What are Hemorrhoids? Causes, Symptoms, Ayurvedic & Naturopathy Treatments for Fast Relief

Table of Contents

1. What are hemorrhoids or Piles?

Hemorrhoids are among the most common diseases nowadays, they are also known as piles, they are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, depending on their location in the rectum or anus. The external piles or hemorrhoids form outside the anus and can be seen and felt as a lump or swelling. There is a lot of pain but not much bleeding. The internal piles or hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are not visible or felt unless they become prolapsed, meaning they protrude outside the anus. There is the discharge of dark blood, in some cases, the veins burst, and this results in what is known as Bleeding Piles.

Hemorrhoids are not a disease but a symptom of a disease that can be caused by several factors, including chronic constipation, diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. When consumed regularly, food prepared from fine flour, white flour, and tinned food causes constipation. Chronic constipation weakens the membrane of the intestine, there is a feeling of heaviness in the region of the anus and difficulty in passing stool. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated, and over-the-counter medications.

2. What are internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can be classified into two main types: external hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids. The main difference between these two types is their location and the type of symptoms they cause.

Internal hemorrhoids 

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are not usually visible or palpable from the outside. They can sometimes protrude through the anus, and cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. In some cases, they may even cause a prolapse or protrusion that can be felt outside the anus. There is the discharge of dark blood, in some cases, the veins burst, and this results in what is known as Bleeding Piles.

External hemorrhoids 

External hemorrhoids are located under the skin around the anus, they can be felt as lumps or bulges and can cause pain, itching, and swelling. There is a lot of pain but not much bleeding.

3. What are the symptoms of Hemorrhoids or Piles?

The symptoms of hemorrhoids, also known as piles, can vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. There is a pain in passing stools and slight bleeding in case of internal trouble, the patient cannot sit comfortably due to itching. Some common symptoms of piles include:

Pain or discomfort around the anus: It can range from mild aches to severe pain.

Itching or irritation around the anus: This can be caused by the mucus discharge from hemorrhoids.

Swelling or a lump near the anus: This can be felt as a painful or sensitive lump around the anus.

Bleeding during bowel movements: This can be a sign of internal hemorrhoids, which can bleed when passing stools.

Leakage of the fecal matter: This can occur due to the mucus discharge from hemorrhoids.

Difficulty passing stools: This can be due to the presence of hemorrhoids, which can make bowel movements painful or difficult.

Feeling like the bowels are not completely empty: This can occur when hemorrhoids obstruct the passage of stools.

4. What are the main causes of hemorrhoids?

The basic cause of hemorrhoids is chronic constipation, congestion caused by constipation ultimately results in piles. Long periods of standing or sitting, strenuous work, obesity, and general weakness of the tissues of the body are the other secondary causes of piles. Mental tension is also one of the causes of piles.

The exact cause of piles or hemorrhoids is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by increased pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus. Some of the main causes of piles or hemorrhoids include:

Straining during bowel movements

Chronic constipation or diarrhea can cause straining during bowel movements, which can lead to increased pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus.

Sitting for long periods

Prolonged sitting, such as sitting at a desk or in a car for long periods, can increase pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, leading to the development of hemorrhoids.

Pregnancy

The increased pressure on the veins in the pelvic area during pregnancy can cause hemorrhoids to develop.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese can put pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, leading to the development of hemorrhoids.

Aging

As we age, the tissues in the rectum and anus become weaker, making it easier for hemorrhoids to develop.

Genetics

There may be a genetic predisposition to the development of hemorrhoids.

Other factors

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids include a low-fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and chronic coughing or sneezing.

In many cases, hemorrhoids can be prevented or managed by making lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.

5. How to treat hemorrhoids in a natural way at home?

To cure hemorrhoids from their root, it is necessary to first remove constipation, the chronic hemorrhoids can be cured only after the condition of the entire body is improved. The intestines of the patient’s hemorrhoids become very weak, therefore in the beginning, the person should take such food that not only removes constipation but at the same time produces soft stool which does not cause much pain when it is expelled by the bowels through the anus. Several natural remedies can help to alleviate the symptoms of piles or hemorrhoids, some natural remedies that may help treat piles or hemorrhoids include:

Fiber-rich diet

Eating a diet that is high in fiber can help to soften stools and reduce constipation, which can alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Foods that are high in fiber include salad, juicy fruits or fruit juice, vegetables, or soup. Taking this diet helps to subside the hemorrhoids to a great extent and would be cured if it is in the beginning stage.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to soften stools and prevent constipation, which can reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Take 100 ml of water, 50gm of coconut oil, and 25gm of lemon juice, mix them well, and take it before going to bed. Withhold this liquid in the intestine all night. This cools the large intestine and loosens the waste matter in it.

Taking Enema in the early stage is also the best to treat hemorrhoids, a person should take Enema 2 or 3 times a day, at first with lukewarm water and then with cold water.

Warm baths

Soaking in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help to reduce swelling and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Taking a hip bath in hot and cold water is very helpful for hemorrhoids, a person should sit for three minutes in warm water and then for one minute in cold water. This sequence should go on for some time, while sitting in warm water the feet should be in a vessel of hot water, after completion of this process, a person should take a cold-water bath.

Witch hazel

Applying witch hazel to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and inflammation and alleviate the pain and itching associated with hemorrhoids.

Aloe vera

Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area can help to soothe and heal hemorrhoids and reduce swelling and inflammation.

Coconut oil

Applying coconut oil to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

Diet

A person must include these foods in his or her diet to avoid constipation problems, the foods are wheat mash, whole meal bread, Ficus glomerate, spinach, white goosefoot, luffa gourd, sesapadula, radish, cabbage, unripe papaya, ripe beel, ripe banana, musk melon, apple pears, buttermilk, resins, fig, ripe or unripe coconut. A person should avoid pulses and stimulating foods.

Exercise

Regular exercise can help to promote bowel regularity and reduce the risk of constipation, which can alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. It plays an important role in hemorrhoids, exercise like walking and swimming are excellent methods of building up general health. Some Yoga asanas such as Sarvangasan, Matsyasan, and Pashchimottanasan, Ashwasan, Yoga Mudra, Mool Bandh, Uttanpadasan are also useful in hemorrhoids.

6. What are the Ayurvedic herbal home remedies to treat hemorrhoids?

1. Take Berberis Aristata root gum powder, 20 grams, and Pomegranate tree bark powder, 40 grams. Mix all the ingredients in 80 grams of jaggery powder, take 15 grams of this mixture daily in the morning with fresh water. It helps to treat constipation and both types of hemorrhoids, internal and external.
2. Take Tinospora Cordifolia Stem Powder (Giloy) 2 grams and mix it with unsalted butter, take this mixture after the meal, helps to treat hemorrhoids.
3. Take 5 grams of Triphala churn daily after a meal at night, helps to treat constipation and gives relief from hemorrhoids.
4. Take Bauhinia Variegate bark powder (kachnar), Ginger, Black Pepper, Triphala, Crataeva Nurvala Bark (Varuna), Cardamom, Cinnamon, Piper Longum (Pippali), and Guggulu resin in equal amounts. Make a decoction of Kachnar and mix it with guggulu and other ingredients to make it into tablets.

You may also like:

Buy Aloe Vera Powder

Buy Berberis Aristata Powder

Buy Tinospora Cordifolia Stem Powder

Buy Triphala Powder

Buy Bauhinia Variegate Bark Powder

Buy Crataeva Nurvala Bark Powder

Visit Yipisale to buy - Ayurvedic Pure Herbs

Visit Yipisale to buy - Spices & Seasonings

7. Frequently Asked Question

Q - Are hemorrhoids painful?

Yes, hemorrhoids can be painful, but the severity of the pain can vary depending on the type and degree of the hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, and they can be internal or external.

Internal hemorrhoids may not be painful because they are located inside the rectum and do not have many pain receptors. However, they can cause bleeding, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum.

External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, can be painful because they are located outside the anus and have many pain receptors. They can cause itching, swelling, discomfort, and pain, especially during bowel movements.

Q - Why do hemorrhoids itch?

Hemorrhoids can cause itching due to the inflammation and irritation of the tissues surrounding the anus. When hemorrhoids become swollen and inflamed, they can produce mucus, which can irritate the skin and cause itching. Additionally, if you have external hemorrhoids, the skin around the anus can become irritated and itchy due to the contact with fecal matter and moisture.

Itching can also occur due to poor hygiene, such as wiping too hard, not cleaning the area properly after bowel movements, or using harsh soaps or perfumes. Scratching the itchy area can also make the condition worse by causing more irritation and possibly leading to a skin infection.

Q - Will hemorrhoids go away?

Hemorrhoids can go away on their own in some cases, especially if they are mild and not causing significant discomfort. However, the likelihood of them going away on their own depends on the type and severity of the hemorrhoids.

Internal hemorrhoids, for example, can sometimes resolve on their own as the swelling goes down and the tissues return to their normal position. However, external hemorrhoids may not go away on their own and may require medical intervention.

Q - Are hemorrhoids hard?

Hemorrhoids can vary in texture depending on their type and severity. Internal hemorrhoids are usually soft and not palpable, while external hemorrhoids can be hard or tender to the touch.

When hemorrhoids become swollen and inflamed, they can feel hard and tender to the touch, especially if they are external.

Q - Are hemorrhoids genetic?

Hemorrhoids can have a genetic component, meaning that if someone in your family has had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to develop them. However, genetic factors are not the only cause of hemorrhoids, and lifestyle factors also play a role.

Risk factors for hemorrhoids include a diet low in fiber, constipation, chronic diarrhea, obesity, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, and heavy lifting. These factors can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids by causing increased pressure on the veins in the rectal area, leading to swelling and inflammation.

Q - How long do hemorrhoids heal?

The time it takes for hemorrhoids to heal can vary depending on the type and severity of the hemorrhoids and the treatment used. In general, mild hemorrhoids can heal within a few days to a week, while more severe cases may take several weeks or longer to fully heal.

Q - Are hemorrhoids permanent?

Hemorrhoids can be permanent or not, it depends upon the type, and severity of the hemorrhoids. If someone takes care of that at the initial stage, hemorrhoids can be cured in one week.

Q - Are hemorrhoids contagious?

Hemorrhoids are not contagious. They are a common medical condition that results from the swelling of veins in the lower rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids can be caused by several factors, including straining during bowel movements, sitting for prolonged periods, and obesity, among others.