external hemorrhoid symptoms and promoting local tissue healing.

Internal Support with Herbal Pills

Natural hemorrhoid pills work internally to support vascular health. These oral supplements:

• Strengthen weakened veins
• Improve blood flow in the rectal area
• Reduce pressure in the anal veins

These pills promote healthy circulation, reduce vein swelling, and help prevent future flare-ups. Oral supplements provide systemic support and treat the root causes of hemorrhoids from within.

The Power of Combination: Pills + Creams

Using both natural pills and creams together creates a synergistic treatment approach. While creams offer fast-acting, localized relief, pills work more gradually to address internal imbalances. The combination:

• Delivers immediate and long-term symptom relief
• Treats both surface discomfort and underlying causes
• Reduces the likelihood of recurrence

This dual-action method is often more effective than using either treatment alone.

Common Ingredients in Natural Hemorrhoid Products

Natural hemorrhoid products, including creams and pills, are formulated with a variety of plant-based ingredients that provide soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing benefits. Below are some of the most commonly used ingredients:

Topical Ingredients

• Aloe Vera: Known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera helps reduce swelling, soothe irritation, and promote skin healing.
• Witch Hazel: A natural astringent, witch hazel reduces swelling and itching while calming inflamed tissue. It's often used in creams and wipes for quick relief.
• Calendula: With its soothing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, calendula promotes tissue healing and reduces redness and irritation.
• Chamomile: Chamomile has calming and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and discomfort around the anus.
• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, tea tree oil helps prevent infection and relieve pain associated with hemorrhoids.

These topical ingredients work together to provide localized relief, soothe irritation, and help the skin recover from inflammation and swelling.

Oral Supplement Ingredients

• Horse Chestnut: Contains a compound called aescin, which strengthens blood vessel walls and improves circulation, reducing swelling in the rectal area.
• Butcher's Broom: Known for its ability to improve circulation and reduce venous swelling, butcher's broom supports vascular health and reduces hemorrhoid flare-ups.
• Citrus Bioflavonoids (Diosmin and Hesperidin): These bioflavonoids help tone blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and reduce the swelling and pain associated with hemorrhoids.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Known for improving circulation, ginkgo biloba helps reduce the risk of hemorrhoid development by promoting healthy blood flow.
• Psyllium Husk: This natural fiber helps soften stool, reducing strain during bowel movements and preventing further irritation to hemorrhoids.

These oral ingredients work systemically to address the underlying causes of hemorrhoids by improving circulation and supporting the strength of blood vessels.

Combining These Ingredients

Many natural hemorrhoid products combine topical and oral ingredients for a comprehensive approach to managing hemorrhoids. Using both types of treatments can provide faster relief, reduce inflammation, and prevent recurrence by improving vein health both externally and internally.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoid?

These are major tips to prevent hemorrhoid:

1. If your main job activity is seated, always stand or walk during your breaks. Make it a point to stand and walk at least 5 minutes every hour and try to shift frequently in your chair to avoid direct rectal pressure.
2. Always exhale as you strain or lift. Don't hold your breath.
3. Control coughing, diarrhea and constipation with early treatment since hemorrhoid may soon follow.
4. Make a rule: No reading or other relaxing activity while on the toilet. If bowel movements take longer than 3-5 minutes, something is wrong.

Reference

1. WebMD: What Are Hemorrhoids?
2. Medical News Today: Hemorrhoids: Causes, treatments, and prevention
3. Healthline Media: Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids