That burning, itchy, “can-I-just-sit-in-a-cloud” feeling is real—and common. Home remedies for hemorrhoids can provide real relief without always needing a prescription. As a clinician, I lean on simple, evidence-backed steps you can start today to soothe pain, reduce swelling, and prevent the next flare.
Below you’ll find practical, doctor-reviewed ways to ease symptoms fast, followed by prevention tips and clear guidance on when to call a professional.
For a broader view of preventive health, explore our Complete Guide to Preventive Health.
Table of Contents
10 Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids (Backed by Research)
1) Warm sitz baths
Think of this as a spa session for your bottom.
Why it helps: Warm water boosts blood flow, relaxes the anal sphincter, and calms irritated tissue. Soaking 15–20 minutes can reduce swelling and pain with virtually no downside.
How to do it:
- Fill a shallow basin or bathtub with 3–4 inches of warm (not hot) water.
- Soak for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily, especially after a bowel movement.
- Optionally add 1/2 cup Epsom salt for extra soothing.
Pro tip: A sitz-bath insert fits on most toilets and makes this routine simple.
2) Witch hazel pads
Nature’s gentle “shrink-wrap” for irritated skin.
Why it helps: Witch hazel is a mild astringent that can ease itching and tighten tissue. A review in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology notes its role in reducing irritation.
How to do it:
- Chill witch hazel in the fridge first.
- Soak a cotton pad; press gently for 1–2 minutes.
- Use up to three times daily or after bathroom visits.
3) Aloe vera (pure gel)
If it helps sunburns, it can help here.
Why it helps: Aloe contains anti-inflammatory compounds that calm swelling and support healing.
How to do it:
- Use pure, alcohol-free aloe gel.
- Apply a thin layer for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
- For flare-ups, freeze small aloe cubes and apply briefly for a cooling, herbal effect.
4) Psyllium husk (fiber supplement)
Your gut’s gentle traffic controller.
Why it helps: Fiber softens stool, reduces straining, and lowers irritation. Multiple analyses show fiber improves hemorrhoid symptoms and helps prevent flare-ups.
How to do it:
- Start with 1 teaspoon in water or juice daily.
- Increase slowly to 1–2 tablespoons as tolerated.
- Hydrate well—fiber without water can backfire.
5) Virgin coconut oil
Moisturizing isn’t just for your face.
Why it helps: Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can reduce itching and protect delicate skin.
How to do it:
- Apply a thin layer twice daily.
- Best after a sitz bath when skin is clean and receptive.
6) Cold compress or ice pack
Fast, simple pain relief.
Why it helps: Cold constricts blood vessels and numbs pain—just like icing a sprain.
How to do it:
- Wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth.
- Apply for 5–10 minutes; repeat every 1–2 hours during flares.
- Never place ice directly on skin.
7) Diluted apple cider vinegar (use with caution)
A cautious option some find helpful.
Why it helps: ACV is touted as anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Evidence is limited; it can sting if too strong.
How to do it:
- Mix 1 part ACV with 2 parts water.
- Test a small skin area first.
- Dab lightly; never use undiluted vinegar on delicate tissue.
If it burns or worsens symptoms, stop immediately.
8) Hydration (water + electrolytes)
Relief starts in your glass.
Why it helps: Adequate fluids soften stools, making bowel movements gentler on hemorrhoids.
How to do it:
- Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily (more if active or in hot weather).
- If you sweat a lot, include an electrolyte source (e.g., coconut water).
- Warm water in the morning can nudge digestion naturally.
9) Squatting posture for bowel movements
Your ancestors were onto something.
Why it helps: Elevating your feet straightens the rectal canal and reduces straining. Studies suggest this position shortens time on the toilet and eases passage.
How to do it:
- Place a small stool under your feet so knees sit above hip level.
- Lean slightly forward and relax.
10) Avoid long sitting
Circulation matters.
Why it helps: Prolonged sitting increases pressure on rectal veins and can aggravate symptoms.
How to do it:
- Stand, walk, or stretch every 30–45 minutes.
- Use a cushion or donut pillow when sitting for long periods.
- Try a standing desk part of the day.
Quick reference table
| Remedy | Best for | Speed of relief |
|---|---|---|
| Sitz bath (warm water) | Swelling, spasm | 15–30 min |
| Witch hazel pads | Irritation, itching | 5–10 min |
| Aloe vera gel | Inflammation | ~10 min |
| Psyllium husk | Prevention, softer stools | 2–3 days |
| Coconut oil | Itching, skin barrier | Instant |
| Cold compress | Pain + swelling | Instant |
| Diluted ACV | Mild discomfort (caution) | Variable |
| Hydration | Constipation | 1–2 days |
| Squatting posture | Straining | Immediate |
| Less sitting | Prevention | Long-term |
A gentle bathroom routine that prevents flare-ups
Small shifts add up. Here’s an easy sequence many patients find helpful:
1) Don’t ignore the urge. Waiting hardens stool and increases straining.
2) Use a footstool to simulate a squat; breathe and relax the belly.
3) No pushing. If nothing happens in 2–3 minutes, step away and try later.
4) Clean with water or fragrance-free wipes; pat dry.
5) Apply witch hazel or a thin layer of coconut oil if itchy.
6) Do a 10–15 minute warm sitz bath if you feel irritated.
These practical steps fit naturally with other home remedies for hemorrhoids and can reduce day-to-day discomfort.
Fiber and hydration cheat sheet
Target total fiber: about 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams for men (NIDDK). Boost gradually and drink more water as fiber increases.
| High‑fiber food | Approx. fiber per serving |
|---|---|
| Cooked oats (1 cup) | 4 g |
| Lentils (1/2 cup cooked) | 7–8 g |
| Raspberries (1 cup) | 8 g |
| Psyllium husk (1 tbsp) | ~5 g |
| Chia seeds (1 tbsp) | ~5 g |
Hydration tips:
- Keep a water bottle at your desk.
- Add a pinch of lemon or mint if plain water bores you.
- If you’re active, consider a low-sugar electrolyte drink.
What actually causes flare-ups?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. Straining, constipation, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, and low-fiber diets raise pressure in those veins. Internal hemorrhoids can bleed; external ones tend to itch or form painful clots (thrombosed hemorrhoids). The good news: daily habits—fiber, fluids, posture, and movement—are powerful at-home levers for relief.
For an overview of symptoms and causes, see resources from the NIDDK
When to call a clinician
Home remedies for hemorrhoids are great for mild to moderate symptoms. Get medical advice if you notice:
- Heavy rectal bleeding, black stools, or dizziness.
- Severe pain or a hard, tender lump (possible thrombosed external hemorrhoid).
- Symptoms persisting beyond 7–10 days despite home care.
- Unintentional weight loss, a change in bowel habits, or age over 45 with new bleeding (you may need a colon evaluation).
Clinicians can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes (like fissures or polyps), and discuss options such as short courses of prescription-strength topical therapies or office procedures if needed.
Smart add-ons and things to avoid
Helpful add-ons:
- Short walks after meals to stimulate digestion.
- A small cushion or donut pillow for long drives.
- A timer that reminds you to stand every 30–45 minutes.
Avoid during flares:
- Spicy foods, alcohol, and excess caffeine.
- Heavy lifting and breath-holding (Valsalva) during exertion.
- Fragranced soaps or wipes on the anal area; they can irritate skin.
If constipation is stubborn, talk with your clinician about a gentle osmotic laxative or stool softener as a temporary bridge while fiber and fluids take effect.
A simple daily plan (example)
Morning: Warm water, a fiber-rich breakfast (oats + chia + berries), and a short walk.
Midday: Hydrate; stand and stretch every 45 minutes. If irritated, witch hazel pad.
Evening: Balanced dinner with vegetables and legumes. Gentle walk. Sitz bath 15 minutes. Thin layer of coconut oil if itchy.
This routine integrates the most reliable home remedies for hemorrhoids while building long-term protection against flare-ups.
Final takeaway
If you’re hurting right now, start simple: a warm sitz bath, witch hazel, or a short ice session can deliver fast relief. Over the week, build your foundation—daily fiber, ample water, a better bathroom posture, and less sitting. Hemorrhoids are common, but misery doesn’t have to be. With steady home care—and a check-in with your clinician when needed—you can calm symptoms, heal faster, and get back to sitting comfortably on any chair you like.
Note: This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
