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Preventive Healthcare
Home Remedies for Piles: Natural Ways to Relieve Pain & Discomfort
Table of Contents
Best Home Remedies for Piles (Quick Relief)
- Warm Sitz Baths: Soak your affected area in warm water for 10-15 minutes, two to three times daily, especially after bowel movements. This simple hemorrhoid home treatment helps reduce pain, itching, and swelling by improving blood circulation and relaxing anal muscles.
- Cold Compresses: Apply a cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth to the anal area for several minutes. This provides quick piles pain relief by reducing inflammation and numbing the area.
- Witch Hazel Application: Dab pure witch hazel (without alcohol or fragrances) on external piles using a cotton pad. Its natural astringent properties make it an excellent choice for natural remedies for piles, effectively easing itching and pain.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Fresh aloe vera gel provides cooling relief and reduces inflammation. Always perform a patch test before application to ensure you don't have any allergic reactions.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily helps soften stools and prevents constipation, reducing strain during bowel movements.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Take short breaks every 30–60 minutes to reduce pressure on rectal veins, especially if you work at a desk.
Ayurvedic and Natural Remedies for Piles
• Triphala Powder: This traditional blend supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Mix one teaspoon with warm water before bedtime.
• Butcher's Broom Extract: Known for strengthening blood vessel walls and reducing inflammation in hemorrhoids.
• Coconut Oil: Its antimicrobial and moisturising properties help reduce irritation and promote healing when applied topically.
• Chamomile Tea Compresses: Cool chamomile tea bags applied to the affected area provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Turmeric Paste: Mix turmeric powder with water to create a paste for external application, utilising its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
• Sitz Baths with Epsom Salt: Add Epsom salt to warm water to enhance anti-inflammatory effects and reduce discomfort.
Foods to Eat for Piles Relief
According to the NHS, adults should aim for about 30 g of fiber daily, while young people aged 11–16 should be getting about 25 g. This approach to piles treatment at home addresses the underlying cause of constipation, which often triggers haemorrhoid flare-ups.
• Whole Grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread provide essential fibre for digestive health
• Fresh Fruits: Apples with skin, pears, berries, bananas, and citrus fruits offer both fibre and flavonoids
• Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens support overall digestive function
• Legumes: Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas are rich in soluble fiber that softens stools and supports bowel regularity
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide healthy fats and fibre
• Flavonoid-Rich Foods: Citrus fruits, cherries, and blueberries support blood vessel health and may reduce inflammation
Foods to Avoid to Prevent Flare-Ups
• Processed and Low-Fibre Foods: White bread, white rice, and processed cereals contribute to constipation.
• Spicy Foods: Hot peppers and excessive spices can irritate the digestive tract and anal area.
• Red and Processed Meats: These are harder to digest and may contribute to constipation.
• Fried and Fatty Foods: They slow digestion and promote harder stools.
• Excessive Dairy Products: High-fat cheese and whole milk can be constipating for some individuals.
• Alcohol and Caffeine: These can lead to dehydration and harder stools.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Piles from Worsening
- Establish Regular Bowel Habits: Respond promptly to the urge to defecate. Delaying can lead to harder stools and increased straining.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Take breaks every hour to stand or walk, especially during long work hours. This reduces pressure on rectal veins.
- Practise Proper Toilet Posture: Elevate your feet on a small stool during bowel movements to improve the anorectal angle.
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in 30 minutes of moderate activity like walking daily to stimulate bowel function and improve circulation.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can affect digestive health. Practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects or straining increases abdominal pressure, worsening hemorrhoid symptoms.
- Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing: Tight garments or synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture, increasing irritation.
- Maintain Proper Hygiene: Clean the anal area gently with water after bowel movements. Avoid harsh soaps or excessive wiping.
When to See a Doctor
• Persistent or Heavy Rectal Bleeding: Any bleeding that continues for more than a few days needs evaluation.
• Severe, Worsening Pain: Pain that doesn't respond to home treatment may indicate complications.
• Black or Tarry Stools: This could indicate internal bleeding requiring immediate medical attention.
• Fever or Signs of Infection: Swelling, warmth, or pus around the anal area needs professional treatment.
• Symptoms Lasting Beyond Two Weeks: If symptoms persist beyond two weeks despite consistent home care, consult a healthcare provider.
• Large, Hard Lumps: Thrombosed hemorrhoids may require medical intervention.
Medical Treatments Available (If Home Remedies Don't Work)
• Prescription Medications: Stronger topical treatments containing corticosteroids for reducing inflammation.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation are effective outpatient options for internal hemorrhoids.
• Surgical Options: Haemorrhoidectomy for severe cases that don't respond to conservative treatment.
• Advanced Techniques: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy for repositioning prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
Managing piles effectively combines immediate relief strategies with long-term lifestyle modifications. The most successful approach to piles treatment at home involves consistent application of warm sitz baths, dietary improvements focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, adequate hydration for constipation relief, and gentle exercise routines. Remember that natural remedies for piles work best when applied consistently and combined with preventive measures. Most people experience significant piles pain relief within one to two weeks of implementing these comprehensive home remedies for piles.
However, persistent or severe symptoms shouldn't be ignored. Professional medical evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and prevention of complications.
At Metropolis Healthcare, we support your health journey with comprehensive diagnostic services when you need professional medical assessment. Our network of over 220 laboratories and 4,600 service centres ensures reliable testing and health monitoring. With convenient home sample collection services spanning 10,000+ touchpoints across India, we make healthcare accessible and comfortable for you.
FAQs
What is the fastest home remedy for piles?
The fastest home remedy for piles is a warm sitz bath, which provides quick relief from pain and itching. Soaking the affected area for 10–15 minutes, two or three times a day, especially after bowel movements, helps reduce symptoms promptly.
Can piles go away on their own?
Yes, most mild piles resolve on their own within a few days to two weeks with self-care and proper hygiene. Persistent or recurrent symptoms, however, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions and ensure proper treatment.
Which foods help shrink piles?
• Apples (with skin)
• Pears
• Berries
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
• Broccoli
• Oats and whole grains
• Lentils and beans
• Citrus fruits
These foods are rich in fibre and flavonoids, helping soften stools, reduce straining, and support blood vessel health.
Is walking good for piles?
Yes, walking is an excellent, low-impact exercise that stimulates bowel function, prevents constipation, and improves blood flow to the rectal area. Regular physical activity like daily walking can help prevent and manage piles by reducing pressure on anal veins.
What should be avoided during piles?
• Sitting for prolonged periods
• Straining during bowel movements
• Low-fibre foods (white bread, processed foods)
• Spicy and fatty foods
• Excessive dairy or cheese
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Harsh soaps or perfumed toilet paper
Can sitting for long worsen piles?
Prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces or the toilet, increases pressure on rectal veins, which can aggravate existing piles or cause new ones. Taking frequent breaks and moving around reduces this risk and helps alleviate symptoms.
Is aloe vera good for piles treatment?
Pure aloe vera gel, applied directly to external piles, can reduce pain, inflammation, and itching due to its natural anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Always patch test first to ensure there is no allergic reaction before full application.
How long do home remedies take to work?
Most people notice symptom improvement from home remedies within a few days, but it may take up to two weeks for complete relief. If there is no significant improvement or if symptoms worsen, medical consultation is advised.
