Homemade Remedies for Piles

Nobody wants to discuss piles. Also known as hemorrhoids, piles are a common ailment, yet many people are embarrassed to bring up the subject with their doctors. If left untreated for too long, piles may require surgical treatment. For less-severe cases, however, there are several simple treatments that can be done in the privacy of your home.

What Does Home Remedy Mean?

• The term home remedy encompasses two meanings. The first of these refers to treatments you can perform without seeing a doctor. These may include over-the-counter products available in drug stores. The other meaning refers to non-traditional, folk medicine-type treatments. These are typically based on natural ingredients such as herbs or substances that you probably already have on hand in your home.

Drug Store Solutions

• A simple treatment is to apply an over-the-counter cream directly to the affected area. Look for a product that contains hydrocortisone. Another similar treatment is to use soft cotton pads soaked with witch hazel. These are readily available prepackaged. Over-the-counter pain relievers also will help alleviate some of the swelling and discomfort. If you are experiencing swelling, use cold packs to help relieve it, but never apply ice directly to the skin.

Warm Baths

• Sitting in a warm bath 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day also is another effective treatment. If you do not have a bathtub, you can purchase a small basin that fits over your toilet called a sitz bath. If you are using a sitz bath, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Hygeine

• Cleanliness is important in the treatment of piles. Gently wash the anal area every day. Harsh cleansers such as soap may make the problem worse, so stick to warm water and a soft cloth. Dry yourself thoroughly after washing. After a bowel movement, use a pre-moistened wipe instead of dry toilet paper. If toilet paper is all you have available, wet it first to soften it.

Natural Folk Remedies

• There are many natural food-based remedies for piles. Things to eat to relieve piles include powdered dried mango seeds, ground mustard mixed into yogurt, fresh figs, onion with sugar and sesame seeds boiled in water and mashed with butter.

  Things to drink include radish juice, water boiled with pomegranate peels, milk boiled with banana, coriander leaf juice, buttermilk with ground ginger and rock salt, and lemon juice mixed with mint leaf juice and honey.

Topical Treatments

• There also are natural substances that may be applied directly to the piles. Try a paste of cumin mixed with water or a paste of crushed cotton seeds. It is important that these ONLY be applied topically--they are not intended to be taken internally.

Prevention

• An important part of the treatment of piles is taking steps to ensure that they don't come back. They are causes by inflammation of the veins in the anus and the rectum and are common during pregnancy, but also are caused by hard bowel movements and straining to relieve one's bowels. Some ways to lessen the chances of getting piles again include eating a high-fiber diet, drinking sufficient liquids, exercising regularly and relieving yourself when you feel the need, and not just waiting until it's convenient.