Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids

Not the most pleasant of topics, but one that definitely warrants being covered. When you’re in pain, you just want to find a way to stop, or ease it, and thats what we’re covering here today.

Hemorrhoids are a painful but common condition affecting three out of four adults. We all have rectal veins which normally help with stool control, it’s when these veins swell, that the suffering begins.

The inflammation may be internal or in the rectum and external or on the exterior of the rectum. Many people know that the external ones are considered the most painful and uncomfortable, needing prompt treatment.

Causes 

While pregnancy, a poor diet, and obesity are the common triggers for hemorrhoids or piles, sometimes the cause is unknown.

Piles may lead to bleeding during and after bowel movements, painful irritation as well as lumps and swelling around the anus.

Treatment Options

There are some over-the-counter creams and ointments that provide immediate relief by reducing swelling for quicker healing. But because swollen blood vessels cause hemorrhoids, anti-inflammatory essential oils also treat them.

Essential oils for hemorrhoids

Oils help by:

• Reducing the burning, pain, and itching
• Stopping the bleeding and healing the wound
• Slowly reducing the blood vessels’ and surrounding tissue inflammation to normal
• Improving blood supply to the rectal region to prevent chronic hemorrhoids

Essential oil for hemorrhoid treatment

1. Lavender oil   

Mix lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply to the inflamed veins for relief from the associated discomfort. The soothing effects of the oil also help if added to your sitz bath.

Get the best price on lavender oil here!

2. Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil helps by soothing irritated skin, providing pain relief and reducing swelling.

Use– Dilute with carrier oil before applying to the affected region. Even creams containing the oil prove useful if dabbed on inflamed regions.

Get the best price on chamomile oil here!

3. Tea tree oil

The anti-inflammatory tea tree oil helps reduce the swelling of piles. It is recommended to mixed with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil before use because it’s very strong.

Application:Use a soft cloth or cotton to apply the oil to the sensitive, inflamed skin.

Get the best price on tea tree oil here!

4. Dill oil

Dill oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is best for pain relief. It has to be diluted with a base oil before using on sensitive areas.

Get the best price on dill oil here!

5. Cypress oil 

Cypress oil is used for treating bleeding piles because it stops the bleeding and also contracts distressed blood vessels. The oil also has antimicrobial, astringent and soothing properties that improve the blood flow to external hemorrhoids.

Best use: A strong oil, it’s most effective when diluted with a few drops with a few drops of lemon juice and a base oil. Other alternative means of using the oil is in sitz bath water and infusing it into the air using an atomizer.

Get the best price on cypress oil here!

6. Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil has antibacterial properties that reduce the swelling and kills some bacteria.

Recipe: Mix 2-3 drops of the oil with two spoons of lanolin to massage on the swollen region.

Get the best price on frankincense oil here!

Tips for safe use

• Clean and dry the surrounding area before applying essential oils.
• Do not attempt to burn or disintegrate the surrounding skin. It only aggravates the pain and chances of an infection.
• Use essential oils only for treating external hemorrhoids and not internal ones, unless using a doctor approved suppository.
• Dilute the oil with carrier oil before use in the ratio of three to five drops for an ounce. Coconut oil for haemorrhoids is suppose to be extra soothing.
• Do not take the oils orally. They can be toxic unless advised by a certified practitioner.
• Choose your oil and brand carefully

When to consult your doctor:

• Pain and swelling lasts for more than a week
• There are lumps in the anus that seem to be growing
• There’s bleeding from the anus
• There are recurring bouts of constipation.

Other natural remedies for piles

There are other natural treatments you can adopt for hemorrhoids like:

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

ACV reduces the swelling and irritation of piles. There may be a tingling sensation which disappears after a while. You will notice immediate relief from hemorrhoid pain, discomfort and itching. Repeat a few times in the day till the swelling reduces.

If the swelling is on the interior, then mix a teaspoon of ACV in water and drink twice daily.

For external cases, the affected region has to be cleaned first. Then gently press cotton wool with some apple cider vinegar on the affected regions.

• Aloe Vera 

The anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe Vera make it an ideal treatment option for inflammatory skin conditions including hemorrhoids. Use only pure Aloe Vera gel on piles.

Precaution: Some people are allergic to Aloe Vera, especially those allergic to garlic and onions. Check for an allergy by rubbing a little on your forearm. If there’s no reaction after 24-48 hours, it’s safe to use.

• Witch hazel

A natural anti-inflammatory, witch hazel reduces the itching, swelling, and pain of piles. It’s available in liquid form to directly apply to the piles or as an ingredient in products like anti-itch wipes and soaps.

• Wipes

Stop using toilet paper after bowel movements- it worsens the condition. Use wipes instead, preferably those with soothing and anti-hemorrhoid ingredients like witch hazel. Avoid wipes with alcohol or perfume because it makes the condition worse.

• Epsom salt bath 

The irritation associated with piles can be reduced with a 20 minute warm sitz bath or full body bathtub after each bowel movement. Adding Epsom salts to the water enhances the effects.

• Cold Compresses

Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the anus for fifteen minutes help relieve swelling. Wrap ice in a cloth or paper towel because nothing frozen is be directly applied to the skin.

• Stool softeners

Stool softeners or fiber supplements like psyllium makes stool soft so that your bowel movements are painless and quick. They are available in tablets, liquids, and powders to take orally once to thrice a day.

• Lifestyle and dietary changes 

Wear more of cotton clothes which help keep the anal region dry. Eat more of high-fiber foods and drink more water to keep the digestive system proper and free.

Regular exercise is also good and so does avoiding sitting for prolonged periods.

Number 1 tip: Most important, go to the bathroom when you get an urge. Delaying bowel movements only lets the bowel reabsorb water to make stool harder when you finally go.