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Hemorrhoids aren’t exactly a dinner-table topic, but if you’ve ever dealt with them, you know how frustrating they can be. Whether it’s the dull ache after sitting too long or that sudden sting during a trip to the bathroom, hemorrhoids can throw off your whole day.

These swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus are more common than most people think. They can be internal or external, mild or seriously uncomfortable—and while they’re rarely dangerous, they can be a real pain, literally and emotionally. Itching, burning, bleeding, and irritation are just a few of the symptoms that tend to crop up, often without warning.

Hemorrhoids can show up for a number of reasons: straining during bowel movements, sitting too long, pregnancy, or even a low-fiber diet. And while the symptoms can be alarming, especially at first, the good news is that most cases can be managed right at home.

You don’t always need a prescription or procedure to find relief. There are simple remedies—some as basic as changing your sitting position or adding more water to your day—that can ease symptoms and promote healing. From over-the-counter creams to household items you probably already have in your kitchen, these tips can help reduce swelling, soothe irritation, and make everyday life more manageable.

Whether you’re dealing with your first flare-up or looking for better ways to stay comfortable long-term, here are a few home remedies that may help you feel better and get back to your routine—minus the discomfort.

Add Some Fiber

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.

A variety of high-fiber foods including apples, pears, avocados, spinach, peas, whole grains, and whole grain bread are arranged on a wooden surface with a small sign labeled “FIBER.” A low-fiber diet is one of the most common causes of hemorrhoids

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Drink More Fluids

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.

Aluminium bottle of water in a desk at office with sticky notes message “drink more water.” Staying hydrated is essential for keeping things moving smoothly and helps prevent hemorrhoids.

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Take a Sitz Bath

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.

A sitz bath setup placed on a toilet, filled with warm water and connected to a blue rubber bulb for irrigation. Sitz baths are commonly used to relieve discomfort from hemorrhoids and promote healing.

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Apply Cold Compresses

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.

A person placing ice cubes into a blue cold compress bag. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and numb pain, providing relief from hemorrhoids

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Use a Pillow

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.

A gray memory foam cushion with an ergonomic cut-out design. Special pillows like this can help relieve pressure when sitting, offering comfort and support for people with hemorrhoids.

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Move Around

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.

Person walking through a sunlit park during autumn. Staying active and avoiding sitting for long periods can help prevent or reduce the discomfort of hemorrhoids.

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Go When You Feel the Urge

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.

Person sitting on a toilet with toilet paper nearby. Delaying bowel movements can lead to harder stools and straining, a major cause of hemorrhoids.

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Be Gentle

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.

Person holding a cactus near their lower back, symbolizing hemorrhoid pain. Using rough toilet paper or harsh products can worsen symptoms—opt for gentle, fragrance-free wipes or a damp cloth.

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Keep Things Clean Back There

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.

Close-up of a hand pulling out an unscented wipe from a package. For hemorrhoid relief, skip dry toilet paper and use gentle options like baby wipes, soft cloths, or warm water rinses.

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Witch Hazel

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.

A brown bottle labeled “Witch Hazel” against a blue background. Witch hazel is a natural astringent often used to soothe skin irritation and can help relieve hemorrhoid discomfort.

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Aloe Vera or Soothing Gel

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.

Close-up of a cut aloe vera leaf with gel dripping from it. Aloe vera gel, when pure and fragrance-free, can soothe external hemorrhoid irritation—apply gently with clean hands or a cotton pad.

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Tea Bags

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.

A person dips a tea bag into a glass cup of hot tea. Warm black tea bags can be used as a home remedy for hemorrhoids, as the tannins in tea have natural astringent properties that may reduce swelling and discomfort.

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Coconut Oil

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.

A glass bottle of coconut oil sits on a cloth with fresh coconut pieces and leaves in the background. When applied to external hemorrhoids, coconut oil can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and keep the area moisturized.

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Apple Cider Vinegar

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.

A bottle of apple cider vinegar sits beside fresh red apples and a wooden crate on a bright kitchen counter. Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy believed to reduce hemorrhoid itching and inflammation due to its natural acidity.

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Over-the-Counter Treatments

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.

A person holds hemorrhoid suppositories in their hand, one unwrapped and two still in packaging. Over-the-counter treatments like these can help relieve itching, swelling, and pain, often with ingredients such as hydrocortisone or witch hazel.

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Psyllium Husk

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.

A hand sprinkles psyllium husk from a spoon into a glass of water, with a small bowl of the supplement nearby. Psyllium husk is a natural fiber that can help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements, offering relief for hemorrhoid symptoms.

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Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

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.

A person wearing loose-fitting gray sweatpants and white sneakers walks on an outdoor track. Loose clothing helps reduce friction and keeps the area dry, offering relief from hemorrhoid discomfort.

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This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.