There are an abundance of home remedies that people have used and are using to get relief from hemorrhoids. Some of them are quite bizarre and some more commonplace. What I am going to post is a list of the home remedies for hemorrhoids I found and an explanation as to the factors which could possibly make them work.

1. WITCH HAZEL

The most popular of the home remedies has to be witch hazel. Keep a bottle in the fridge and apply it to your hemorrhoids with a soft tissue or cotton wool ball. This will help to shrink your hemorrhoids and as it has been chilled, will offer a great deal of relief. Another thing that witch hazel will do is stop any slight bleeding of the hemorrhoids if there is any.

Why witch hazel works.

The reason that witch hazel works is that it is a natural anti-inflammatory, and contains a high quantity of tannins. These are found in certain plants and are astringents and an astringent can dry and tighten tissue therefore stopping blood discharge and reducing swelling, which all helps to relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids.

2. RADISH

The second most common remedy has to be the humble radish. Taken orally, grate one radish and mix with milk, honey or salt and take it a couple of times a day. A recommended dose is approximately 80mls. To use externally, mix the grated radish into a paste with milk or honey and apply.

Why radish works.

Taking radish orally will help aid digestion and therefore relieve constipation which is a cause of hemorrhoids. Radish, like witch hazel, has excellent astringent properties that can shrink and tighten tissue. Applying this externally can reduce swelling and help relieve the discomfort.

3. GINGER

The use of ginger as a home remedy is quite abundant. Many report that it has a very beneficial reaction when ingested to the relief of hemorrhoids. This remedy is for oral use only. Mix half a teaspoon of ginger with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of lemon/lime etc. juice (the choice is yours for taste purposes). Take this once a day for between one and two weeks.

Why ginger works.

Ginger has a main compound which is called gingerol. This has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the swelling in hemorrhoids. It also improves and calms the digestive tract which will relieve the pressure on the lower abdomen. There are conflicting opinions on the use of ginger with pregnant women. It is also not recommended for people with stomach disorders and should not be taken for longer than a couple of weeks as it can then have an adverse affect, so please consult a medical practitioner before using.

4. CAYENNE

Taken orally, mix a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper with about eight ounces of water and drink. Taken externally as an enema, mix four pints of warm water with half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Why cayenne works.

Cayenne contains a high quantity of an ingredient which is called capsaicin. This ingredient is used to reduce inflammation and is also used in pain relief, though with an enema, do not retain the mixture for prolonged periods as its main characteristic is heat and this could make the condition more uncomfortable.

5. DRY FIGS

Soak about eight dry figs in a small amount (about two cups) of water overnight. In the morning, halve the amount, eat the figs and then drink the water.

Why figs work.

Figs contain lots of fibre which is good for the digestion system and more importantly, contain high amounts of the mineral potassium. Potassium is used for help in controlling blood pressure, and as mentioned before, this is a major contributor to hemorrhoids.

6. CUMIN

Take a teaspoon of cumin seeds and grind them into a powder (alternatively, just use powder). Mix with a glass of water and drink.

Why cumin works.

Cumin also contains a high amount of the mineral potassium, and as mentioned above, helps control blood pressure thus relieving the pressure on the bowel. It also contains other essential vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy digestive system.

7. BITTER GOURD

The Bitter Gourd is also commonly known as Bitter Melon. Simply take a tablespoon of the juice each morning mixed with a glass of water if preferred.

Why Bitter Gourd works.

Bitter gourd is high in vitamin B compounds and fibre, therefore making it good for the digestion. It is also another high source of potassium. The key element as to why this works for hemorrhoids is that it is excellent at aiding peristalsis. This is the motion of the muscle which pushes food through the digestive system ensuring the hemorrhoid sufferer doesn't experience hard stools which will aggravate their hemorrhoids.

8. SESAME SEEDS

There are several ways you can use sesame seeds. The most popular is to boil about twenty grams of seed in five hundred ml of water. Once the water has reduced to about a third of its original, remove and mash the mixture into a paste. Mix with a bit of butter/margarine and eat. The paste can also be used externally and applied directly to the hemorrhoids to reduce the swelling.

Why sesame seeds work.

Not only do sesame seeds contain valuable vitamins and fibre essential for digestion an diet, as most are aware, they also contain an incredible amount of copper. Copper has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is widely used as such which make sesame seeds a great all round remedy for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

I hope you find these remedies of some educational value.