I admit to being skeptical about whether aloe vera for hemorrhoids would work, but I found that there are two ways to use aloe vera to get relief from the itching and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. Plus, there are other natural and simple things to do for this annoying problem that may work better for you than the commercial products made for this purpose.
In fact, I started looking for alternatives to Preparation H and similar creams and ointments when they stopped working for me. While I don’t have too much swelling most of the time, it seemed that these topical preparations often increased the itching, making a short walk at the mall an annoying experience because of all the irritation and discomfort.
But aloe vera juice taken internally can help with hemorrhoids. And aloe vera gel used topically can make a real difference for you as it did for me.
How To Use Aloe Vera For Hemorrhoids
Aloe vera has natural therapeutic properties that are well documented, and this includes its anti-inflammatory properties, exactly what you need for treating hemorrhoids. In fact, minor flare-ups can go away completely when you use aloe vera gel topically.
Some people even recommending cutting aloe vera leaves into pieces, freezing them and applying them directly to internal and external hemorrhoids, but I admit that I haven’t tried this yet — and probably won’t bother since the gel is working for me. Plus, there’s something that seems a little weird about using the whole leaves for this purpose.
My Favorite Aloe Vera Gel For Hemorrhoids
When I started exploring the idea of using aloe vera for hemorrhoids, I went to a discount store to get some. Once I finally found something, I realized that it wasn’t really what it said it was. It was a gel medium with a little aloe, some skin conditioners and some chemicals. So I started looking around and found that most products are similar.
I knew that in the past, I was able to buy a real aloe vera gel for soothing my skin after being outside mowing the lawn, but it took me a long time to find my favorite brand. I finally found it online. And I was pleased that it works just as well for hemorrhoids as it did for my dry, red skin.
The brand I located online is Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel
It doesn’t have any irritating alcohol in it, and no coloring either. It’s simply 100 percent pure aloe vera gel without any fragrance. The marketing materials online say that this brand offers the most concentrated aloe vera gel on the market, and that certainly seems the case to me based on all the looking around I did locally. It does contain some other ingredients and stabilizers, but it’s safe and it works.
I’ve started using aloe vera gel again on my skin too, and it’s just as great as ever for that. You can also use it as a shave gel, to sooth insects bites and on any minor scrapes you may get.
Other Natural Hemorrhoid Remedies
I’ve tried other things for hemorrhoids with varying degrees of success. Here are some popular choices:
Witch hazel. To sooth itching, this works. Witch hazel is also a natural and plant-based anti-inflammatory agent. Many of those wipes available for hemorrhoids contain nothing but witch hazel. But you can also buy it in a large bottle for just a couple of dollars.
Ice. No treatment is more natural than ice. And since it does a great job of constricting blood vessels and therefore reducing swelling, it works for quick and easy pain relief. Just don’t leave it on long enough to do any damage. About 10 minutes several times a day should do the trick.
Lemon juice. I admit I haven’t tried this one, but many people recommend lemon juice for hemorrhoids. Of course, there’s some burning and tingling at first, but pain relief comes soon after. Just apply to a cotton ball, then apply to the area. That’s all there is to it.
Almond oil. An emollient that’s proven to absorb deeply into tissue, almond oil works best for external hemorrhoids. Just apply it with a cotton ball for its moisturizing and inflammation-reducing effects. (And you can try olive oil too — which can help improve blood vessels over time as well as get rid of symptoms in the short-term.)
And remember to eat plenty of whole grains. When you have regular and easy bowel movements instead of difficult ones, you’re less likely to irritate hemorrhoids.
Final Thoughts About Aloe And Hemorrhoids
I know how uncomfortable and annoying hemorrhoids can be, and I’m a little embarrassed that I didn’t realize sooner that using aloe vera and other natural remedies for hemorrhoids are a smart idea. I’ve gotten really great results with aloe vera gel and hardly ever use Preparation H anymore.
When you’ve tried the creams and ointments and they aren’t working for you or when you start to worry what long-term use of chemical topical medications is doing to your body, try aloe vera gel, aloe vera juice and other natural remedies. You may be surprised at the great results you get.
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