Many people struggle with hemorrhoids but avoid talking about them. If you’ve been wondering how to treat hemorrhoids at home, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue that affects both men and women, and it can become more problematic with age, pregnancy, or poor dietary habits.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through effective and natural ways to treat hemorrhoids at home. Whether you’re facing mild discomfort or trying to prevent future flare-ups, you’ll find actionable, safe, and effective advice here.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins located in the lower rectum or anus. These veins can stretch, swell, and become irritated, especially when pressure increases in the rectal area.
There are two main types:
- Internal Hemorrhoids: Found inside the rectum; usually painless but may cause bleeding.
- External Hemorrhoids: Located under the skin around the anus; can cause pain, swelling, and irritation.
Learning how to treat hemorrhoids at home can help manage both types effectively without always needing medical intervention.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Understanding the cause is key when deciding how to treat hemorrhoids at home. Common causes include:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for long periods
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Low-fibre diets
- Ageing
- Heavy lifting
By addressing these causes, you can prevent and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Common Symptoms
Before learning how to treat hemorrhoids at home, you must confirm you’re actually dealing with hemorrhoids. Common symptoms include:
- Itching and irritation around the anus
- Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
- Swelling around the anus
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- A lump near the anus, which may be sensitive or painful
When to See a Doctor?
Even when you know how to treat hemorrhoids at home, there are times when medical help is necessary:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe pain
- Blood in stool
- Inability to push a prolapsed hemorrhoid back
- Symptoms lasting more than a week despite home treatment
How to Treat Hemorrhoids at Home Naturally?
If you’re dealing with the discomfort of hemorrhoids, you’re probably searching for fast, effective, and private solutions. The good news is that several natural remedies can bring real relief right from the comfort of your home. Knowing how to treat hemorrhoids at home naturally can save you from unnecessary visits to the doctor, reduce your symptoms, and prevent future flare-ups. Below are the most trusted and effective home treatments, explained in detail.
🛁 1. Sitz Baths: Soothing Warm Water Soaks
A sitz bath is one of the most recommended home remedies for hemorrhoids. It’s simple, affordable, and highly effective. All you need is a tub or a special sitz basin that fits over your toilet.
How to Use:
Fill the basin with warm (not hot) water and soak your anal area for 15–20 minutes. Repeat 2–3 times a day, especially after bowel movements.
Why It Works:
The warm water relaxes the anal muscles, improves blood flow, and reduces irritation. It helps in cleaning the area gently without the use of harsh soaps. Over time, it can shrink swollen veins and ease itching and burning sensations.
🧊 2. Cold Compress: Fast Relief from Pain and Swelling
If you’re experiencing sharp pain or intense swelling, a cold compress or ice pack can provide immediate relief.
How to Use:
Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply it to the affected area for 10–15 minutes. Avoid applying ice directly on the skin to prevent frostbite. Use this remedy up to four times a day for best results.
Why It Works:
Cold therapy constricts blood vessels, which helps reduce the size of hemorrhoids temporarily. It also numbs the area, offering quick relief from burning and pain.
🌿 3. Aloe Vera: Nature’s Skin Healer
Aloe vera is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, making it ideal for hemorrhoid treatment.
How to Use:
Use pure, 100% aloe vera gel either straight from the plant or a store-bought version without added chemicals. Apply a small amount directly to the anus using clean hands or a cotton swab. Reapply after bowel movements and before bed.
Why It Works:
Aloe vera contains compounds that reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation. Its cooling effect provides comfort almost instantly, and continued use can help shrink external hemorrhoids over time.
💧 4. Coconut Oil: Moisturising and Anti-inflammatory
Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking it’s also a gentle and effective treatment for hemorrhoids.
How to Use:
Apply virgin coconut oil directly to the affected area 2–3 times daily. You can also soak a cotton ball in the oil and place it gently against external hemorrhoids for prolonged relief.
Why It Works:
Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and prevent infection. It also moisturises dry, cracked skin around the anus, easing irritation and discomfort.
🌰 5. Witch Hazel: Natural Astringent for Instant Relief
Witch hazel is one of the most well-known natural remedies for treating hemorrhoids at home.
How to Use:
Apply witch hazel to a cotton pad and gently dab the external hemorrhoids. Do this after every bowel movement and before sleeping. Witch hazel wipes are also available and convenient to use.
Why It Works:
Witch hazel tightens skin tissues, reduces itching, and calms inflammation. It also acts as a mild antiseptic, helping keep the area clean and irritation-free.
Using these natural remedies consistently can significantly improve your condition. Combined with proper hygiene and lifestyle changes, they form a powerful toolkit for anyone learning how to treat hemorrhoids at home naturally.
Dietary Changes for Hemorrhoid Relief
If you want lasting results while learning how to treat hemorrhoids at home, food plays a major role.
✅ Increase Fibre Intake
Aim for 25–30g per day. Fibre softens stools, making bowel movements easier.
High-fibre foods include:
- Oats
- Lentils
- Apples
- Carrots
- Brown rice
- Chia seeds
🚰 Drink More Water
Stay hydrated with 8–10 glasses of water daily to support fibre and prevent constipation.
❌ Avoid These:
- Processed foods
- Spicy dishes
- Alcohol
- Caffeine (in excess)
Lifestyle Habits That Help
Adopting simple, healthy lifestyle habits is one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of how to treat hemorrhoids at home. While natural remedies like sitz baths and aloe vera provide quick relief, long-term management and prevention depend heavily on what you do daily. The way you move, eat, rest, and even use the toilet can significantly affect your condition. Below are key lifestyle changes that support healing and reduce the chances of recurrence.
🚶♂️ 1. Stay Active
One of the simplest ways to support hemorrhoid recovery is by maintaining regular physical activity. Sedentary habits, especially prolonged sitting, reduce blood flow and increase pressure in the anal veins—contributing directly to hemorrhoids.
How It Helps:
- Promotes healthy blood circulation
- Reduces pressure on rectal veins
- Encourages regular bowel movements
- Helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing strain
Best Activities:
- Brisk walking for 30 minutes daily
- Swimming
- Light stretching or yoga
- Low-impact cardio like cycling
Avoid high-strain exercises like heavy lifting or squats during a hemorrhoid flare-up, as these can worsen symptoms.
🧻 2. Avoid Straining
One of the main triggers of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements. When you push too hard, you put immense pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, causing them to swell or even bleed.
Tips to Avoid Straining:
- Don’t delay going to the toilet when the urge strikes
- Add more fibre to your meals
- Use a footstool to elevate your legs while sitting on the toilet, promoting a more natural position for elimination
- Relax and take deep breaths; do not rush the process
Understanding how to treat hemorrhoids at home involves training your body to pass stools comfortably and effortlessly.
🚽 3. Short Toilet Time
Lingering on the toilet especially while scrolling on your phone is a surprisingly harmful habit. Sitting for long durations stretches the anal area, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids and worsening existing ones.
Recommended Practice:
- Limit your toilet time to no more than 5–10 minutes
- Avoid reading, using your phone, or getting distracted
- Go only when you feel the natural urge
Being mindful of your toilet habits is a small but powerful step in how to treat hemorrhoids at home successfully.
🛌 4. Sleep Position
Your sleeping position may not seem related, but it directly affects how much pressure is exerted on your rectal veins. Adjusting how you rest can ease discomfort, especially during nighttime.
Best Sleeping Position:
- Sleep on your left side to improve blood circulation and relieve anal pressure
Avoid:
- Sleeping on your back, as it can increase lower body pressure
- Sleeping flat on your stomach, which may add strain to the abdomen
You can also place a pillow between your knees or under your hips for additional comfort.
Incorporating these lifestyle habits not only makes home treatment more effective but also prevents recurrence. When combined with proper hygiene and a high-fibre diet, they create a solid foundation for anyone aiming to master how to treat hemorrhoids at home. Small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant long-term relief.
Over-the-Counter Products
Several OTC products support how to treat hemorrhoids at home effectively:
| Product Type | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Creams/Ointments | Reduce pain and swelling | Apply 2–3 times/day |
| Suppositories | Best for internal hemorrhoids | Insert once daily |
| Wipes | Contain witch hazel or aloe | Gentle cleaning post-bowel movement |
| Stool Softeners | Prevent straining | Use as directed |
Look for ingredients like hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or witch hazel for best results.
Herbal and Natural Remedies
When it comes to how to treat hemorrhoids at home, many individuals prefer natural remedies and holistic solutions over synthetic medications. Herbal ingredients have been used for centuries to soothe inflammation, fight infection, and support skin healing. Whether applied topically or used in baths, these natural substances can significantly reduce the discomfort and severity of hemorrhoid symptoms when used correctly. Below are some of the most trusted and accessible herbal treatments that can be incorporated into your home care routine.
🍏 Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy in the natural health world for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
How to Use:
Soak a clean cotton ball or pad in diluted apple cider vinegar (mix 1 part ACV with 1 part water) and gently dab it onto the external hemorrhoids. Avoid using undiluted vinegar, especially on broken skin, as it may cause a strong burning sensation.
Why It Works:
ACV helps shrink swollen veins, reduce itching, and cleanse the area of bacteria. Its acidity tightens tissues and restores skin pH, helping to speed up recovery. It’s one of the most widely used natural remedies for how to treat hemorrhoids at home due to its quick drying effect on the inflamed area.
🧄 Garlic and Onion
Though pungent, garlic and onion have powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties that make them effective in treating hemorrhoids.
How to Use:
Crush fresh garlic cloves or onion slices into a paste. Mix with a little coconut oil or aloe vera gel to reduce irritation. Apply a thin layer to external hemorrhoids once or twice a day using a cotton swab or clean finger. Rinse after 15–20 minutes.
Why It Works:
These natural ingredients increase circulation in the area and fight off infection. Garlic, in particular, is rich in sulphur compounds that act as natural antibiotics, while onion helps reduce swelling and pain. They can be mildly irritating for sensitive skin, so always patch-test before widespread use.
🌱 Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. It’s commonly used for acne, fungal infections, and skin inflammations and can be effective for hemorrhoids when properly diluted.
How to Use:
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Apply the mixture gently to external hemorrhoids with a cotton pad. Repeat twice daily.
Why It Works:
Tea tree oil reduces swelling, relieves itching, and keeps the area clean to avoid infection. It also promotes healing of irritated skin. This is a trusted option for people seeking essential oil-based solutions to how to treat hemorrhoids at home.
🧂 Epsom Salt
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulphate, is commonly used in baths to relax muscles and detoxify the skin. For hemorrhoid sufferers, it’s a simple and effective addition to a sitz bath.
How to Use:
Add half a cup of Epsom salt to a tub or sitz basin filled with warm water. Soak the anal area for 15–20 minutes. Do this 2–3 times daily, especially after bowel movements.
Why It Works:
Epsom salt reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and helps draw out toxins. It also softens the skin and muscles around the anus, reducing strain and promoting healing.
Using these herbal and natural treatments in your daily routine is a safe and cost-effective way to manage symptoms of hemorrhoids. If you’re looking for non-invasive solutions for how to treat hemorrhoids at home, these remedies are a great place to start especially when combined with proper hygiene, diet, and lifestyle habits.
Do’s and Don’ts for Hemorrhoid Relief
Here’s a quick cheat sheet on how to treat hemorrhoids at home successfully:
✅ DO:
- Eat fibre-rich foods
- Use sitz baths
- Apply cold compress
- Stay hydrated
- Walk daily
❌ DON’T:
- Scratch the area
- Strain while passing stool
- Sit for long hours
- Eat spicy food
- Delay bowel movements
Tips for Preventing Future Hemorrhoids
It’s not just about how to treat hemorrhoids at home, but also preventing them. Here’s how:
- Maintain a regular bathroom schedule
- Add psyllium husk or flaxseed to your diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Use a footstool during bowel movements for better posture
- Clean the anal area gently but thoroughly
Final Words:
Learning how to treat hemorrhoids at home can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life. Most hemorrhoids are manageable with proper care, hygiene, diet, and habits. While some severe cases may require medical attention, a consistent home routine can prevent complications and reduce symptoms.
Taking action today with the home remedies and tips shared in this guide can lead to noticeable improvements in just a few days.
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FAQs:
1. How long do hemorrhoids take to heal at home?
With proper care, most external hemorrhoids improve in 3–7 days. Internal hemorrhoids may take a bit longer.
2. Can I pop a hemorrhoid at home?
No, never try to pop hemorrhoids. It can lead to severe bleeding and infection.
3. Is walking good for hemorrhoids?
Yes, regular walking improves circulation and reduces the risk of constipation.
4. Can I treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy at home?
Yes, with safe remedies like sitz baths, fibre-rich diets, and cold compresses. Always consult your doctor.
5. Does drinking water help hemorrhoids?
Absolutely. Hydration keeps stools soft and bowel movements smooth.
6. Are hemorrhoids permanent?
Not always. With consistent care and lifestyle changes, they can heal and stay away.