Pile, medically called hemorrhoids, is a condition where the veins surrounding the anus or the lower rectum get inflamed.
According to online portal HealthDirect, hemorrhoids is a common condition that is characterized by lumps growing inside and around the back passage of the anus.
Pile or hemorrhoids are of two types — internal and external hemorrhoids.
Causes of pile
Contrary to the popular belief we were fed while growing up that excessive sugar intake is the cause of pile, health experts that’s not true. Rather, experts say, hemorrhoids or pile can mostly be caused by the following factors.
• Chronic constipation: having difficulties in pooping can cause straining in the toilet which could make the anal veins get swollen, due to pressure.
• Chronic diarrhea
• Lifting heavy stuff regularly: this can also put pressure on the anal veins, causing inflammation.
• Aging — as the years pass, its effect might be felt on the body which can cause weakening of the anal and rectal tissues.
• Pregnancy: apart from the fact that constipation is quite a common challenge during pregnancy, the pressure on the abdominal area by the growing baby and the increased blood flow caused by hormonal changes, increases the risk of pile amongst pregnant women.
Some natural ways to get rid of pile
If you are struggling with hemorrhoid, then the following are some safe natural remedies you can try out at home to get relief.
Granulated sugar
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the results of a particular study carried out in 2021 proved that applying granulated sugar on hemorrhoid lumps can help to reduce pain drastically and also help to shrink it.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is well known for its anti-inflammatory component, and since inflamation is one of the major characteristics of hemorrhoid, this makes it an important weapon in the fight.
The National Center for Complimentary and Integrated Health listed it as a possible means of getting relief from irritable bowel syndrome. This conclusion was made through the result of a study.
It is, however, important to note that only pure, natural aloe vera should be used, as over-the-counter creams, lotions, and other aloe vera-containing products might aggravate the condition by causing irritation.
Ice packs and cold compresses
According to the reputable online portal, healthline.com, pains from chronic pile can be relieved through the application of ice packs or cold compresses on the anal area. This should be done for a duration of 15 minutes at a time.
Ensure to protect your skin by wrapping the ice in a towel, however, as placing ice on the skin directly can cause skin hazards.
Warm sitz bath
The word ‘sitz’ is gotten from ‘sitzen’, a German word that means ‘sitting. Pile can be eased by sitting in a bathtub filled with warm water that is just above buttock level. Virtually every reputable health portal recommends this remedy as an effective remedy for hemorrhoids.
An alternative method for this can also be carried out by fitting a small plastic tub over your toilet seat. Ensure that the water is lukewarm, as hot water can further aggravate the condition instead of helping to solve it. This should be done for a duration of 15 – 20 minutes after going to the toilet and repeated multiple times throughout the day.
Adding Epsom salt to the equation might even further increase the chances of quick relief and also help to reduce the symptoms drastically.
Essential oils
According to multiple reports from reputable sources scattered over the internet space, the use of essential oils like Tea tree oil and Coconut oil can help fight the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Online portal Healthline notes that the antiseptic and antibacterial qualities of tea tree oil can help give relief from symptoms like itching, pain, and other forms of discomfort associated with pile. It also helps to keep it from being infected.
The article also suggests the use of Coconut oil because of its ability to help fight inflammation, relieve pain, and also fight bacteria. These facts were backed up by the results of research carried out in 2008 and 2014 respectively.
Coconut oil can also be consumed orally, and regularly as a natural laxative to fight constipation.
Nutrition
What goes into our belly goes a long way in determining the state of our health. The National Institute of Health counsles that “eating foods that are high in fiber can make stools softer and easier to pass and can help treat and prevent hemorrhoid.
“Drinking water and other liquids, such as fruit juices and clear soups can help the fiber in your diet work better.”
For ease of bowel movements, an increased intake of foods rich in fiber is advised, alongside plenty of water intake. Such foods inculde beans, cocoyam, corn (maize), oats, yam, cassava, rice, okra, etc. This will help soften stool and eliminate straining while passing stool.
Conclusion
Pile is a common condition that affects a large section of people all over the world and, according to the Health Harvard, “About half of people over age 50 have had them”.
This pretty much sums up how much of a popular phenomenon it is.
If you are suffering from pile, then you can avail yourself of some of the remedy options listed above. However, if symptoms persist, see your doctor.
