Do Essential Oils Work for Hemorrhoids?

June 15, 2022
Pelvic Floor

Cactus

Before typing “What shrinks hemorrhoids fast?” into Google, perhaps you already have a few ideas in mind, such as creams and adding fiber into your diet.

Aside from that, did the idea of using essential oils cross your mind? If so, did you then ask yourself the million-dollar question: “Do essential oils for hemorrhoids really work?” The good news is, they do! However, just like other remedies, it’s essential to use essential oils with caution.

In this blog, we’ll go over which essential oils are safe and effective to use for hemorrhoids, how to use them properly, and how to get rid of hemorrhoids for good by taking a holistic approach. As you might already know, if there’s anything worse than painful hemorrhoids, it’s recurring hemorrhoids!

Let’s go ahead and start with the basics, shall we?

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids (also called piles) is a common health condition that occurs when varicose veins develop either inside your rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or around your anus (external hemorrhoids).

Internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen because they are located inside your anus and they’re usually painless despite the chance that they may bleed.

Meanwhile, external hemorrhoids are visible and can cause extreme pain or discomfort due to a higher tendency of irritation.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include pain, irritation, itchiness, swelling, or a hard lump around your anal area.

If your hemorrhoid progresses, it might prolapse (protrude) outside of your anus and blood clots may form — this is called thrombosis. While it may be very painful, thrombosed hemorrhoids may resolve on their own after a few weeks.

More serious symptoms of Hemorrhoids are:

• Mucus discharge
• A sensation that the bowel is not really empty
• Bleeding without pain

Some people, however, may mistake hemorrhoids for rectal prolapse due to the similarity of their symptoms.

In our blog Rectal Prolapse vs Hemorrhoids: How To Tell The Difference, we have thoroughly differentiated them.

Cause of Hemorrhoids

You’re more likely to develop hemorrhoids if you:

• are pregnant
• sit for long periods, especially on the toilet
• have excess weight
• perform tasks (like heavy lifting) that strain your rectum
• suffer from chronic constipation or diarrhea
• often have anal intercourse
• are between ages 45 and 65

Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids: Overview

Certain types of essential oils are applied topically to relieve hemorrhoids.

However, true essential oils (organic – not obtained through chemical processes) are extremely potent and may cause skin irritation unless they are diluted with a carrier oil (like castor, jojoba, or coconut oil). 3 to 5 drops of essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil is generally the appropriate amount.

Among the most beneficial essential oils are:

• Cypress essential oil – reduces blood flow and promotes clotting.

• Helichrysum essential oil – massage it onto the abdomen to stimulate digestion and ease constipation.

• Frankincense essential oil – has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that soothe pain and treat hemorrhoids.

• Tea tree oil – a natural antiseptic that may help relieve pain, itching, and discomfort.

• Coconut oil – has strong anti-inflammatory properties and laxative effects that may aid in relieving constipation.

Other essential oils that may help are horse chestnut, peppermint, dill, myrtle, and cinnamon bark.

But there are so many brands in the market, how do I find the best one?

Good question. You can’t just grab (or click) the first product you see on the display and assume that “they all work the same”. As essential oils become more popular, fake and low-quality products are becoming more common.

So take note, the best essential oils are usually:

• Tightly sealed in a dark glass bottle – light and heat may compromise essential oils so they should never be placed in a plastic container.

• Labeled appropriately – the packaging must clearly state the common and the Latin name of the plant, the part of the plant used, how it was extracted and grown, plus the list of other ingredients (unless you’re looking for a pure one, then it should only have that ingredient)

• Traceable – it must state or have a website that shows where the product is made.

• Not called “fragrance oil” – this is a red flag at first sight especially if it has no Latin name.

• Not particularly the cheapest or the most expensive – essential oils range from $11 to $26; some are too cheap because of less concentration or if it’s made of poor quality while some are overpriced because of brand markup.

Are essential oils safe to use?

Essential oils are generally safe when used properly. But as a precaution, it’s always wise to:

• Consult your doctor first
Your body may have a unique reaction to essentials oils than others especially if you’re pregnant

• Try doing a patch test
Place a tiny amount that’s been diluted in a carrier oil on your arm. Wait a few minutes to observe any reaction. If you have extra sensitive skin, then go ahead and consult your dermatologist first about possible allergic reactions

• Make sure you’re using the right dosage
Using the correct dose is how to get the best effects possible.

• Check the purity
Less concentrated essential oils may be cheaper but they may sell short in terms of effectiveness

• Be mindful of your application method
Essential oils are commonly applied topically or used in aromatherapy – ingesting them requires professional supervision

• Know about possible drug interactions
ask your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of using essential oils along with other medications

• Seek guidance from experts
MoonRise has a pool of practitioners that specializes in natural healing methods (including the use of essential oils) to accelerate healing.

Essential oils were an integral part of my healing journey when I faced negative and overwhelming emotions.

Other Natural Treatments for Hemorrhoids

In more severe cases of hemorrhoids, some doctors may recommend surgery for “fast relief”, but in reality, surgery is a band-aid approach that has no guaranteed results.

This is why we recommend healing naturally and holistically, to stop hemorrhoids from coming back.

Here are some of the Home Remedies we recommend that have shown promising results to hundreds of women in our community:

• Add more fiber to your diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Apply hemorrhoid creams or insert suppositories.
• Wear the right kind of underwear.
• Try sitting in a bathtub with warm water a few times a day.
• Place an ice pack on the hemorrhoids to reduce swelling.
• Take stool softeners occasionally.