Hemorrhoids Home Treatment: Relief When You Need It

When hemorrhoids flare up, relief is all that the sufferer is looking for. In most cases, it is something that can be dealt with in the privacy of your own home. There are many types of hemorrhoids home treatments, and most work equally well. You can purchase a remedy specific to hemorrhoids, or the ingredients to stock a medicine cabinet with, that can have multiple uses.

If you look at most products that are made for hemorrhoid relief, the top ingredient is witch hazel. Witch hazel is a plant whose bark and leaves is high in tannins, a natural astringent. It has been used on cuts, bruises, to remove excess oil from skin, and to sooth pain with its anti-inflammatory qualities. This extract from the witch hazel plant is normally available in a liquid form. It is found in just about any pharmacy or grocer. This product is cheap and effective. When applied to hemorrhoids, witch hazel soothes, reduces swelling, and stops the burning itch that often accompanies them.

Using a sitz bath is also a way to get relief. Sitz bath is easily available at any grocer or pharmacy. Use sitz bath in a tub with three or four inches of warm water. The suffer sits with knees up in the bath. The warm water soothes, promotes healing, and reduces swelling by drawing blood to the area. A sitz bath contains salts, such as Epsom, or different sorts of salt. There are also herbal products as well. These herbals typically use sea salt, yarrow, and witch hazel.

How your stool passes may also affect your hemorrhoids. Dietary changes should include more fibers and fluids. Softer stools pass with less effort and do less damage to the tender tissues. You may also want to consider using petroleum jelly. Edmund Leff, M.D. suggests this to help things move more smoothly. This can be applied with a cotton swab or even your finger.