Tested Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are commonplace and generally benign, which doesn’t make them any less of a nuisance. They are varicose (widened) veins in the anus and rectum. Anything that increases pressure within these veins can cause them: pregnancy, straining due to constipation, chronic cough, and chronic liver disease.

Internal hemorrhoids lie within the rectum. A common sign is the presence of small amounts of bright red blood with a bowel movement. The swollen veins may sag outside the anus. External hemorrhoids appear under the skin at the anus. In addition to bleeding when passing stool, these can cause pain, especially if a clot forms within one. Anal itching occurs when hemorrhoids interfere with hygiene, though the symptom can also indicate allergies, parasites, and other conditions.

Treatment involves correcting the underlying cause, easing the discomfort of hemorrhoids with topical ointments, and, when needed, minor surgery.

Recipes To Prevent And Treat Hemorrhoids

Fiber-Up Bran Muffins 

1 cup (80 g) uncooked multigrain hot cereal 1 tablespoon (12 g) flaxseeds 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon (14 g) baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons (6 g) stevia powder 1 banana, mashed ½ cup (125 g) applesauce ½ cup (120 ml) almond milk 2 large eggs ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract ½ cup (55 g) chopped pecans Honey, for serving (optional)

Preparation and Use:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4). Mix together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the banana, applesauce, almond milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir until the batter is moist and thick. Stir in the pecans. Place twelve muffin liners in a muffin tin. Spoon the batter evenly into each cup. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown. Do not overbake. Serve warm with honey.

Yield: 12 Muffins

How it works: 
Constipation and hard stools passing through the anus contribute to hemorrhoids. A diet rich with fiber from bran, fruit, and vegetable sources, with plenty of water, helps get you regular and allows easy, nonaggravating passage.

Horse Chestnut Soother 

1 cup (235 ml) water 1 teaspoon (4 g) dried horse chestnut seeds (see note)

Preparation and Use:
Boil the water. Add the seeds and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow the tea to cool. Soak a piece of clean gauze or cloth in the mixture and apply to irritated tissue as needed.

Yield: 1 Set of Applications

How it works: 
Horse chestnut seed extract is a traditional treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Constituents are anti-inflammatory, astringent, and a tonic to veins, which reduces swelling and bleeding. Multiple studies show special extracts taken by mouth and applied topically reduce a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Warning: Do not consume the above recipe. Without special processing, horse chestnut seeds can be toxic when taken internally. Note: Dried horse chestnut seeds are available online or at natural food stores.

Lemon Relief 

1 cup (235 ml) warm water 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice

Preparation and Use: 
Mix the lemon juice into the warm water and drink first thing in the morning.

Yield: 1 Serving 

How it works: 
Lemons contain flavonoids, plant pigments with health benefits. Flavonoids act as antioxidants (thus protecting the blood vessel linings from free radical damage) and promote formation of collagen (a protein found in blood vessels, skin, and many other tissues). They also have an astringent (contracting) effect on blood vessels. A glass of warm water with lemon juice first thing in the morning may also stimulate bowel activity.

When Simple Doesn’t Work 
• Several studies show that commercial horse chestnut extract taken internally and applied externally reduces varicose veins. (In oral preparations, processing of the horse chestnut seeds’ toxic chemicals are removed and the seeds’ active chemicals are concentrated.) A French study showed improvement in hemorrhoids.
• You can buy rubber or air-filled “doughnuts” at pharmacies to sit on for comfort.

When to Call the Doctor 
• You experience bleeding with a bowel movement. Make sure something other than hemorrhoids is not causing the bleeding.
• You notice increased pain. You may have developed an infection or a blood clot within a hemorrhoid or other problem requiring medical extent.
• A hemorrhoid extends beyond the anus and cannot be gently pushed back in.