Hemorrhoids are exposed nerves of the bowel that can be caused by a number of things. Pregnancy and the strain of the baby weight on the bowel can cause temporary hemorrhoids, while others can be caused by ongoing straining when trying to relieve the bowels and irritation to the bowel nerves. When hemorrhoids are irritated and inflamed, swollen and agitated, even sitting down can be a true nightmare. Learn how to keep your hemorrhoid flareups at bay, strengthen your bowels to prevent hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid irritation, and how to care for your painful hemorrhoids naturally.
When your hemorrhoids are bothering you, avoid wiping with anything other than a thick baby wipe. Dab your anal area and surrounding areas rather than scrubbing or rubbing, and don’t do a traditional wipe like you normally would. Don’t use soap while showering (again, use a baby wipe instead to clean your anus) and avoid scrubbing or massive water pressure on your anus, which will further aggravate your hemorrhoids.
Witch Hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and is great for applying to the anus to help ease the anal swelling from bowel movement strain and irritation. You can apply Witch Hazel directly to the anus with a baby wipe and dab the liquid on the area. Allow to dry completely.
You can also rub Aloe Vera gel (a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, plus has a cooling sensation to ease pain) or Petroleum jelly directly to the affected site just prior to a bowel movement to avoid pain while pooping and aggravating your hemorrhoid even worse. Also greatly effective just after a bowel movement to ease swelling and pain.
Baby butt creams are also great, as they have numbing properties to ease pain and help with irritation. Often thick baby wipes are infused with Aloe, and these are excellent in cleaning your derriere and providing a soothing sensation to your poor affected anus.
A warm bath can work wonders, but do not add any oils or salts or soaps to the tub, and do not allow the water to become too hot. Sit in the tub without putting pressure on your butt for 15 minutes to ease inflamed and swollen hemorrhoids. Follow with Aloe Vera, Petroleum jelly, or Witch Hazel after drying completely.
Wear cotton underwear that is loose and does not constrict your private area or allow sweating or heat to get trapped, which will further irritate your hemorrhoids.
For healthier bowel movements, avoid highly acidic fruits which create painful stools, and eat a high fiber diet. Adding a fish or Omega 3 oil to your daily diet will allow for a more “slippery” stool for comfort. Do not strain on the toilet and go as soon as you feel the urge for a smooth flowing bowel movement. Waiting too long to go or trying to go when the urge is not there gives similar effects of constipation, and straining is bad for your bowels and hemorrhoids in general. To encourage a bowel movement, drink dandelion tea and lots of water and eat fiber-rich food. Sit on the toilet for 3 to 7 minutes, and even if you do not finish a full bowel movement, get out what you can with little effort. Take a walk to encourage the urge to defecate again. You can poop numerous times a day.
Avoid laxatives at all times unless under strict doctor’s orders! Laxatives cause bowel and muscle spasms and wreak havoc on your bowels!
Herbs for healthy bowels are Slippery Elm, which calms and soothes your irritated nerves internally, Neem, which when applied topically discourages itching, bleeding, and swelling and relieves pain and is also an antibacterial aide, Horse Chestnut, which encourages vein strength when taken internally and is a great preventative for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, and Butcher’s Broom, another aide for internal vein health and prevention of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is with a healthy diet and not straining your bowels on the toilet. Adding Horse Chestnut or Butcher’s Broom to your diet for vein health makes your veins stronger and less susceptible to hemorrhoids.
Consult your doctor if your hemorrhoids are severe, are accompanied by excess bleeding, fever, nausea or if you have dizziness or numbness anywhere on the body. Your doctor can rule out any serious conditions and aide you with severe hemorrhoids.
