15 Best Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids
The difficulty in maintaining a complete and balanced diet is considered to be one of the biggest causes of increasing illness around the globe. Though it sounds simple, working professionals are unable to include the required nutrients in their routine. Also, the introduction of spicy and junk food items in our diet has added an array of health problems to our list. The use of such essential oils in the treatment of hemorrhoids can be considered beneficial during the initial stages of this medical condition. Read about essential oils for hemorrhoids in this post.
The human digestive tract has evolved to accommodate and absorb the nutrients from a specific set of naturally occurring food items. This fact has been completely ignored today, resulting in many diseases plaguing the system. One of the most painful conditions in this long list is hemorrhoids normally caused due to a deficiency of fibers in the diet.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
One of the prominent causes of worry among the aged is a painful condition called hemorrhoids or piles, as commonly known. They appear as lumps near the anal region either on the inner part or around the outer region.
These are also found in the lower part of the rectum. These lumps are inflamed, swollen and often filled with blood (1). Hemorrhoids can be identified by the following frequent signs and symptoms:
- Severe itching and pain in the anus
- Bloody stools
- Lumps near the anal opening
- Painful bowel movements
Causes of Hemorrhoids
The exact cause of this painful condition is not known, but there are possible risk factors associated with this medical condition:
- Prolonged constipation
- Excessive pressure during defecation
- Pregnancy (causing pressure in the anal region)
- Heavy lifting leading to excess pressure in the area
- The low fiber content in the diet
Read More: Yoga for Constipation | Yoga Poses, How to Do & Benefits
Benefits of Essential oils for Hemorrhoids
Most people prefer to avoid surgery and go for alternative therapies whenever possible. In such a scenario, the usefulness of essential oils as therapeutic agents has gained immense popularity in the past two decades. This has been supported by many celebrity endorsements and healthcare websites that are becoming prominent in the social circle.
The use of such essential oils in the treatment of hemorrhoids can be considered beneficial during the initial stages of this medical condition. Essential oils work their magic in the following ways:
- They reduce inflammation. Most of the essential oils have components having anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, they can reduce the swelling and inflammation of the affected area.
- They manage the itching and burning sensation. The hypersensitivity problems included in piles can be managed using these essential oils. Essential oils can soothe the inflamed anal region and reduce the pain.
- Since the veins are swollen in hemorrhoids, essential oils prove effective by shrinking their size.
- Another medical property is the ability to heal bleeding and reduce swelling.
- They help to enhance blood circulation and thus prevent the rupture of inflamed veins.
- Essential oils are considered safe during pregnancy and hence could be a great option for expecting mothers suffering from piles.
Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids
Considering the importance of essential oils in managing hemorrhoids, the following list outlines some of the most widely used essential oils for this condition:
1. Tea Tree Oil
It is a commonly found herbal oil in households. It has a variety of uses in conditions relating the skin like psoriasis, allergies, wounds, etc.
Directions to Use
Apply the oil in the anal region using a cloth or cotton wool. Leave it for a few hours before applying the next coat.
Benefits
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that relieve inflammation, itching, burning and swelling of the piles affected skin. The antioxidant ingredients help in the healing of blood vessels affected by the condition (2).
Precautions
There are chances of allergic reactions and hence, a patch test is recommended before use. To avoid irritation, it can be mixed with a carrier like the coconut oil.
2. Geranium Oil
One of the most popular therapeutic oils since ancient times, geranium oil is said to cure dysentery, inflammation, infections and even relieve the symptoms of certain cancers. It is also a major component in aromatherapy due to its relaxing nature and the ability to overcome addiction.
Directions to Use
6 drops of geranium oil are added to carriers like coconut oil, castor oil or olive oil and apply to the affected area.
Benefits
The oil is rich in terpenes which possess anti-inflammatory, a potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. It can also stop bleeding and heal wounds (3).
Precaution
Do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.
3. Lavender Oil
Another important ingredient used for aromatherapy and for healing many ailments.
Directions for Use
Add lavender oil to jojoba or coconut oil and apply it around the anal opening with a soft cloth.
Benefits
The oil is well-known for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects which helps to manage the swelling and pain in piles. It soothes the nerves and improves blood supply to these regions. Also, helps to shrink the size of hemorrhoids (4).
Precaution
Advisable to perform a patch test to avoid allergies
4. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is one of the highly popular essential oils used in alternative therapies like Unani, homeopathy, aromatherapy and other traditional medical systems.
Direction for Use
Add 2 to 3 drops of chamomile oil to carriers like jojoba, castor or coconut oil. Gently massage this mix around the anal opening with a soft cloth or cotton ball.
Benefits
The oil has the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects that help to manage the lesions, swelling, and inflammation caused by piles (5).
Precaution
Sometimes it might cause dryness or allergy.
5. Dill Oil
It is a well-known flavoring agent that is found beneficial in treating several gastrointestinal problems. Dill oil is effective in managing indigestion, cramps, flatulence, bloating, and reduces cholesterol levels (6).
Directions for Use
Add 5 to 10 drops of dill oil to carrier oils like coconut or castor and apply the mix to the affected area using a soft cloth.
Benefits
The active ingredients like carvone and limonene act as an analgesic and help to relieve pain. It also helps to control bleeding.
Precaution
Might cause allergies in some people.
6. Frankincense Oil
A traditional remedy that has found its use in various inflammatory and chronic diseases.
Directions for Use
Add 2 to 3 drops of frankincense oil to jojoba oil or castor oil and apply gently around the anal region with a soft cloth.
Benefits
The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic properties help to manage pain, swelling, infection, and inflammation.
Precaution
There are chances of allergy
7. Juniper Oil
It is a traditional medicine from the Turks and has antioxidant, antiseptic, diuretic, analgesic and antimicrobial properties.
Directions for Use
Add juniper oil to almond oil or castor oil and apply to the hemorrhoids with a soft cloth.
Benefits
Help to relieve pain, inflammation, infection, and swelling of the affected area (7).
Precaution
There might be itching or allergy in some people.
8. Sandalwood Oil
It is a popular therapeutic agent in traditional medicine from India and certain other Asian countries.
Directions for Use
Add 4 to 5 drops of sandalwood oil to a carrier oil and massage the mix on the affected area around the anus using a soft cloth or cotton ball.
Benefits
The oil helps to manage pain and prevent infection in the affected area (8).
Precaution
In very few cases, the patient might experience allergic reactions.
9. Myrtle Oil
It controls bleeding and has been in use since ancient times.
Directions for Use
Add a few drops of myrtle oil to carriers like coconut oil or jojoba oil or cold cream and gently apply on the affected area.
Benefits
It helps to control bleeding of the hemorrhoids.
Precautions
Undiluted versions might cause skin irritation and allergies.
10. Cinnamon Bark Oil
Several studies have shown the efficacy of cinnamon oil in managing inflammatory conditions.
Directions for Use
Add 3 to 4 drops of cinnamon oil to 1 oz of coconut or almond oil and apply on the affected area.
Benefits
Reduces inflammation in the anal region and reduces irritation (9).
Precautions
The topical application might cause an allergic reaction in some people.
11. Clove Oil
Clove oil is popular among dental experts in treating pain and inflammation. It has other properties also that makes it essential in traditional medicine.
Directions for Use
Add 3 to 4 drops of olive oil to unscented oil-based lotion and apply the mix around the hemorrhoids.
Benefits
Clove oil helps in relieving anal pressure and thereby reduces pain and inflammation (10).
Precautions
People with sensitive skin might experience allergic reactions.
12. Cypress Oil
It has abundant therapeutic properties and is one of the most widely used essential oils in alternative therapy.
Directions for Use
Add 4 to 5 drops of Cypress oil to the carrier oil. Massage the mix is gently on the inflamed skin.
Benefits
The chemical constituents in the cypress oil help to manage inflammation, heal injured blood vessels and bleeding of hemorrhoids. It also soothes inflamed skin (11).
Precautions
There are chances of skin allergies.
13. Helichrysum Oil
People use this herbal oil for centuries to treat several conditions like allergies, digestive problems, and wounds (12).
Directions for Use
Mix 4 to 5 drops of Helichrysum oil to almond or avocado oil and apply this mixture around the anal opening.
Benefits
It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that help to relieve pain, irritation, and swelling associated with piles.
Precautions
The oil might cause sensitivity reactions in some people.
14. Patchouli Oil
This oil is rich in phytochemicals like eugenol, pinene, benzaldehyde, etc. that have many therapeutic properties (13).
Directions for Use
Massage a few drops of the oil on the affected area with your fingers.
Benefits
It has anti-inflammatory, astringent and laxative effects that help to manage the pain, inflammation and pressure problems caused by hemorrhoids.
Precautions
There are chances for allergic reactions.
15. Horse Chestnut Oil
Recent studies have thrown light into the benefits of horse chestnut oil in therapeutics.
Directions for Use
Add a few drops of horse chestnut oil to a carrier oil and gently apply on the affected area.
Benefits
It helps to reduce pain and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids (14).
Precautions
There are chances of skin allergy.
Precautions while using Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids
There are certain points to consider while using essential oils for managing hemorrhoids.
- Keep the anal region dry before applying the oil.
- Always dilute the oil before application.
- Consult a doctor if pain and swelling persist for more than a week.
- Do not use essential oil when there is heavy bleeding.
- Take care to use only authentic and approved essential oils for the treatment.