In the past, most health experts have frowned upon coconut oil for its high-density saturated fat.
However, many recent studies have glorified the numerous health benefits of using coconut oil as part of the diet and for medicinal purposes. And here we are about to see the benefits and uses of coconut oil to manage hemorrhoids.
A study published in 2017 in The Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal affirmed coconut oil’s high levels of polyphenols and fatty acid components as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Currently, this oil is classified as a “superfood.”
The health benefits of this oil include weight loss, skin health, hair health, better brain function, therapeutic power, and many more.
Coconut oil is also a natural remedy for relieving piles symptoms.
This oil can be easily integrated with other natural remedies for hemorrhoids, like:
- Witch hazel,
- Psyllium husk,
- Epsom salts,
- Glycerin,
- Apple cider vinegar,
- Aloe vera,
- Tea tree oil,
- Sitz baths,
- Essential oils.
This article will focus exclusively on using coconut oil to eliminate hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids: An Overview
Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the rectum or around the anus. Inflamed hemorrhoids are also known as piles.
Pile formation is characterized by symptomatic enlargement and abnormal downward displacement of anal tissues or tissues in the lower part of the rectum.
External hemorrhoids cause terrible discomfort, including severe pain, swelling, itching, bleeding, swollen veins, and the formation of lumps.
Internal hemorrhoids cause mild pain and bleeding.
This condition is not a serious disease, yet the pain and discomfort caused by them are terrible.
It usually heals on its own in 2 to 3 weeks.
However, severe inflammation and pain caused by hemorrhoids may require proper medication or surgery to remove the bulging lumps and displaced anal tissues.
The exact reasons for this disease are unclear.
Usually, heavy pressure and exertions impact delicate blood vessels in the rectum and arse, leading to inflammation.
Increased pressure on blood vessels in the anus may happen because of the following:
- Pregnancy,
- Old age,
- Hereditary factors,
- Regularly lifting heavy objects,
- A persistent cough or vomiting,
- Long hours of sitting down daily,
- Frequent indigestion and difficult bowel movements.
Piles can be easily treated and cured within 2 weeks. Some of the common remedies for piles are:
- Eating fiber-rich foods
- Suppositories and external remedies
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Prescription pills and ointments
- Over-the-counter medications
- Natural remedies
- Surgical process
- Necessary changes in lifestyle habits
- Healthy diets
- Regular exercises
Does Coconut Oil Help Treat Hemorrhoids
There have been a lot of discussions on the effectiveness of CO in healing inflammatory diseases.
The therapeutic potential of this oil can certainly be beneficial in reducing some of the symptoms of piles.
The palm-nut oil is naturally endowed with several healing properties, which include:
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hepatoprotective
- Antidermatophytic
- Immunostimulant
- Antioxidant.
This oil also contains micronutrients and medium-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for health in multiple ways.
Some of the recent research on this oil has indicated several health benefits associated with it.
It supports healthy hearts, lowers bad cholesterol, prevents blood clots, prevents inflammatory diseases, improves diabetes, and helps in weight loss.
This oil builds muscles, kills bacteria, prevents Alzheimer’s disease, protects organ function, improves digestion, balances hormones, and treats inflammation and arthritis.
Overall, improved health conditions brought about by it are truly beneficial for preventing inflammatory diseases like piles.
Improved digestion induced by this oil prevents indigestion and improves smooth bowel movements.
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil help with irritable bowel syndrome and digestive disorders, which is beneficial for preventing inflammatory issues.
The lauric acid in it is a powerful antimicrobial agent that can heal and prevent possible microbial infections in cuts, bruises, and wounds on the body.
It can heal the open wounds and eruptions caused by the breakage of tissues and blood vessels in the arsehole due to swollen tissues.
The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can help soothe and heal inflamed veins and tissues from piles. It also provides relief from pain and reduces swelling.
How To Use Coconut Oil For Hemorrhoids
To treat hemorrhoids conditions, you can use it in different ways:
- topical application,
- diet,
- suppository,
- with garlic ointment,
- with turmeric,
- in lemon juice,
- with aloe vera balm,
- with cider vinegar.
1. Topically apply coconut oil
Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help to contain and heal inflamed hemorrhoids faster.
Excessive rubbing to clean the affected area can make the inflammation more painful and cause bleeding.
Do not use harsh soap or body wash to cleanse the affected area. Suppose possible to use Balneol as a gentle cleansing solution to cleanse it.
Clean the anal area with a witch hazel pad, a soothing baby wipe, cotton cloths soaked in warm water, or a gentle cleansing solution like Balneal.
After cleaning, apply the extra virgin coconut oil with the help of a cotton ball to the inflamed area of the skin in the anus.
Repeat the topical application of the oil 3 times a day.
The topical application of coconut oil for hemorrhoids works best if you can use it after cleaning hemorrhoids with witch hazel water or a pad.
2. Include coconut oil in your diet
Getting rid of constipation or indigestion is key to preventing the possible occurrence and faster healing of piles.
When this oil is ingested as part of your diet, it improves digestion and may help prevent indigestion or constipation.
Based on body size, an average adult of 150 lbs can consume up to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil daily.
Use this oil for cooking, as a salad dressing, or as an ingredient in the dishes you prepare.
You can also eat one tablespoon of it at a time.
Adding this oil to a cup of green tea or smoothies is also a wonderful option, also you can eat it raw.
3. Coconut oil suppository
A suppository is a solid medical preparation in a roughly conical or cylindrical shape, designed to be inserted into the rectum or vagina to dissolve.
A suppository made of coconut oil can be used to get relief from the manifestation of hemorrhoids.
To prepare the suppository, heat the oil at 70 degrees Celsius and cool it down until it turns into a semi-solid state.
Transfer the oil to aluminum foil or wax paper and roll it into a thick, pencil-like shape.
Keep the oil wrapped in wax paper in the freezer for 20 minutes or until it turns stiff; then remove the wrapper and insert the suppository into the rectum.
Do the coconut suppository treatment for hemorrhoids twice a day.
4. Coconut oil and garlic ointment
Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family.
It is high in a sulfur compound called allicin, a potential ingredient for treating inflammatory issues and microbial infections.
Garlic helps boost blood flow to irritated skin and veins in the orifice, which is beneficial for faster healing of hemorrhoids.
Prepare a garlic paste with 5 cloves and mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with the paste.
Chill the mixture in the freezer to turn it into a thick ointment.
After cleaning the piles, apply the garlic ointment in and around the arsehole.
Repeat the ointment application three times a day to get fast relief from the symptoms of piles.
5. Coconut oil and turmeric ointment
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant because of its curcumin compound.
Applying an ointment made of coconut oil and turmeric paste can give quick relief from the symptoms of piles.
Take a fresh turmeric root weighing about 20 grams and grind it into a paste-like consistency.
Mix one tablespoon of coconut oil with the turmeric paste and freeze the mixture for 10 minutes.
After cleansing the hemorrhoids-affected area, apply the turmeric ointment twice or thrice daily.
6. Lemon juice and coconut oil blend
Lemon juice contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and nutrient necessary to produce collagen.
Lemon juice also helps to repair and strengthen the capillaries and blood vessels damaged by piles.
Using a blend of coconut oil and lemon juice aids in alleviating the pain and tingling resulting from piles. Use this blend externally.
Take a fresh lemon, squeeze out the juice into a bowl, and mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
After cleansing the swollen area, apply the lemon and coconut oil balm to the hemorrhoids three times a day.
7. Aloe vera and coconut oil balm
The anti-inflammatory healing properties of Aloe Vera may help soothe the inflammation of hemorrhoids.
Aloe Vera gel effectively reduces pain, itching, and irritation caused by piles.
Take an ounce of fresh gel extracted from an aloe vera leaf and mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in it; blend it properly to prepare the balm.
After cleansing the hemorrhoids-affected area, you can apply the Aloe Vera balm three times a day.
8. Apple cider vinegar and coconut oil blend
Cider vinegar and coconut oil are useful for healing both internal and external hemorrhoids.
A combined mixture of ACV and coconut oil reduces pain, itching, swelling, and irritation caused by piles.
Take an ounce of ACV and add 1 tablespoon of oil to it.
Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply the treatment to the piles.
Keep applying the blend until it is properly absorbed into the hurt tissues in and around the anus.
Repeat the treatment twice a day to achieve fast relief from hemorrhoids.
Please use organic apple cider vinegar with less than 5% acid content.
Other Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
Home treatment for hemorrhoids can be done with any of the oil blends listed above.
This oil can certainly do a good job of helping you recover very quickly from the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
There are also a few other excellent alternative treatments for piles worth trying.
Applying witch hazel extract in liquid form can help with the fast healing of hemorrhoids. The natural astringent properties in witch hazel will reduce the inflammation and itching from piles.
Use Aloe Vera gel to clean the bruised tissues around the arse.
A sitz bath with aloe vera and witch hazel extracts is another great option for treating piles.
You can also use essential oils like peppermint and ginger to calm the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Warm sitz baths with Epsom salt can help soothe the irritation from hemorrhoids. It is especially beneficial for hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
Use a squatting stool when you go to the toilet for excretion, as this helps to make bowel movements smooth and strain-free.
Eat many more fiber-rich foods and fruits to promote faster healing from hemorrhoids.
The Final Thought
Coconut oil for piles is a powerful natural cure.
Using this oil as part of your diet improves your digestive system and reduces constipation and indigestion.
The amino acids in coconut oil work as anti-inflammatory ingredients to heal the symptoms of piles.
Coconut oil also can be used along with other natural remedies to boost the faster healing of hemorrhoids in children and adults.
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