Home remedies for hemorrhoids

       Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids), also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum. It may be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids), which is painless but tend to bleed or they may develop under the surface of the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids), which may cause pain.  Hemorrhoids are common ailments. By age 50, about half of adults have had to deal with the itching, discomfort and bleeding that can signal the presence of hemorrhoids.

      Fortunately, many effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Most people can get relief from symptoms by using home treatments and making lifestyle changes. 

      Warm bath. Soak your anal area in plain warm water 10 to 15 minutes 2 to 3 times a day.

      Keep the anal area clean. Clean daily the skin around your anus gently with warm water. Soap isn't necessary for it may aggravate the problem. Avoid alcohol based or perfumed wipes. Just use moist towelettes or wet unscented toilet paper.

      Cold compress. Apply ice packs or cold compress on your anus to relieve swelling. Break ice into small cubes and place it in a plastic, reclosable bag. Cover with a thick paper towel and sit on it! It numbs the region and reduces blood flow to those distended veins.

      Aloe Vera. This plant is a hemorrhoid healer that helps reduce the irritation. Break off a piece of the aloe vera leaf and apply only the clear gel to the hemorrhoids. Apply aloe vera gel to the anal area frequently. It feels good and promotes healing.

      Vicks Vapor Rub. Apply the Vicks Vapor Rub up your ass to ease the discomfort and decrease the hemorrhoid both in size and pain.

      With these treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms often go away within a week. However, don't hesitate to seek your doctor's advice if home remedies won't work.