17 Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids That Actually Help

A low-fiber diet is one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids. Adding more fiber to your meals can make bowel movements easier and reduce the strain that leads to swelling. It also helps soften stool, which means less irritation during bathroom trips.

Good sources include beans, lentils, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables—especially those with edible skins. If getting enough through food is tough, fiber supplements like psyllium husk can help fill the gap.

Making fiber a daily habit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent flare-ups and support healing.

Staying hydrated is essential for keeping things moving smoothly. When you don’t drink enough water, stools can harden, which makes bowel movements more difficult—and more painful if you already have hemorrhoids.

Drinking plenty of fluids helps soften stool and lowers the chances of straining. Aim for water as your go-to, but drinks like herbal tea or diluted fruit juice can also support hydration. If you’re prone to constipation, prune juice may offer a gentle push in the right direction.

Think of water as one of the easiest remedies you can reach for—no extra cost, no side effects, just better digestion and less discomfort.

Soaking in warm water can bring quick relief when hemorrhoids flare up. A sitz bath—basically a shallow basin that fits over the toilet—lets you target just the affected area without needing a full bath. The warm water helps relax the muscles, reduce swelling, and ease itching or pain.

You can buy a sitz bath at most pharmacies, or simply use a clean tub with a few inches of water. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes of soaking, especially after a bowel movement. No soap, no scrubbing—just warm water and time.

It’s a simple routine that can make a big difference in how you feel.

Cold therapy is a go-to for easing swelling and pain, and it works just as well for hemorrhoids. A cold compress can help shrink the veins and numb discomfort, especially during a flare-up.

Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a gel pack—just never place ice directly on the skin. Apply it to the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Some people find it more comfortable to lie on their stomachs while icing to avoid pressure.

It’s a quick, no-fuss way to take the edge off.

Sitting for long periods can make hemorrhoids worse—especially on hard surfaces. Using a cushion or donut-shaped pillow can reduce pressure on the area and make daily activities more comfortable.

These pillows are designed to relieve strain on sensitive tissues and promote better circulation. Even a soft couch pillow can help if you’re in a pinch.

Small change, big relief—especially if your job or routine keeps you sitting most of the day.

Sitting too long can aggravate hemorrhoids, especially if you’re already dealing with discomfort. Taking short walks throughout the day helps improve circulation and reduces pressure in the lower body.

If you work at a desk, set a reminder to stand up and stretch every hour. Even a quick lap around the room can make a difference. Movement also supports healthy digestion, which helps prevent constipation—a major trigger for hemorrhoids.

Staying active doesn’t mean hitting the gym—it just means not staying still for too long.

Ignoring the urge to go can backfire—literally. Waiting too long can make stools harder and drier, which increases the chances of straining when you finally do go. That pressure is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids.

If you feel the need, head to the bathroom right away. Building this habit helps keep bowel movements regular and reduces unnecessary stress on the rectal veins.

Your body gives you cues for a reason—listen to them.

When dealing with hemorrhoids, the way you clean yourself matters. Rough toilet paper, harsh soaps, or aggressive wiping can make symptoms worse. Try switching to moist wipes or a damp cloth instead of dry paper. Fragrance-free and alcohol-free products are best.

Wearing soft, breathable cotton underwear can also help reduce irritation. It’s all about lowering friction and giving the area a chance to heal.

Small changes in your routine can spare you a lot of discomfort.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential: keeping the area clean can help prevent further irritation and support healing. After a bowel movement, skip dry toilet paper and go for a gentler option—like unscented baby wipes, a soft cloth, or a quick rinse with warm water.

Fragranced soaps and alcohol-based wipes can do more harm than good, so it’s best to avoid them. Pat dry instead of rubbing to minimize friction.

When you’re dealing with a sensitive spot, a little kindness goes a long way.

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that’s long been used to soothe irritated skin—and it works especially well for hemorrhoids. It can help reduce inflammation, calm itching, and shrink swollen tissue.

Look for pure witch hazel in liquid form or medicated pads made for hemorrhoid care. To use it, soak a cotton pad and gently dab the area a few times a day.

It’s a simple, no-fuss remedy that brings noticeable relief for many people.

When irritation flares up, a cooling gel can make all the difference. Aloe vera is especially helpful—it’s anti-inflammatory, gentle, and easy to find at any drugstore.

Look for a pure, fragrance-free gel and apply a small amount with clean hands or a cotton pad. Just make sure it’s for external use only; aloe isn’t meant to be applied internally.

It won’t cure hemorrhoids, but it can definitely take the sting out of your day.

Surprisingly, a warm tea bag can double as a quick home remedy for hemorrhoids. Tea—especially black tea—is rich in tannins, which have natural astringent properties that may help shrink swollen tissue and ease discomfort.

Soak the tea bag in warm water, let it cool slightly, then gently press it against the affected area. The warmth soothes, and the tannins go to work.

It’s a low-cost option that’s already in most kitchen cabinets.

Coconut oil is more than a kitchen staple—it’s a natural anti-inflammatory with antibacterial properties, which makes it a useful remedy for irritated skin. When applied to external hemorrhoids, it can help soothe pain, reduce swelling, and keep the area moisturized.

Make sure to use virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil. Apply a small amount with clean hands or a cotton swab, and reapply as needed throughout the day.

It’s gentle, affordable, and easy to keep on hand for flare-ups.

Apple cider vinegar has a long history as a home remedy, and some people swear by it for hemorrhoid relief. Its natural acidity can help reduce itching and inflammation when used properly.

Dilute it with water before applying—straight vinegar can be too harsh on sensitive skin. Use a cotton ball to dab the area gently, or add a small amount to a warm sitz bath for a more diluted approach.

A little goes a long way here, so moderation is key.

Sometimes, a trip to the pharmacy can offer fast relief. Creams, ointments, and medicated wipes designed for hemorrhoids can help reduce itching, swelling, and pain. Many contain ingredients like hydrocortisone or witch hazel, which work to calm irritation.

Apply topical treatments with clean hands or a cotton pad, following the directions on the label. These products won’t cure hemorrhoids, but they can make the healing process a lot more bearable.

For stubborn symptoms, they’re a helpful part of the toolkit.

If you’re not getting enough fiber from food, psyllium husk is an easy way to bridge the gap. It’s a natural fiber supplement that helps soften stool and make bowel movements more regular—two things that go a long way in easing hemorrhoid symptoms.

You can mix it into water, smoothies, or take it in capsule form. Just be sure to drink plenty of fluids with it, or it can have the opposite effect.

When used consistently, it helps take the strain out of your routine.

Tight clothing, especially synthetic fabrics, can trap heat and moisture, making hemorrhoids more uncomfortable. Switching to loose-fitting clothes and breathable cotton underwear can help keep the area dry and reduce friction throughout the day.

Natural fibers allow better airflow, which supports healing and prevents irritation from getting worse. It’s a small wardrobe shift that can make a noticeable difference.

When comfort’s the goal, softer and looser usually wins.