Piles (haemorrhoids) are enlarged blood vessels that you can get inside or around your anus. They’re usually small, round, discoloured lumps. You might be able to feel them on your anus or hanging down from your anal canal. Your anal canal is the short, muscular tube with blood vessels that connects your rectum (back passage) with your anus.
1. Sitz baths
Generally, experts recommend people with painful hemorrhoids sit in warm water for 15 minutes, several times a day — especially after a bowel movement.
Doctor’s advice: Yes, this is one of the best treatments. A sitz bath is generally available at a local pharmacy; this small bowl fits right over your toilet and offers a convenient way to soak and soothe the area.
2. Aloe vera
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera may help soothe inflammation of hemorrhoids. Although research isn’t available for its use for hemorrhoids specifically, it has shown some benefit for other inflammatory skin conditions.
Doctor’s advice: This is safe to try if it’s pure aloe (and not in a cream with other ingredients).
3. Tea tree oil
Some people say the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil may reduce swelling and itching caused by hemorrhoids. Some early research found that a gel made with tea tree oil decreased symptoms, but studies are lacking.
Doctor’s advice: Don’t try this remedy as it isn’t well studied.
4. Epsom salts and glycerin
This less-known home treatment can help painful hemorrhoids. Use these simple ingredients to make a compound that you apply directly to the inflamed area:
Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts with 2 tablespoons of glycerin
Apply the mixture to a gauze pad and place it on the painful area
Leave this application on the area for 15-20 minutes
Repeat every four to six hours until the pain eases
Doctor’s advice: Yes, I recommend this treatment.
Remember, to help treat and prevent hemorrhoids it’s important to eat enough fiber (25 grams a day for women, 38 grams a day for men) and to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. These dietary changes can make stool easier to pass and keep the problem from recurring.
