20 Natural, Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids That’ll Quell Your Pain

We all want to get rid of the painful, bloody swelling in our anus for good.

But many of us prefer natural home remedies for hemorrhoids as a more holistic approach. Some of us would like to try them before resorting to surgeries.

And for good reasons.

After all, natural remedies:

• Are generally safer
• Have less side effects
• Are able to treat the hemorrhoid holistically
• May have a better chance of preventing recurrence in the long term
• Are generally more affordable

Some may disagree on the points… But with all those kinds of possible benefits, we all can probably agree that natural home remedies are worth trying.

Here are the top 20 natural hemorrhoid treatment options that can improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, swelling and pain from those pesky lumps.

1. Witch Hazel for its Healing Properties

Witch hazel (hamamelis) has many medical healing properties, which is why it is common in medicines used for relieving inflammation, skin irritation, fighting acne, among others.

For hemorrhoids, witch hazel can be used to reduce itching, swelling and pain due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It contains chemical compounds called tannins which when applied directly to the skin help to reduce swelling, repair broken skin and fight bacteria.

Directions for use

1. Prepare a witch hazel astringent by grinding the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant, sieve it and add water.
2. Use cotton to apply the astringent directly on the hemorrhoids for relief. This can also be done 15 minutes after every bowel movement.
3. Use witch Hazel suppositories if using cotton is not effective. Inserting a suppository into the rectum exposes hemorrhoids to witch Hazel for longer and treats internal hemorrhoids.
4. Eat foods rich in fiber and take plenty of water because Witch Hazel cannot treat hemorrhoids if constipated stools are straining them.

Witch Hazel is also present in anti-itch wipes and soaps that can be applied directly to the hemorrhoids and if taken orally can treat diarrhea, tumors, and fevers, among others.

2. Garlic for its Antibacterial Properties

Garlic is a plant native to central Asia and northeastern Iran and can be used to treat diseases ranging from bronchitis, high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, hip osteoarthritis and brain cancer.

Did you know that applying some garlic extract on hemorrhoids can provide pain relief? According to research, this is because garlic has vast antibacterial properties that can help in treating hemorrhoids.

Directions for use

1. Add chopped garlic cloves in a cup of water and boil for 10 minutes.
2. Allow the mixture to cool and remove the garlic pieces from the water.
3. Use cotton to apply the mixture on the hemorrhoids for relief.

For chronic hemorrhoids, a garlic suppository can be used. You can simply take one peeled garlic clove and press it just a little to make the garlic juice active, insert it in your anus every night for relief. The garlic can be excreted with your bowel movement.

Taking garlic orally can also treat alcohol induced liver injury, prostate cancer, lung cancer, common cold, among others.

3. Aloe Vera for its Soothing Effect

Aloe Vera is used to treat hemorrhoids and skin conditions like rashes, eczema, because it has anti-infection properties and also enables skin hydration.

It has two hormones auxin and gibberellins that have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce irritation, inflammation and provide wound healing. Aloe Vera is mostly found in other products as an ingredient but to treat hemorrhoids, pure aloe vera should be used.

You can either buy an aloe Vera gel which should contain more than 95% aloe vera or harvest it directly from the leaves of an aloe Vera plant.

  Directions for use

1. Cut off one leaf from an aloe Vera plant, remove the spikes at the edges and wash it well.
2. Cut the leaf into smaller pieces and collect the liquid in a container. Then use cotton to apply the liquid on the hemorrhoids. This gives immediate relief and reduces any bleeding in the area.

Drinking aloe Vera orally can help relieve constipation, improve liver function and hydrate the body because it contains many antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamin C, that keep the body hydrated.

However, some people are allergic to aloe vera and allergies should not be treated lightly. To check if you’re allergic to it, rub a small amount onto your forearm and wait 24 to 48 hours. If no allergic reaction occurs, it is safe to use.

4. Sitz Bath for Quick Relief

A hip or “sitz” bath is derived from the German word “sitzen,” meaning “to sit”. Sitting in a warm bath that covers your hips and buttocks can soothe irritation from hemorrhoids.

It is recommended to do it 2-3 times a day. You can either use a sitz bath that is a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat or use a full body tub.

For instructions, check out our article on 9 Easy Steps to an Effective Sitz Bath.

According to Harvard health, taking a warm sitz bath for 20 minutes after every bowel movement is very effective. However, adding Epsom salts to the bath can provide more relief by reducing pain.

5. Glycerin and Epsom Salts to Reduce Inflammation

Epsom salt is named after a bitter saline spring at Epsom, England and used to relieve pain and constipation. Mixing glycerin and Epsom salts can help reduce pain, inflammation and the burning sensation induced by hemorrhoids.

What makes this combination so strong is the anti-inflammatory properties in Epsom salts, together with glycerin which allows better absorption of the Epsom salts into the hemorrhoids.

Directions for use

1. Mix equal amounts of glycerin and Epsom salts in a container.
2. Use a gauze pad or cotton swabs to apply it on the hemorrhoids and leave the gauze there for 15-20 minutes to ease the pain.
3. Repeat the process every 4-6 hour for more effective results. 

Epsom salt can be used as a magnesium supplement for detox (laxative) but should only be prescribed by a doctor because excessive Epsom salts in the body may cause diarrhea, bloating or an upset stomach.

6. Helichrysum Oil for Pain Relief

The oil is extracted from the helichrysum italicum plant and has for ages been used to treat constipation, allergies and wounds. Helichrysum oil can be used to treat hemorrhoids because of its anti-inflammatory properties that can stimulate tissue growth and has analgesic effects. Applying the oil on painful hemorrhoids can hence provide great relief as well as ensuring free bowel movements.

Directions for use

1. Blend 4-5 drops of helichrysum oil with almond oil or avocado oil.
2. Apply it on external hemorrhoids using a clean cotton ball.

Helichrysum oil if taken orally improves immunity since it has gut healing and inflammatory properties and boosts heart health by lowering inflammation and high blood pressure.

7. Cypress Oil to Stop Bleeding

Cypress oil can be used to treat toothache, pimples, sores, bleeding and bruises. With hemorrhoids, cypress oil stops the bleeding from external hemorrhoids due to its antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, alpha-pinene, limonene and carene, which support healing of injured blood vessels quickly.

Directions for use

1. Add about 4-5 drops of cypress oil to almond oil or coconut oil.
2. Apply it on external hemorrhoids.

Taking cypress oil can help regulate blood flow and tone the respiratory system; however, it can result in increased urination and promotes sweating.

8. Use an Ice Pack to Freeze the Pain

Placing an ice pack on hemorrhoids for a few minutes (15 minutes) can help reduce swelling, pain and inflammation.

However, the ice pack should be wrapped inside a cloth or paper towel and should not be applied directly on the hemorrhoid. You wouldn’t want to suffer from frostbites instead.

9. Tea Tree Oil for Healing Properties

Tea tree oil is used to heal wounds, cuts and allergies because it contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Its antioxidant properties speed up healing of damaged blood vessels.

When applied on hemorrhoids, it can relieve itching, pain and the burning sensation that is caused by swollen blood vessels.

Directions for use

1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with carrier oil like coconut oil, almond oil or castor oil to avoid side effects.
2. Apply it on the hemorrhoids using a gauze or cotton.

Tea tree oil can be used as a hand sanitizer, insect repellant, natural deodorant, among others and is poisonous if swallowed hence should not be used in or around the mouth. Also ensure to conduct a test before applying it to your anus because some people are allergic to crude tea tree oil.

10. Geranium Oil for its Anti-inflammatory Properties

This oil is popular in Chinese and Iranian medicine for helping cure wounds, cuts, dysentery, and inflammation and may potentially even combat cancer. Due to its anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and anti-microbial properties, it can be used to reduce inflammation and pain induced by hemorrhoids thus providing maximum relief.

Directions for use

1. Mix 6 drops of geranium oil with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil.
2. Use a cotton ball or soft cloth to apply it on the hemorrhoids gently.

It is also used in aromatherapy because of its relaxing effect on the mind, aids detox, improves blood circulation and helps to overcome addictions.

11. Horse Chestnut to Reduce Swelling

According to evidence published by Peoplespharmacy.com, it is proven that horse chestnut extract can be used to treat hemorrhoids.

With hemorrhoids, horse chestnut seed and leaf can be used to treat hemorrhoids by reducing swelling and inflammation of affected blood vessels. This is due to active chemical compounds called saponins, with anti-inflammatory properties.

Directions for use

1. Boil some chestnut leaves in one cup of water for 10 minutes
2. Allow the solution to cool and sieve off the leaves.
3. Use clean cotton balls to apply the mixture on the affected area and it is recommended to do so after every bowel movement.

Taking horse chestnut leaf extract orally can help to treat eczema, menstrual pain, soft tissue swelling, arthritis and joint pain. Its branch bark is also used to treat malaria, dysentery and when applied to the skin can treat lupus and skin ulcers.

12. Juniper Oil for Antimicrobial Properties

It was anciently used in Turkish medicine because of its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can help treat UTI’s and kidney stones. Applying juniper oil to hemorrhoids also helps to reduce inflammation, pain and anal bleeding during bowel movements because contains sesquiterpenes like cedrol, thujopsene, cedrene, and flavonoids, which have incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Directions for use

1. Add 6 drops of juniper oil into 40 drops of a carrier oil like coconut oil, or avocado oil.
2. Apply it gently to the external hemorrhoids using cotton balls or a soft cloth regularly.

Inhaling juniper oil can even help in treating bronchitis as well as numb pain. It can also be used in aromatherapy to treat stress and anxiety.

13. Primrose Oil for its Anti-inflammatory Properties

Primrose oil is used to treat skin disorders like eczema, acne, and psoriasis, along with menopausal and premenstrual syndrome because of its biochemical composition. With hemorrhoids, primrose oil can reduce the painful itching sensation induced by hemorrhoids and heals the affected area because it is rich in omega-6 fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation.

Directions for use

1. Add a few drops of primrose oil to a clean cotton ball or soft cloth.
2. Apply gently on the hemorrhoids.

Taking primrose oil orally comes with many benefits including reduction of high blood pressure, improvement of heart health, and reduction of nerve pain, among others. However, side effects may include like stomach pain, soft stools and headache.

14. Black Cumin Seeds to Curb Inflammation

Native to southwest Asia, black cumin is commonly used to treat asthma, headaches, diabetes and hypertension. Black cumin is also very effective in treating hemorrhoid symptoms in pregnancy because it contains thymoquinone, an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent that reduces inflammation.

Directions for use

1. Take few teaspoons or a handful of black cumin seeds and make a fine paste by adding water.
2. Apply this paste to the rectal area and leave it for fifteen minutes then wash with warm water.
3. Apply twice a day to provide relief from hemorrhoids.

Eating black cumin seeds can reduce stomach pain, cramps, stomach bloating and ulcers.

15. A Pack of Potatoes for Quick Relief

Potatoes also work perfectly in reducing any irritation or inflammation that is caused by hemorrhoids.

Directions for use

1. Wash and peel a potato and grind it with little lemon juice or water.
2. Squeeze the juice from the potato mixture to a cotton ball and apply it on the hemorrhoids 2-3 times a day for relief.

The medicinal value of raw potatoes is evident in treating arthritis, boils and burns when applied directly to the infected area. Eating potatoes can also help to reduce constipation and many other digestive problems.

16. Coconut Oil to Curb Inflammation

Most of you may be familiar with coconut oil as a moisturizer for hair and skin because it is rich in fatty acids. However, it can also be used to treat hemorrhoids. This is because it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and pain caused by hemorrhoids.

You can use coconut oil for hemorrhoids by applying with a cotton. It is recommended to apply the oil twice a day especially after a bowel movement.

Orally taking coconut oil can provide quick energy for your body and brain, boost fat burning and raise good HDL cholesterol in the body reducing heart risk.

17. Yarrow Herbs for its Soothing Effect

This is a European favorite for treating hemorrhoids as well as the common cold, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and cramp soothing properties that reduce pain and inflammation induced by hemorrhoids. It is especially very effective in treating hemorrhoids when added in a sitz bath.

Directions for use

1. Add 2 tablespoons of yarrow herb to 1/2 quart of water and boil for 15 minutes.
2. Drain and allow the liquid to cool then add it to your sitz bath.
3. Dry the affected area thoroughly and maintain it with a mild cream.

When orally taken, yarrow herbs can help heal toothache, lower high blood pressure and improve blood circulation.

18. Frankincense Oil for its Soothing Effect

Frankincense oil also called olibanum, is a very popular ingredient in aromatherapy as it helps reduce pain, relieve chronic stress and anxiety.

However, it can also be used to treat hemorrhoids as it contains monoterpenes, esters and alcohols, which gives it analgesic, antimicrobial and highly anti-inflammatory properties that relieve pain and inflammation induced by hemorrhoids.

Directions for use

1. Dilute 2-3 drops of frankincense oil with a carrier like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
2. Apply it on the hemorrhoids using a clean cotton ball.

If taken orally, it promotes digestion, removes excess gas from the body and improves oral health by eliminating cavities, toothaches and bad breath.

19. Tea Bags to Reduce Swelling and Bleeding

Tea is a popular beverage worldwide but did you know that adding a wet and warm tea bag to hemorrhoids can treat them? This is because tea contains tannic acid (tannins) which helps to stop bleeding by aiding blood clotting, reduce swelling and pain relief. 

In fact, regularly taking tea can also help to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, boost your immune system and helps with weight loss. But drink in moderation as it contains a small amount of caffeine, a dehydrating substance that contributes to constipation.

20. Dill Oil to Reduce Pain

It is mainly used to treat digestive disorders like constipation and loss of appetite. In aromatherapy, it is used to reduce nervousness, relieve anxiety and depression. However, it can also used to treat hemorrhoids because it has an analgesic effect that relieves pain induced by hemorrhoids and improves blood circulation as well.

Directions for use

1. Mix 5-10 drops of dill oil with carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil.
2. Apply it gently on the hemorrhoids using a clean cotton ball or soft cloth.
3. Apply after every bowel movement at least 3 times a day.

Taking dill oil orally has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels, relieve stomach cramp and indigestion. 

Combine Natural Remedies with a Holistic Approach

Natural remedies are a great alternative to western medicine. They tend to have several beneficial properties that are better for overall wellness.

Oils can relieve pain, swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids because of their anti-inflammatory properties.

Some oils like primrose oil or helichrysum oil may even help to lower high blood pressure.

Remedies such as witch hazel and aloe vera are also used to reduce inflammation, itching and skin irritation that are induced by hemorrhoids.

But to cure and prevent hemorrhoids effectively, you must adopt a holistic approach in the long run. Besides trying out these remedies, you should make the effort exercise regularly, eat high-fiber foods, avoid sitting for long periods and drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation.

What natural remedies have you tried? Which of them has or hasn’t worked for your hemorrhoids? We’d love to hear you in the comments below.