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Home remedies are methods of curing diseases or ailments that requires only certain foods or common items within your home. Some remedies may also have authentic medicinal properties that help in treating the particular disease.

Good Anal Hygiene
For hemorrhoids, good anal hygiene is a must. The proper way of cleaning and wiping after a bowel movement is to clean the areas in a bath using plain water since most soap can cause irritation. You can also use cleansing products but make sure to rinse the area thoroughly. After washing, dry the area with a clean towel or a light warm blow dryer.

Remember to avoid using harsh toilet papers or moist towels because these will not only worsen the hemorrhoids but also irritates the skin more. If bathing is impractical or impossible, you can use a thick quilted disposable baby wipes but make sure to wipe gently.

Bowel Movements
A good anal hygiene also involves the proper ways and attitudes in experiencing a bowel movement. Whenever you feel the like having a bowel movement, use the toilet immediately even if it takes several times a day. Delaying a bowel movement even for a few minutes can cause a reflex constipation that can lose the urge to have a bowel movement.

The suggested sitting in the toilet time is only 3-5 minutes because prolonged sitting in a toilet bowl will allow the hemorrhoidal venous cushions to expand more and aggravating your hemorrhoid. Thus, avoid putting unnecessary pressure in your pelvic muscles. A gentle pressure of the abdominal and pelvic muscle is ok for only 30 seconds or less. If after 3-5 minutes you are not successful in your bowel movement, get off the toilet and try to walk around and wait for the urge to have a bowel movement again. Avoid reading, watching TV or talking on the phone while sitting on the toilet because it might extend your toilet time.

Anti-Itch Diet
Anti-Itch Diet is another home remedy for Pruritus Ani sufferers and for relief from itching due to hemorrhoids. Lower your intake of acidic foods in order to reduce the acid ph of your stools. Avoid drinking soda beverages, beer, wine and citrus fruit juices. And also avoid eating or drinking caffeinated products such as coffee since this can lower the anal sphincter pressure, promotes flatulence and heightens anal skin sensitivity.

High Fiber Diet
In most cases, constipation is the major cause of hemorrhoids; thus, changing your lifestyle and adopting an Anti-Constipation Diet will help ease hemorrhoid problem and prevent constipation.

This diet requires intake of high fiber foods because they helps in forming softer stools. Consult your doctor or dietitian in planning an appropriate diet. Foods that contain high fiber include beans, whole grains, cereals, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables such as asparagus, cabbage and carrots. Keep in mind to limit your intake of less fiber food like ice cream, cheese, meat and other processed foods.

Water Intake
Drinking plenty of water and other liquids can also help treat and prevent constipation. Engaging in daily exercise can also help and more importantly having a good attitude towards having a bowel movement is a great help. The urge to have a bowel movement must not be ignored.

Plant Water Enemas
To relieve constipation and fecal impaction, you can also administer plain water enemas. It is a procedure wherein liquid is introduced into the rectum and colon through the anus. After the procedure, the patient will expel feces along with the enema. But be sure to consult a medical Doctor or Certified Colon Hydro Therapist before using enemas containing chemicals, or when enema usage exceeds more than one quart of water in a day.

Ice Packs
Applying ice packs to the anal areas on and off for 10-15 minutes for 5-times a day is another way to ease the pain from acutely inflamed hemorrhoids. If you prefer an internal ice application, try freezing some water using ice-pop molds.

Always remember to keep your anus dry because moist anal area is prone to irritation and skin infection. To absorb excess moisture, sprinkle the anus with cornstarch or baby powder, or place a large cotton fluff between the buttocks. If the moisture has blood in it, consult your physician immediately.

Sitz Baths
A “sitz bath” one of the best option a person can do to get the much needed relief from hemorrhoids. It can be done by filling up your bathtub with warm water and then, immerse the hips and buttocks in it for 10-15 minutes to get the therapeutic effect from moist heat in the perineal and anal regions. Nothing should be added to the water while soaking. Repeat these as often as you can although avoid using hot water because it can injure the tissues instead of healing it.

Topical Treatments
Topical ointments and creams such as petroleum jelly and “diaper rash” creams can also be applied directly to the rectal area to soothe skin surface irritation. Before a bowel movement, you can also apply lubricating ointments to ease the pain caused by the passage of hard stools.

photo credit: {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester}

Sitz Baths
Sitz Baths can be used as home-made remedy for hemorrhoids. The sphincter muscle will relax once it is soaked into warm water; thus soothes the pain caused by hemorrhoid protrusions. Fill up your bathtub with 3-4 inches of warm water; do not add anything to the water. Then, sit on it for 15 minutes and you can repeat this process as many times a day as you like. Sitz baths are the easiest and the best way to relieve pain from hemorrhoids.


Petroleum Jelly and Zinc Oxide
Studies show that the use of Petroleum Jelly and Zinc Oxide is as effective as other expensive creams in treating hemorrhoids. After cleaning, put a small amount of Zinc Oxide or Petroleum Jelly or both on a cotton ball and then, apply to the swollen area. Make sure to keep the inflamed area clean and dry. Do away from using scented toilet paper, body wash or soap since they can contain chemical that irritates the skin.

Psyllium Seeds
Psyllium Seeds are another home remedy for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by constipation. Constipation usually happens when your diet does not contain high fiber foods that lead to the formation of small but hard stools. Psyllium seeds are rich in fiber and it can help make the stools softer and easier to pass. It is suggested to include Psyllium seeds in your diet because it can make your bowel movements less painful; thus, preventing the formation of hemorrhoids. These seeds can be purchased from herbal or nutrition stores.

As part of your breakfast, drink one teaspoon of Psyllium seeds mixed with 8 ounces of water for a week. In the following week, add one more glass with your lunch. Then, start drinking three times daily on the third week.

Remember that you do not have to take other fiber supplements when you are taking Psyllium seeds for 3 times a day. When taking psyllium or any fiber supplements, be sure to drink plenty of water because fiber tends to produce large and water can make it softer. The suggested amount of water is ½ ounce every pound you weigh.