16 Scientifically Proven Piles Home Remedies That Work

Piles, medically known as hemorrhoids is a serious condition in adults that leads to swelling of veins in the lower rectum and anus area. There is a strong similarity to varicose veins, and the individual feels great discomfort and pain. Though there are several treatment procedures for piles by way of over-the-counter medicines, but piles home remedies are the best.

Several treatment techniques involve merely easing the symptoms of hemorrhoids till the time they heal by themselves. You can practice these methods at home and ease your discomfort.

Here are 16 proven piles home remedies

1. Warm baths

Relax in a bathtub filled with warm water. This will reduce the swelling, pain and irritation occurring due to piles. You can also add apple cider vinegar or a pinch of Epsom salt to the hot water to get further relief. Pat gently to dry the affected area. You can even use a blow dryer on a cooling mode if that feels better. It can be done 2-3 times a day. 

2. Ice Packs

Ice packs are perfect for reducing swelling and eliminating pain. You must wrap the ice cube in a soft towel to avoid any kind of skin damage. Keep the ice pack for 15 minutes over the affected area and do it on an hourly basis for immediate relief. Ice packs help prevent damage in the tissues. You can repeat in a gap of 10 minutes if the problem is severe. 

3. Sitz bath

A Sitz bath taken by soaking the anal area in warm water for about 15 minutes, thrice a day or after every bowel movement can greatly help. Sitz bath is a small plastic tub that can fit on the toilet seat and fill this with warm water. Add Epsom salt or medicine as prescribed by the doctor. Finally, gently sit on the sitz bath bowel. The swelling related to piles, especially external hemorrhoids can get relief. It can be one of the best home remedies for instant relief. 

Also read: How to Take Sitz Bath Its Procedure, Benefits and Interesting facts

4.Witch hazel

You should be more cautious while applying anything directly to your external hemorrhoids, as this may lead to irritation and inflammation. Natural form of witch hazel is an astringent, and it leads to shrinking of tissues. Pure witch hazel has anti-bruising, anti-inflammatory and anti-astringent properties. Add a bit of natural witch hazel to cotton wool and dab into the pile affected area for seeking quick relief. You can avoid the direct application if it causes any sort of irritation. You must ensure not to dilute witch hazel with alcohol as this can aggravate hemorrhoid.

5. Warming

Dissolve a pound of Alum in 2 litres of boiling water and cook in low heat. Warm the anus over the steam, followed by lubrication with petroleum jelly. This must be done 2 to 3 times a week

6. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a wonder plant with anti-inflammatory characteristics. It’s used to cure a variety of skin ailments and heals wounds. Aloe vera helps in eradicating itching and burning sensation when applied to the affected area. Aloe vera in pure form is very effective but when mixed with any preservatives, it may worsen the situation. Consume aloe vera in different forms such as apply it as gel or consume it as juice. It can be a very helpful home remedy for piles. 

7. Coconut oil

Coconut oil acts as a natural healer and moisturizer. It will provide relief with signs of hemorrhoids. Hence, the coconut oil at room temperature, on application may eradicate swelling and inflammation. Further, it will not create any urge to scratch the skin. You can either consume it in food and apply it over the affected area. (Also Read: Coconut oil for Piles)

8. Plenty of fluid intake

Drink ample quantity of fluids as lack of water may cause hemorrhoids. If you drink water in sufficient quantity, your stools will be soft and there won’t be any constipation problem.

9. Fiber rich diet

A diet full of fiber will improve your digestive system and ease the problem of piles. Consume fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, brown rice, whole grains, and nuts for piles relief. What you eat plays a vital role in making your bowel movement smooth. These food items can alliviate symptoms of piles to a great extent. 

10. Wear loose-fits

Wear loose-fitting dresses and under garments for your comfort. This will quicken piles healing process.

11. Don’t strain

Don’t strain yourself too much while passing stools as it creates pressure on the veins present in lower rectum. To avoid strain, you have to ensure that you do not suffer from constipation. Your digestion must be smoothe. Holding on your urge to go to washrom may also lead to constipation. It can put pressure on the abdominal area making you strain. 

12. Avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet seat

Avoid sitting on the toilet seat for too long as it creates pressure on anus veins. People lose track of time and end up sitting for too long. Washroom is a place for E.coli and salmonella which get stick to your phone and then transfer to your body. So, stop taking your device to the loo. 

13. Olive oil

Application of warm olive oil on the affected area can help soothe the condition. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the area and reduce the swelling. Olive oil application increases the elasticity of blood vessels that reduce the problem of passing of hard stools. Even, consumption of olive oil improves the bowel movement functionality as it contains mono-saturated fatty acids.

14. Epsom salts and glycerine

Mix two tablespoons of Epsom salts and two tablespoons of glycerine and apply it gently to the affected area with clean gauze. Repeat every 4 to 6 hours. 

15. Myrtle essential oil

This clinically tested oil improves bleeding, pain, irritation and itching for low-grade piles. You can apply it with lotion or ointment formulations.

16. Fitness

Exercise regularly and avoid a sedentary life. This prevents constipation. Regular pelvic floor exercises can provide a long-term solution to piles. Strong pelvic floor muscles can help you empty your bowels and avoid straining and also control in promoting your anal sphincter.

Despite all home remedies, if hemorrhoids have grown or bleeding continues, it is best to go for laser surgery for piles to shrink them and get a permanent cure for piles. The process takes just a few minutes and there is no bleeding or wounds. Your normal life won’t get affected and you can resume work soon after the laser surgery.

Also read: Food for Piles- What and What not to Eat