How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Fast and Effective Ways (Science Based)
Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are swollen or distended veins in your rectum or anus that cause anal itching, burning, pain, and bleeding. Hemorrhoids can make sitting painful and can bleed when you have a bowel movement. Although hemorrhoids rarely cause any complications, they can be extremely painful.
One of the best ways to get rid of hemorrhoids is to consume more fiber as it can soften stools, prevent constipation and reduce straining. This causes less pressure on the rectum and can quickly improve symptoms of hemorrhoids like anal bleeding and pain.
Witch hazel, aloe vera and some essential oils can be used topically on external hemorrhoids to help soothe irritation, reduce swelling, and alleviate hemorrhoid pain.
In this article, you will find out various ways to treat hemorrhoids at home and, hopefully, get rid of hemorrhoids for good. At the end of the article you’ll find when you need to see your doctor. Anal bleeding is one of the symptoms of bowel cancer so this should not be ignored.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the wall of your anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoid swelling occurs when there is an increase in the pressure around the anal area, causing the small veins to swell and fill with blood.
What causes hemorrhoids?
The journal Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery reports that hemorrhoids are very common. Usually, pressure in the rectum due to constipation, prolonged straining, or poor diet contributes to painful hemorrhoids. Pregnancy can also cause hemorrhoids. The increased rectal pressure causes the clusters of veins to swell, bulge, enlarge, and even prolapse.1
The symptoms of small hemorrhoids may resolve by themselves in a few days and home treatments will help get rid of them faster. Pain from severe hemorrhoids may take as much as 4 days or longer to heal. However, if pregnancy causes hemorrhoids, you may have them until you give birth.
Hemorrhoids may be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids), or they may develop under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).
Internal hemorrhoids
The World Journal of Gastroenterology says that internal hemorrhoids are located inside the lower rectum. The only sign of internal hemorrhoids could be bleeding when you poop.2
External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids appear at the anal opening and may be visible. Usually, external hemorrhoids cause a burning sensation in the anus along with pain, discomfort, and itching. Sometimes, internal hemorrhoids prolapse and are seen as a visible bulge at the anus.2
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Usually, bleeding when having a bowel movement or frequent anal itching are the first signs of enlarged hemorrhoids. However, some hemorrhoid symptoms can be very uncomfortable depending on their severity.
According to Dr. Scott C. Thornton, Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, hemorrhoids can cause a number of symptoms. Some of these are:3
- Drops of blood in the toilet water or on paper after wiping
- A visible lump of soft tissue at the anal opening that is pink or blue
- An urgent urge to scratch the anus
- Pain when having a bowel movement
- Extreme pain caused by prolapsed hemorrhoids that may last for 3 or 4 days
Dr. Thornton explains that the severity of hemorrhoids is graded by their symptoms. These are as follows:3
- Grade 1 hemorrhoids. Some bleeding with a bowel movement and the swollen rectal veins are generally unseen.
- Grade 2 hemorrhoids. The hemorrhoids may protrude when straining to pass stool. The enlarged hemorrhoid will disappear when you cease straining.
- Grade 3 hemorrhoids. Larger hemorrhoids that pop out of the anus while straining during a bowel movement. The hemorrhoid lump will need to be pushed back in.
- Grade 4 hemorrhoids. Prolapsed hemorrhoid where the large lumps stay on the outside of the anus. May require surgery or other procedure to get rid of hemorrhoids permanently.
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Effective Natural Home Treatments
If you want to know how to treat hemorrhoids at home, please read on to find the best ways to get rid of hemorrhoids without surgery.
Consume more fiber to prevent constipation and straining
It’s important to consume enough fiber to help get rid of hemorrhoids faster. Fiber helps relieve and prevent constipation which is a known cause of piles.
Research published in The Permanente Journal on treating hemorrhoids without surgery found that eating more fiber is essential. Scientists recommend to consume 30-35 grams of fiber a day to help treat hemorrhoids naturally. You can consume more fiber by increasing the amount of beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your diet.9
Along with increasing fiber intake to relieve hemorrhoid discomfort, you should drink enough water to reduce constipation.
You can also consume psyllium as it helps to prevent constipation and relieve the pain from enlarged hemorrhoids. Dr. Herman Villalba who has researched remedies for hemorrhoids, recommends using psyllium as a natural hemorrhoid reliever. The increased fiber in psyllium bulks up stool and softens them to prevent straining during a bowel movement.9
Fiber is a natural laxative
Fiber is also one of the best natural laxatives. A 2005 review of 7 randomized trials found that fiber has a laxative effects and it help treat painful hemorrhoids. Some studies suggest that fiber can help reduce, pain, itching and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids.17
Apply witch hazel on the hemorrhoids
One of the best ways to get rid of hemorrhoids fast is to apply witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) because of its astringent properties.
The book Herbal Medicine says that witch hazel contains high levels of tannins. These astringent compounds help to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching, irritation, and also soothe inflammation around the anus.4 Witch hazel is used topically to help reduce the size of hemorrhoids and alleviate the discomfort they cause.14
You can apply pure witch hazel to the hemorrhoid using a cotton ball to reduce pain and inflammation. Even if you have large hemorrhoids, witch hazel can help to soothe hemorrhoid pain faster.
Witch hazel has many other health benefits.
Aloe vera for hemorrhoid pain relief
Aloe vera is a well-studied natural remedy to alleviate many irritating skin problems. You can also use aloe vera as a natural remedy for hemorrhoids by applying it to your anal area. Aloe vera helps to relieve irritation and also helps pass stool with less pain.
Many scientific studies have shown that aloe vera can help to relieve anal pain and hemorrhoids. For example, a 2018 review of many studies into natural treatments for hemorrhoids revealed that aloe vera has great potential when used as a home remedy for hemorrhoids.5
The results of a double-blind clinical trial on a cream for hemorrhoids containing aloe vera also found that it is effective for anal fissure pain.6
You can also use a mixture of coconut oil and aloe vera to cure external hemorrhoids. Please read this article on how to combine aloe vera and coconut oil to make your own lotion.
Apply diluted apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many uses in keeping your skin healthy, and helping skin fissures heal quickly is just one of them.
Although there is no scientific research on using apple cider vinegar for hemorrhoids, there is evidence that it helps reduce inflammation and kills bacteria. Research published in journal Medscape General Medicine found that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar kills off various strains of bacteria.8
To use apple cider vinegar to get rid of hemorrhoid, dilute equal parts of raw apple cider vinegar with water. Soak the mixture in a cotton ball and apply to your anal area for quick relief from the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Use the apple cider vinegar hemorrhoid remedy every time after you use the bathroom.
Essential Oils to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids at Home
Another way to get rid of external hemorrhoids at home fast is to use scientifically proven essential oil blends. Many essential oils can cure hemorrhoids because they have medicinal properties that help to relieve pain, soothe anal itching, and reduce inflammation.
Chamomile oil for reducing hemorrhoid pain and inflammation
Chamomile oil is one of the best essential oil to relieve pain and inflammation, including hemorrhoid pain.
A 2014 report on many studies into the healing properties of chamomile essential oil found that it can be used to treat hemorrhoids. Topical preparations containing chamomile oil can reduce anal inflammation caused by hemorrhoids.10
Peppermint oil to soothe hemorrhoid pain
Peppermint oil has a high menthol content that produces a cooling and refreshing sensation when applied to the hemorrhoids.
The European Journal of Dentistry reported that peppermint essential oil can have a cooling effect on hemorrhoids.11
You can use a blend of peppermint oil and coconut oil to help get rid of hemorrhoid pain fast.
Rose oil
According to the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, salves containing rose oil have been used for centuries to treat symptoms of hemorrhoids. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose oil can help to reduce the size of hemorrhoids.12
Myrtle essential oil
The Journal of Integrative Medicine reported that studies have shown that essential oil from the common myrtle plant can relieve hemorrhoid discomfort.
Myrtle oil can significantly improve hemorrhoid symptoms such as bleeding, permanent pain, pain during defecation, anal irritation, anal itching and anal heaviness. Myrtle essential oil can help to cure hemorrhoids of grade 1 and grade 2.21
To help get rid of hemorrhoids quickly at home, please read my article on the scientifically proven essential oils for hemorrhoid relief. There you can also find out how to make your own coconut oil suppositories to quickly relieve hemorrhoid pain.
Supplements to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Naturally
If you are prone to getting hemorrhoids, some natural supplements can help to improve blood flow and prevent blood collecting in veins.
Horse chestnut extract (Aesculus hippocastanum)
Research published in the journal Alternative Medicine Review found that oral supplementation with horse chestnut can cure hemorrhoids. Researchers discovered that taking horse chestnut extracts can strengthen tissue, improve circulation, and boost capillary flow.14
Scientists concluded that using horse chestnut supplements can help to prevent hemorrhoids and their painful symptoms.
Researchers from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health say that horse chestnut extracts are used to relieve hemorrhoids.7
Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus L)
Butcher’s broom extract can help relieve internal and external hemorrhoids because it can improve blood circulation and certain vein issues such as venous insufficiency. Hemorrhoids occur due to bulging veins and as such butcher’s broom extracts can help to cure them.
Clinical research carried out in 2012 found that Butcher’s broom helped relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency when taken daily for 3 months. Participants in the trial had less sensation of lower leg heaviness, ankle swelling, and tingling in the legs.13
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a commercial product derived from pine bark tree. It contains natural ingredients to help cure hemorrhoids.
Scientific research published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that pycnogenol can help to relieve hemorrhoids fast. The scientists found that rectal bleeding from external hemorrhoids was reduced within 48 hours of taking the herbal remedy. It was found that taking pycnogenol orally and applying it topically cured hemorrhoids in less than 7 days.13
Flavonoid supplements
The World Journal of Gastroenterology (quoted earlier) reported that oral supplements containing flavonoids can help to relieve chronic vein conditions. Because hemorrhoids are essentially bulging veins, flavonoids can help cure them quicker.
A review of 14 randomized trials found that flavonoids can improve symptoms of hemorrhoids such as bleeding, itching, and pain.2
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Fast
Let’s look at some other practical steps you can take to quickly relieve anal discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
Cold compress to reduce hemorrhoid pain fast
Doctors from the Mayo Clinic recommend placing a cold compress on your anus to help get rid of hemorrhoid pain fast. The cold pack reduces swelling and restricts blood flow to the area and can help to shrink hemorrhoids. This helps to stop itching almost instantly and provide quick hemorrhoid pain relief.15
To find out how to make a cold compress to relieve hemorrhoid pain, please see my article on when to use cold compress for pain.
Sitz bath can completely heal hemorrhoids
A very simple solution to soothe enlarged hemorrhoids is to use a “sitz” bath. The journal Women and Birth in 2018 reported that regularly using a sitz bath can heal hemorrhoids. Researchers used 2 groups of women who both took lubrication suppositories before pooping and also a daily fiber supplement. One group used an anorectal cream for hemorrhoids and the other, a sitz bath 3 times a day.16
The result was that the sitz bath group was almost as effective in curing hemorrhoids as the group using anorectal cream.
To make your own sitz bath, fill a bath with water until it reaches your genitals when sitting down. Mix in 20g of salt and sit in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes 3 times a day to treat your hemorrhoids without surgery.
Good hygiene
If you have hemorrhoids, it’s important to have good hygiene practices to reduce swelling, pain, and itchiness of the anus. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic recommend washing the anal area daily to prevent infections and hemorrhoid irritation.15
Use moist wipes or damp toilet paper
Another way to reduce the length of time hemorrhoids last is to wipe with damp toilet paper. Doctors say that using damp wipes that don’t contain alcohol or perfume can lessen the irritation of hemorrhoids as they heal.15
How to Treat Hemorrhoids with Conventional Treatments
In some cases, conventional treatments are needed to get rid of hemorrhoids forever. This may be necessary if you have extremely enlarged and painful internal or external hemorrhoids or if you have a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
Rubber band litigation
Rubber band litigation can help to permanently get rid of large internal and external hemorrhoids. It involves constricting blood supply to the hemorrhoid. An elastic band is placed around the enlarged hemorrhoid and it should disappear within a week.
The journal Digestive Surgery reports that rubber band litigation can help successfully cure grade 2, 3, and 4 types of hemorrhoids.18
Injection (sclerotherapy)
Doctors from the National Health Service report that injecting a special fluid into the enlarged vein can permanently get rid of hemorrhoids in the rectum. The fluid helps reduce the size of the internal hemorrhoid and the hemorrhoids should be gone for good in about 4 to 6 weeks.19
Surgery
Some severely enlarged hemorrhoids need to be surgically removed to get rid of them permanently. The procedure is called a hemorrhoidectomy. Usually, recovery from this type of hemorrhoid removal lasts about 2 weeks.
If you have prolapsed hemorrhoids, doctors may also use a stapled hemorrhoidectomy to get rid of hemorrhoids that protrude through the anus.20
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids
You can often prevent hemorrhoids by making some lifestyle changes. The World Journal of Gastroenterology reports that dietary and lifestyle alterations should be part of getting rid of hemorrhoids for good.2
High-fiber diet
Getting enough fiber in your diet helps to treat hemorrhoids and also prevents hemorrhoids.
A review published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology of 7 randomized trials found that consuming enough fiber can reduce your risk of hemorrhoid bleeding, itching, and rectal pain by up to 50%. One study also showed that adequate fiber intake reduces the recurrence of hemorrhoids in people who are prone to them.22
Keep hydrated
Drinking enough fluid daily can help heal and prevent hemorrhoids because it makes stool soft and easier to pass.
The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that dehydration can cause constipation. The study showed that reducing fluid intake has a direct effect on the number of bowel movements daily.23
Don’t strain during a bowel movement
Another way to prevent hemorrhoids is to avoid straining during a bowel movement.
The publication Informed Health Online reported that prolonged straining to pass stool puts pressure on the veins and muscles around the anus. Remedies for hemorrhoids include preventing constipation so you don’t strain. You should also use the bathroom when you have the urge to do so.24
To prevent hemorrhoids, it’s also important to pay attention to how you sit on the toilet. Research has shown that squatting for defecation can prevent or cure hemorrhoids.25
Also, you should avoid sitting on the toilet for a prolonged length of time.
There are also a lot of other reasons to squat for a better health.
How Long Hemorrhoids Last
Depending on where you have hemorrhoids and the severity of them, they could last for one or two days or up to a few months. However some of the remedies mentioned above can help them heal faster.
Related: How Long do Hemorrhoids Last and Can They Go Away on Their Own?
When to See a Doctor
Doctors from the National Health Service advise that you always see a doctor for signs of rectal bleeding. Even though the majority of cases of pooping bloody stool are benign, you need to rule out more sinister causes for rectal bleeding.26
Also remember that rectal bleeding is one of the warning signs of colon cancer.
Another reason to visit your doctor for hemorrhoids is if home remedies don’t help heal symptoms of enlarged hemorrhoids quickly. Doctors may recommend treatment to cure hemorrhoids for good and improve your quality of life.
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