Everything You Need to Know About Hemorrhoids

Andy Paras

16 Mar, 2025

Learn Everything You Need to Know About Hemorrhoids.

Talking about hemorrhoids might feel uncomfortable, but it's a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. If you’ve been dealing with the pain, itching, or discomfort they cause, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are simple, natural ways to prevent and manage hemorrhoid flare-ups. In this guide, we’ll explain what hemorrhoids are, what causes them, and share easy tips for relief. From healthy lifestyle habits to effective home remedies, you’ll find practical advice to ease your symptoms and improve your well-being. Let’s dive in!

Everything you need to know about hemorrhoids

Let’s Talk About Hemorrhoids:

Simple and Natural Advice It’s not the easiest topic to bring up, but it affects more than one in five people!

Here’s a simple guide to understanding hemorrhoids and finding natural ways to ease the discomfort.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels located around the anus and rectum. Everyone has them! The term "having hemorrhoids" refers to when they become swollen or inflamed, similar to varicose veins.

Why Do Hemorrhoid Flare-Ups Happen?

Hemorrhoid crises are usually triggered by:

Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can damage this sensitive area.

Poor blood circulation: Veins dilate, similar to leg varicose veins.

Liver congestion: Blood circulation slows and stagnates around the rectum.

Pregnancy: The baby’s weight compresses veins, making circulation harder.

Simple Ways to Relieve and Prevent Them

1. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle Eat a balanced diet

Focus on fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and drink plenty of water (at least 1.5 liters per day).

Avoid: Fatty or spicy foods (they can irritate and dilate veins).

Stimulants like alcohol, coffee, and tea. Eating 25–30 grams of fiber daily (five servings of fruits and vegetables) helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation.

Stay active: Exercise improves blood circulation. Walking is great, but avoid activities like cycling or horseback riding.

Limit sitting time: Get up and walk around regularly. Also, avoid sitting on the toilet for too long; go more frequently instead of waiting.

Read also: 5 amazing enefits of yoga for our body and mind

2. Try Natural Remedies Horse Chestnut

Drink it as a tea: 2 cups/day during symptoms (1 teaspoon of bark per cup).

Apply as a compress: Boil 40g of bark and fruit in 1 liter of water for 5 minutes.

Let cool, then apply to the affected area. Available as capsules or liquid extract.

Cypress Essential Oil Mix 2 drops with a hemorrhoid cream.

Apply morning and evening during symptoms or 1 week every 2 weeks for prevention.

Homeopathy For swelling and redness: Aesculus hippocastanum 5CH and Hamamelis 5CH, 5 pellets, 3 times a day.

For bleeding: Mercurius corrosivus 5CH, 5 pellets, 3 times a day.

For sedentary lifestyles: Nux vomica 5CH, 5 pellets, 3 times a day.

As prevention: Sepia or Aesculus compound, 5 pellets daily.

Witch Hazel (Leaves and Bark) Strengthens vein walls.

Tea: Steep 3 tea bags in 1.5 liters of water to drink throughout the day. Compress: Mix 30 drops of tincture in 10cl of water, soak a compress, and apply to the area.

Also available in capsules or liquid form. Butcher’s Broom Helps tighten and protect blood vessel walls.

Can be taken orally or applied locally to reduce itching.

3. Grandma’s Quick Tips For fast relief:

Apply a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar to the affected area.
Massage the area gently with chestnut honey several times a day to improve circulation.

For pain relief: Boil a fresh onion, mash it into a paste, and make a poultice. Apply it to the area, then lie down on your stomach.

Take a cold sitz bath (15–20 minutes) after using the toilet or 1.5 hours after eating.

Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to the water for extra relief. To boost circulation: Infuse 30g of red vine leaves in 1 liter of hot water.

Drink up to 3 cups a day.

Read also: 5 Simple Tips to Protect Your Health By Eating Helthy Foods.

A Few Warnings These remedies are based on traditional practices and are not substitutes for medical treatments.

Always consult a doctor for persistent issues.

For pregnant women or people on blood thinners, avoid plants that thin the blood.

Preventing Hemorrhoids Some general measures (hydration, combating constipation, and physical activity) can help prevent hemorrhoids.

Combat Constipation Ensure that your bowel movements are regular and soft by eating a diet rich in fiber (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and drinking plenty of fluids.

Engage in Physical Activity Make a habit of engaging in physical activity of any kind, though avoid cycling and horseback riding.

Regular movement and exercise boost circulation and digestion, which can help prevent the development of hemorrhoids. Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting Follow the rule that applies to all venous conditions:

It’s better to walk or lie down than to remain standing or sitting for long periods without movement.

Avoid Foods That Trigger Hemorrhoid Flare-Ups To identify which foods may be causing your flare-ups, keep track of what you’ve eaten in the hours leading up to them.

Over time, you should be able to spot patterns and pinpoint the foods involved. Monitor Your Medications Certain medications can cause constipation, which in turn can trigger hemorrhoid flare-ups.

If your doctor prescribes a new medication, don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with them.

Practice Reasonable Anal Hygiene Regularly wash the anus with lukewarm water using a cotton cloth or wet wipe, but avoid overusing soap.

Conclusion

Dealing with hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, but with the right steps, you can find relief and prevent future flare-ups. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, using natural remedies, and staying mindful of your habits, you can manage symptoms effectively.

Remember: if your discomfort persists, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor for personalized advice. Take care of your health, and you’ll feel better in no time!

Here is a New hemorrhoid E-book Reveals Unique Holistic Strategies to get rid of hemorrhoids forever. Discover How To Get Rid of Hemorrhoids and their related symptoms Naturally.

Medical References and Sources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — Hemorrhoids Overview
Source: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hemorrhoids
Mayo Clinic — Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Causes
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) — Hemorrhoids: Guidelines and Treatment
Source: https://fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/hemorrhoids
Cleveland Clinic — Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) — Herbal Medicines and Natural Remedies
Source: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance
PubMed Central (PMC) — Review of Natural Remedies in Hemorrhoidal Disease Management
Study: "Natural approaches to hemorrhoid management"
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7595366/
Journal of Herbal Medicine — Herbal and Natural Products for Hemorrhoid Relief (e.g., Witch Hazel, Horse Chestnut)
Reference: Barnes, J., Anderson, L.A., & Phillipson, J.D. (2007). Herbal Medicines (3rd ed.). London: Pharmaceutical Press.
Harvard Health Publishing — Preventing and Treating Hemorrhoids
Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hemorrhoids
World Journal of Gastroenterology — Update on the Pathophysiology and Management of Hemorrhoids
Study: Lohsiriwat, V. (2012). Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 18(17), 2009–2017.
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i17.2009
British Journal of Surgery — Non-surgical and Natural Treatments for Hemorrhoids
Reference: Alonso-Coello, P., et al. (2006). "Meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatments for hemorrhoids." Br J Surg. 93(8): 909-920.

⚠️ Disclaimer: While natural remedies such as witch hazel, butcher's broom, and horse chestnut have been traditionally used for hemorrhoid relief, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.