Internal Hemorrhoid Home Treatment

Internal hemorrhoids are no fun. Besides being embarrassing and painful, they can lead to blood clots if left untreated. And, unlike external hemorrhoids, they can be more challenging to treat due to their location. Luckily, home treatments do work. In most cases, medical procedures can be avoided. Read on to learn more about internal hemorrhoid home treatment.

Sitz Baths

• A sitz bath is a standard treatment for hemorrhoids, whether internal or external. Sit in a bathtub filled several inches with warm water, then draw your knees to your chest. The warm water helps reduce swelling. It also improves blood flow in the area, which can help the hemorrhoid heal. Baths should be taken for about 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times per day.

Suppositories

• Believe it or not, some of the best internal hemorrhoid treatments aren't available in your medicine aisle, but rather, in your produce aisle. Garlic makes a very effective hemorrhoid suppository. Just peel a clove and insert into the rectum, one to three times per day. If possible, insert and leave in overnight for maximum effectiveness. Raw potato pieces can also be used. Simply cut a small, cone-shaped piece and insert it into the rectum, following the same instructions as for garlic. Remember, if your hemorrhoid is prolapsed, be sure to tuck it back inside before inserting the suppository, for maximum effectiveness.

Extra Tips

• Use a stool softener. Internal hemorrhoids won't have a chance to heal if your stood is too hard. Also, increase your fiber to reduce the risk that you'll strain during a bowel movement, which will keep internal hemorrhoids from healing. You can do this by either adding lots of whole grains and vegetables to your diet, or adding a psyllium supplement. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keeps your bowels functioning regularly. Finally, try dabbing a little petroleum jelly just inside your anus to help decrease irritation of the hemorrhoid during bowel movements.