Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are an incredibly common health issue affecting over 50% of adults worldwide, especially those over 30. These swollen veins in the lower rectal area can cause discomfort, itching, pain while sitting or during bowel movements, and even bleeding. The good news? Many cases can be effectively managed with simple home remedies, offering relief without the need for medical intervention.

What are hemorrhoids?

Actually, everyone has hemorrhoids. It is the name given to certain vascular cushions (veins) that are located on the rectum around the anus.

In general, however, the term is only used when these spongy vascular cushions swell, become inflamed and can also protrude (especially during bowel movements), i.e. when they are pathologically altered. Doctors then speak of “hemorrhoidal disease” or “symptomatic hemorrhoids”.

If you have to strain during bowel movements, the blood vessels lose more and more tension and elasticity. The hemorrhoids become more and more visible and cause increasing discomfort (1).

A temporary or even permanent protrusion is called a prolapse. Hemorrhoids are generally not visible, except in the case of a prolapse. In this case, they can be felt as soft nodules or lumps.

However, there are a number of home remedies that can alleviate the symptoms, and a change in diet (e.g. increasing fiber intake) can quickly bring relief after a few days or weeks, so that you can take the treatment into your own hands (2) (of course after consulting your doctor).

Symptoms

At the beginning, when the hemorrhoids are just beginning to change, you hardly notice anything, maybe a little burning or a slight itching. There may also be small patches of blood on toilet paper. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and annoying. According to an Austrian study, a considerable number of people with enlarged hemorrhoids experience no symptoms at all (3).

In some cases, you may also get a small lump of tissue hanging outside your anus, which can cause extreme discomfort. If you don’t treat hemorrhoids in the early stages, then the treatment may become more complicated in the future.

If severe pain occurs, the anal area burns noticeably and bright red blood can be seen regularly on the stool or swollen vascular cushions are already so wet that there is blood in the underwear, then this is an advanced hemorrhoidal disease, i.e. significantly enlarged and usually also inflamed hemorrhoids (4).

There are different levels of enlarged hemorrhoids:

• Level 1: The hemorrhoid is enlarged but it remains inside the body. Often, affected people do not have any signs, or are very mild.
• Level 2: The hemorrhoid is enlarged and it sometimes pushes out through the anus. This can happen in the case of bowel movements. Nevertheless, it then retreat back into the intestine on their own.
• Level 3: The enlarged hemorrhoids push out through the anus but it do not retreat into the intestine by themselves. Often it can then be pushed back into the intestine with the fingers.
• Level 4: The hemorrhoids do not retreat into the intestine by itself and can’t be pushed back with the fingers. The hemorrhoid is always outside the anus. As a result, people who are affected often have very severe symptoms.

Common Causes of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can develop due to a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to underlying health conditions. While they become more common with age—especially in individuals over 40—they can also occur in younger people, including teenagers. Below are some of the key causes and risk factors:

1. Chronic Constipation & Straining
   Excessive straining during bowel movements puts pressure on the rectal veins, leading to enlarged hemorrhoids (5). A diet low in fiber and high in processed foods often contributes to constipation, making bowel movements more difficult.
   
2. Poor Diet & Digestive Imbalance
   • High-fat, high-calorie, and processed foods (such as fast food, pizza, and hamburgers) can cause digestive sluggishness and constipation.
   • Overconsumption of coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods (6) may irritate the digestive tract, worsening symptoms.
   • Large amounts of laxatives can lead to dependency, causing imbalances in bowel function.
   • A disturbed gut microbiome, acid-base imbalance, and impaired liver function may also contribute to hemorrhoidal issues from a holistic perspective.
     
3. Prolonged Sitting & Lack of Movement
   Sitting for extended periods, especially in office jobs, applies continuous pressure to the anal area. Reduced blood circulation can aggravate existing hemorrhoids and increase the risk of developing new ones. Taking regular breaks and incorporating movement into your daily routine can help.
   
4. Obesity & Pregnancy
   • Excess body weight increases abdominal pressure, straining the veins in the lower rectum.
   • Pregnancy leads to increased pressure on pelvic blood vessels, often resulting in hemorrhoids, especially in the later stages.
     
5. Certain Health Conditions
   • Chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease (6) can irritate the rectal area, making hemorrhoids more likely.
   • Lung disease (7) may also contribute due to prolonged coughing, which increases pressure in the abdomen.
     
6. Medications & Topical Treatments
   While some over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications aim to provide relief, they may contain artificial ingredients that cause side effects or fail to offer long-term results. Discontinuing use often leads to symptom recurrence, making professional guidance essential.

The Importance of Proper Anal Hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for preventing and managing hemorrhoids, but incorrect hygiene does not mean someone has not cleaned their buttocks thoroughly enough. In fact, excessive cleaning can sometimes do more harm than good. According to Professor Alexander Herold, Secretary General of the German Coloproctology Society, “Soaps or shower gels can contain chemicals that irritate the anus.”

Too much scrubbing or using rough toilet paper can damage the delicate skin around the anus, leading to irritation and itching. Be cautious with wet wipes or damp toilet paper—some people may experience skin irritation from the ingredients used in these products.

Tips for Anal Hygiene

• Gentle cleaning: After a bowel movement, wipe the anal area dry first, then rinse with water to remove any residue. A bidet is ideal, but if unavailable, briefly moisten plain toilet paper with water before use.
• Avoid harsh products: Soaps, scented wipes, and printed toilet paper can contain chemicals that irritate the skin. Opt for unscented, soft, and plain toilet paper.
• Choose the right materials: Cotton underwear helps absorb moisture and prevents irritation caused by sweat and stool residues.
• Soothe irritation: If the anal area becomes irritated, applying a zinc-based cream or ointment can help calm and protect the skin.

By adopting these simple hygiene practices, you can reduce irritation and support overall anal health, preventing further discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.

Natural Remedies & Prevention Tips

The correct naturopathic treatment of hemorrhoids is already determined by the possible causes and should therefore – from a holistic perspective – also take place on all these levels. The best home remedies therefore include all measures that are necessary for the following points (8):

• Reduce high-calorie and high-fat processed foods (e.g., pizza, hamburgers) to prevent constipation. Limit fast food consumption to once a week.
• Drinking plenty of water softens stools and reduces straining during bowel movements.
• Sitting for long periods increases pressure on the anus, leading to hemorrhoids. Take short breaks, walk around, and stretch to improve circulation.
• Engaging in moderate exercise, such as walking or yoga, helps regulate bowel movements and improves blood flow.
• Cypress oil may help shrink hemorrhoids.
• Applying cold tea bags can provide relief from pain and inflammation due to the tannins’ soothing effects.
• Seeking holistic approaches like Colon Hydrotherapy to support digestive health
• Eating a high-fiber diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation.

Suppositories made from herbs and cocoa butter

Another excellent home remedy for hemorrhoids is homemade suppositories made from cocoa butter, comfrey root powder, yarrow herb powder, marigold flower powder and oak bark powder. According to a traditional folk medicine recipe, the ingredients should be mixed as follows (9):

1. 30 g powdered oak bark
2. 5 g powdered comfrey root
3. 8 g powdered yarrow herb
4. 8 g powdered marigold flowers
5. 120 grams of cocoa butter

Comfrey root and oak bark have a cleansing and regenerating effect on the veins and capillaries in the rectum. The yarrow has a contractive effect on the vessels, and is antispasmodic and antibacterial. Marigold, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

The herbal ingredients are available in the pharmacy or online in powder form.

The cocoa butter is now melted in a warm water bath. Then stir in the herbal powder. Now pour the mixture into a suppository mould and let the suppositories harden in the fridge. As soon as they are set, you take them out of the mould and put them in a sealable container, which you label with the contents and the date. We would recommend to not keeping them for more than 3 months. Of course, you can also make half the quantity to try it out.

A suppository is inserted every night before bedtime. The body heat melts the cocoa butter and the active plant ingredients are continuously released into the surrounding tissue. They disinfect and clean the tissue, remove blood clots and have a regenerating and astringent (contracting) effect so that the hemorrhoids can regress.

This process should be continued until complete improvement. In general, with these two phytotherapeutic preparations (balm and suppository) in combination with proper nutrition, the problem is soon permanently resolved.

Sitz baths

Sitz baths can be very effective in treating external hemorrhoids. For best results, spend 10 to 30 minutes in the sitz bath several times a day. There should be enough water in the bathtub to cover the buttocks and hips. Salt can also be added to the water (2 to 3 tablespoons per 3 to 4 liters of water) to reduce swelling, pain and general discomfort.

Some patients have found that alternating warm and cold water throughout the day provides the best relief. After the bath, the anal area should be carefully cleaned with a towel. Rubbing should be avoided as this can worsen the condition. (10)

Relieve your liver and promote detoxification

The healthier your intestines, the better your liver will be – and the better your liver is, the better your digestion, the healthier your intestinal mucosa and blood vessels will be, and the lower your risk of hemorrhoids. The intestines and liver are therefore closely interrelated. If you take good care of both, there will be hardly any reason for illness and discomfort – whether it is hemorrhoids or other problems.

In addition, you can promote and support the detoxification and digestive work of your liver with special nutritional supplements, such as bitter substances (e.g. bitter star), curcumin, milk thistle extract or even artichoke extract. Choose one or two of these and take them as a course of treatment for at least three months.

Home remedies for the liver include wild herbs rich in bitter substances such as dandelion, chicory or yarrow and of course turmeric, which you can add to almost any dish. Ginger, green tea and papaya seeds are also home remedies for stimulating liver function. Another detoxification measure that is helpful for the liver is liver cleansing.

Pay attention to the correct posture on the toilet

A certain sitting position on the toilet can also have a huge impact on rectal health, lead to a regression of hemorrhoids and is, therefore, an essential part of treating hemorrhoids properly.

This is the so-called squatting position, which you should adopt especially when having a bowel movement. The squatting position mimics the position one assumes automatically when having to defecate in the wild.

The angle between the upper body and thighs is much more acute here than in the usual chair position. As a result, the pelvic floor is much more relaxed when you squat. Since the bowel is straight in this position, emptying is made easier and the usual straining, which is a major risk factor for hemorrhoids, is eliminated.

In the sitting position, on the other hand, the pelvic floor muscle is kinked, which makes it more difficult to empty the intestines and promotes hemorrhoids.

This could also explain why the problem has already mutated into a widespread disease, especially in western countries, where almost exclusively seated toilets are found – around 70 percent of all adults are already affected by it at some point. In most other regions of the world, however, there are still the so-called dump or standing toilets, which require a squatting position.

There have also long been scientific studies that prove that the squatting position has a comprehensive effect on the body. As early as 1987, the Israeli doctor Dr. Berko Sikirov conducted a study with 20 patients. All conventional treatment methods had been unsuccessful for them. (11)

After the patients had changed their toilet posture from the usual sitting position to the squatting position, improvements in their hemorrhoid problems could be observed after just a few days. After a few months, most patients were symptom-free. And when they were re-examined 30 months later, they were still asymptomatic, meaning the hemorrhoids had not returned.

On the toilet, you can squat with the help of a toilet stool or a stack of books that you simply place under your feet. You won’t be able to read anymore anyway, as your bowel movements will be easy and quick.

Preventing Hemorrhoids

Many of the measures discussed are also very good for preventing hemorrhoids:

1. Avoid constipation at all costs, so make sure you have easy bowel movements
2. Eat a healthy and fiber-rich diet
3. Take measures against chronic inflammation, e.g. through anti-inflammatory supplements (curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.)
4. Take care of a powerful liver and strong blood vessels
5. Pay attention to the correct posture on the toilet

Acute Hemorrhoids (painful and bleeding) are contraindicative for Colonics as they would be too uncomfortable. But you could have medicated enemas or implants. Once your hemorrhoids are healed and not painful you can have colonics again.

If you are serious about eliminating hemorrhoids, I like to recommend the Hemorrhoids Vanished program. Its reading material contains everything from A to Z about hemorrhoids with loads of tips, including numerous natural home remedies that will help you to eliminate hemorrhoids for good and live a healthy lifestyle.

Cleaning out your colon with a Holistic Colon Hydrotherapy session can help with hemorrhoids and many other health challenges.