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Health

Natural remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Natural remedies for hemorrhoids are becoming increasingly popular because they are less expensive, less invasive and less painful. And because these medications are more accessible to more people.

Treatment options for hemorrhoids at home include:

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Treatment options for hemorrhoids at home include:

Diet for hemorrhoids is determined by increasing the amount of fiber-rich foods, drinking plenty of water and reducing the amount of spicy, fatty and thermally processed foods. By adopting these dietary changes, any hemorrhoid sufferer can reduce the excruciating pain experienced during bowel movements. Eating foods rich in fiber can help in softening the stool, meaning that the sufferer gets reduced friction during bowel movements.

Less deformation of the anus means less pressure on the anal blood vessels, so the risk of developing new hemorrhoids can be significantly reduced, and the swelling of existing hemorrhoids can be increased. Therefore, we can conclude that dietary changes are not only a home remedy for hemorrhoids, but also an effective preventive measure!

Foot baths

Another good way to treat hemorrhoids at home is to take warm foot baths several times a day for 10-15 minutes. You need to add warm water to a ceramic or plastic basin and sit in it or put your feet in it. This helps the sphincter to relax, so the pain associated with hemorrhoids is reduced. For the right result, you can add salt or soda to the water. This method of treatment is effective in reducing pain if you have external hemorrhoids, but it should be avoided when the hemorrhoid pads are already large and blood clots have formed. In addition, the water in the bath should be warm, not hot, because high temperatures can make hemorrhoids bleed even more.

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After the bath

After each foot bath or bath, the affected skin should be cleaned with a soft cloth or, better yet, a medicated pad. These special medicated pads contain pain-relieving agents that are known to be beneficial for hemorrhoids. Powerful astringents such as witch hazel are used to reduce inflammation and provide relief from itching, burning, and irritation. Because of their active ingredients, medicated pads help as a cooling and soothing agent.

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Creams and ointments

In addition to herbal remedies, you can also find other natural remedies for hemorrhoids, such as creams and ointments. Most of these creams contain herbs such as aloe vera, horse chestnut, ginger or garlic, extracts of different plants in combination, which will help improve blood circulation, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, relieve pain and itching, and prevent irritation. One of the best ways to treat hemorrhoids at home, in addition to creams, are suppositories, which reduce discomfort, make bowel movements less painful during bowel movements and help compress swollen hemorrhoidal tissues, reducing swelling.

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Special pillows

For quick pain relief, there are also special pillows that can be used along with other home hemorrhoid treatment methods. These pillows can be in two different shapes, such as a donut or a ring, and they are designed to reduce pressure on the anal area and blood vessels while sitting. Due to their special shape, these pillows can be placed on any chair. In addition, the soft consistency of the components makes them very comfortable and is very suitable for both internal and external hemorrhoids.

The main role of this great natural home remedy for hemorrhoids is to allow people to sit comfortably, especially for people who have sedentary jobs and may now spend a lot of time in front of their desks.

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But it is not only the sick who can benefit from using a pillow against hemorrhoids. Anyone who has encountered hemorrhoids can use this point of treatment and prevention, sitting on such a pillow even for a short period of time. Due to its portability, this soft, comfortable pillow can be easily moved from one chair to another, so the patient has the opportunity to take it with him when he needs it.

The hemorrhoid pillow usually has an innovative design, has a stable outer structure and a hole in the center. This product is shaped like a life preserver. While the outer material is strong enough to withstand the weight of the sufferer, the central hole allows the patient to sit on the pillow without putting additional pressure on the swollen areas of the anus. When a person sits on such a pillow, the affected area (the skin around the anus) is just above the hole, so there is no additional pressure and no irritation of the hemorrhoidal tissue.

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Pillow shapes

There are two main shapes of hemorrhoid pillows other than those already mentioned. The O-shaped or ring-shaped pillow, and there are also pillows that are quadrangular in shape like the regular ones. However, ring-shaped hemorrhoid pillows are specifically designed and created to relieve pain and discomfort and reduce pressure on the anal area. However, the four-cornered design of the pillow does not offer the same comfort as the round one.

Since regular chairs do not provide enough comfort and support for hemorrhoid sufferers, these cushions are a great alternative for the patient. The only drawback is that they cannot be used in public places, as most patients will be embarrassed to carry them there.

Buying a Hemorrhoid Pillow

If you are considering purchasing such a pillow, it is very important that you try out different models before you buy. You will be using this hemorrhoid treatment for long periods of time, so you need to make sure that it is the perfect fit for your body. That is why there should be no feeling of embarrassment when you ask the salesperson to let you sit on different pillow models!

Check the material, size, and design. Another good idea would be to also measure the surface dimensions of the chairs in your home and see if their diameter matches the size of the pillow. Whether you buy and use a hemorrhoid pillow or not, it is important to get up from it every now and then and walk around. Movement is part of your daily routine to relieve tension in areas prone to hemorrhoids.

Using foot baths

Foot baths, a popular home treatment for hemorrhoids, can provide significant relief. These baths are often called sitz baths: they are mini-pools made of ceramic or plastic materials. They are used to treat a variety of conditions and circumstances, such as postpartum conditions, injuries and bruises, or hemorrhoids. The bath should be large enough to allow you to sit comfortably and the sides should be high enough to cover your thighs with water. Some of these baths allow you to continually add warm water, protecting you from the cold.

Using foot baths helps hemorrhoids heal faster because the warm water stimulates circulation, allowing blood to flow into the affected areas of the veins more easily. This reduces pain, swelling, and skin irritation, providing instant comfort and relief from any uncomfortable hemorrhoid symptoms. However, foot baths may be much more effective for patients with external hemorrhoids than for those suffering from internal hemorrhoids, although it is beneficial for both.

Instructions for taking baths against hemorrhoids

When installing foot baths at home, make sure you follow the below conditions:

First of all, the location of your foot baths should be set up near the toilet in a safe and comfortable position. You should fill the baths with warm or room temperature water, but do not use hot water because it can increase bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. You can add salt, soda or ice cubes to the water.

Foot baths are also called hip baths (from English - hipi, translated - opening the eyes, realizing something) the water level in them should cover your thighs and buttocks when you sit inside the bath. It is useful to alternate warm and cold showers several times a day to get the maximum effect from this type of hemorrhoid treatment. When using your foot baths, salt can be very useful in reducing pain and discomfort due to its powerful antiseptic properties.

Time for a bath

The period of time for sitting in such baths should be from 10 to 30 minutes, or as long as recommended by your doctor. For best results, the procedure should be repeated several times a week. After getting out of the bath, you should gently clean your rectal area with a cotton towel and avoid rubbing it. Wash the foot baths after each use to avoid any infection and let them dry.

Although many people use foot baths primarily to treat hemorrhoids, many women find this treatment method very helpful in getting rid of vaginal yeast infections by adding warm water and various herbal ingredients to the water. In fact, a very popular foot bath can be used with vinegar, which makes the vaginal tissues an unfavorable environment for yeast due to the acidity.

Below you will find the ingredients for a herbal foot bath recipe that is a very effective form of treatment for hemorrhoids. This recipe is also great for treating injuries caused by childbirth. Anal fissures and fistulas can also be treated using this method, although most of the time additional medical treatment will be necessary.

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Recipe for herbal bath

Mix one teaspoon of each of these ingredients.

  • Wethead
  • marshmallow root
  • lavender inflorescences
  • chamomile
  • calendula
  • plantain
  • rosemary
  • bearberry
  • and sea salt.

Boil a small amount (a liter or two) of water and pour it over this herbal mixture. Let the boiling water steep, let it sit for a few hours and strain the infusion into a bowl, discarding the used herb. When your healing potion is ready, add it to the warm water of your foot bath. This should quickly provide comfort, soothing any unpleasant hemorrhoid symptoms.

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