Natural Prevention and Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids is an embarrassing condition, but there are natural ways that you can treat or even prevent them.

Reviewed and approved by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Written by Valeria Sabater

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Today we’re showing you some tips for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids. Don’t miss them!

The term “hemorrhoids” already shows their uncomfortable reality, since the word comes from the Greek for “blood flow”. If you suffer from hemorrhoids, then you already know that they are basically an inflammation of the veins that are situated in and around the anus.
Consequently, these act as as a cushion and hold in your feces. If you have them, it’s very easy to tell. There will be a painful sensation in the rectum and, in turn, possible blood in your bowel movements. In addition to that you may have discomfort while sitting, occasionally feeling as if something is exiting the rectum.

Normally, they start to appear when you’re in your forties. Your medical specialist — known as a proctologist — will give you the official diagnosis. He will then decide the methods for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

The reality of this condition is that it sometimes causes shame or embarrassment. As a result of this, many people don’t go to see their doctor and prefer to look for treatments on their own.

Because of this, we recommend that if you suffer from hemorrhoids, talk to a professional. We can offer you some advice that can compliment, not replace, medical treatment. You’ll then be able to carry them out on a daily basis.

What are the causes of hemorrhoids?

• Bad nutrition
• Hereditary factors
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Habitual constipation or diarrhea, which can put too much pressure on the walls of the veins that are situated in and around the anus
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

How can I prevent hemorrhoids?

• Firstly, avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Walk for an hour a day, or try some other type of exercise to improve your circulation.
• Maintain an adequate body weight.
• Drink at least 4 pints of water a day.
• Avoid very spicy, seasoned, or fatty foods.
• And, finally, increase the amount of fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc., that you eat.

Treatment of hemorrhoids

Here we will look at methods for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids, both externally and internally.

External treatment

• Firstly, to alleviate the itching, you can take baths in cold water for about 10 to 15 minutes, especially after you have a bowel movement.
• Horse chestnuts are suitable for stopping small amounts of bleeding and inflammation. They are also perfect for improving circulation, and can be taken in two different ways.
• The first way is using suppository medicines that can be found in pharmacies, or in an infusion.
• Or, alternatively, you can use a compress. For this compress, firstly take three or four horse chestnut leaves, then boil them. After this, wet the compress, then apply it to the rectal area for a few minutes.
• Blueberries are perfect for improving circulation and treating inflammation. It’s as simple as making a solution of half a cup of blueberries in 2 pints of water. Put it in the refrigerator too cool, and apply it in a compress. You should feel the improvement immediately.
• Witch hazel is also very good at treating hemorrhoids. You can find it in creams or suppositories in the pharmacy, and its scientific name is Hamamelis virginians. Highly recommended.

Internal treatment

• Plantain is one of the best foods for treating hemorrhoids. It has the capability of strengthening the walls of the anal veins and helping recuperation. We recommend that you take an infusion of one teaspoon of dry plantain leaves about two times a day.
• Lime: Its vitamin C content combined with its flavonoids go straight to the arteries to improve their elasticity and avoid bleeding from veins and capillaries. You should drink lime juice one time a day in order to improve your treatment and help you prevent hemorrhoids.
• Alfalfa: Its vitamin K quantities can help you avoid bleeding. It contains proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, and many more nutrients. In order to help you take advantage of its benefits, you can take about one cup of alfalfa, well cleaned, and mix it with half a chopped cucumber. Blend it all until it is a smooth consistency. The resulting juice can be somewhat thick, so you can mix it with a glass of water and a little bit of honey. You should take it in the mornings.

Helpful fruits and vegetables:

• Pineapple
• Orange
• Pear
• Spinach
• Lettuce

Foods that can aggravate hemorrhoids:

• Vinegar
• Tomato
• Onion
• Parsley
• Chili
• Garlic
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Alcohol