Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, is something many women deal with at some point in their lives. Approximately half of all Americans have had hemorrhoids by the age of fifty, but only about 4% need medical treatment, which means natural remedies for hemorrhoids have proven to be effective.
Hemorrhoids commonly occur during pregnancy because of hormonal changes, the pressure of a growing uterus and the strain of bearing down for delivery.
Alternative medicine practitioners believe the most effective way to treat hemorrhoids is to combine a variety of approaches. Below I’ve divided the natural remedies for hemorrhoids into 5 categories, including lifestyle solutions, home remedies, Ayurvedic remedies, and Yoga.
But first, let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of piles and the various reasons that trigger this condition.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus and in the rectum that may have prolapsed. Hemorrhoids are very much like varicose veins. The veins enlarge and lose their elasticity, and the result is a saclike protrusion on the wall of the anus.
They are not tumors or growths.
Sometimes they develop into painful inflammation and bleed.
Some of the common symptoms of this condition are:
- Presence of blood clots around the anus
- Presence of blood in stools
- Itching and irritation near anus
- Frequent urge to pass stools even when there are no stools
- Discomfort and pain in the anal region
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
The veins located in and around the anus or rectum develop inflammation due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Hard stools
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Anal intercourse
- Sitting for long hours in the toilet
- Obesity
- Insufficient fiber in diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of adequate sleep
- Inadequate intake of fluids
- Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption [leading to chronic constipation]
- Food allergies
- Hereditary
Different Types of Hemorrhoids
There are two main types of hemorrhoids – internal and external. As the names suggest, internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anus, while the external hemorrhoids develop outside and around the rectum.
The internal piles can be further divided into four categories.
First Degree
Do not prolapse
Second degree
Prolapse with strain but reduces naturally
Third grade
Prolapse with strain and can be reduced with manual intervention
Fourth degree
Prolapsed permanently and there is no hope for reduction
External piles can be become thrombosed and prolapsed when the hemorrhoid turns blue or purple, leading the clogged veins to rupture and start bleeding.
Since, natural remedies for hemorrhoids are effective only to a certain extent when the condition is fourth degree, doctors quite often suggest surgical excision or rubber band ligation.
