Ayurvedic Management of Piles - Home Remedies

What is Ayurvedic treatment?

Ayurveda, a traditional Hindu medicinal practice, originated in India and is now practiced globally. Recognized in the West as a complementary therapy, Ayurvedic medicine holistically addresses the mind, body, and spirit to restore balance and alleviate illness. Central to Ayurveda is the concept of three doshas—pitta (fire), vata (air), and kapha (water)—each influencing a person’s physical and emotional traits. The goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to balance these doshas through diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies. Hemorrhoids, swollen veins around the anus or rectum, cause symptoms like intense itching, painful swelling, bleeding during bowel movements, and irritation. Confirming a diagnosis with a doctor is crucial to rule out other conditions. While doctors may suggest over-the-counter remedies, serious cases require advanced treatment. Several Ayurvedic approaches, including herbal treatments and dietary adjustments, can also help manage hemorrhoids effectively, promoting natural healing and relief.

Hemorrhoid

A mass of dilated veins in swollen tissues at the margin of the anus or nearly within the rectum. Also called piles.

Hemorrhoids arise from congestion of the internal and/or external venous plexuses around the anal canal. They are extremely common in adults. Piles are associated with constipation and straining. It may develop for the first time in Pregnancy. The first-degree piles bleed, while second-degree piles prolapse but retract spontaneously. Third-degree piles are those that require manual replacement after prolapsing.

Causes:

Low-fiber diet, aging, chronic constipation, pregnancy, tumors in the pelvis. Obesity also increases the risk of piles. A diet rich in processed food and lacking in fiber, bouts of diarrhea, using laxatives, anal intercourse, straining during bowel movements - any of these could also give rise to Hemorrhoid.

Symptoms:

Pain, itching, pricking sensation, inflammation around the anal region, discomfort while passing stools with some degree of itching, bleeding through stools, a lump near the anus which may be painful, pruritus ani, and mucus discharge. Hemorrhoid symptoms depend on the location of the hemorrhoids.

Pruritus ani occurs due to Piles. Pruritus - localized or generalized itching due to irritation of sensory nerve endings from organic or psychogenic causes. Itching may be trivial or severe and results in an itch-scratch-itch cycle that exacerbates the problem.

Herbs to Treat Piles:

• Bombax malabaricum gum (Mochras)

  : Silk Cotton Tree. Styptic and astringent. Purified gum contains 8.9 % mineral matter and a considerable proportion of catechol tannin.

• Nymphaea stellata (Nilotpal)

  : Indian blue water lily. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory.

• Butcher’s Broom

  : Contains Ruscus aculeatus. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to shrink the piles.

• Contraindication

  : Do not give this with anticoagulants such as Warfarin. Sesamum indicum (Til) : Sesamum. Useful to treat Piles. A paste of seeds mixed with butter is used in bleeding piles.

• Horse chestnut

  : Can be used in the form of tea for piles. It can also be applied externally on the hemorrhoids with cotton balls. It should not be consumed in large quantities.

• White Oak Bark (Quercus alba)

  : Effective in treating bleeding and non-bleeding piles.

• Stone Root (Collinsonia Canadensis)

  : Especially effective in bleeding piles. Can be applied externally on hemorrhoids.

• Santalum album (Chandan)

  : The wood paste is applied externally to inflamed swellings, ulcers to relieve inflammation and Pruritus.

• Curcuma longa (Haldi)

  : Turmeric. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. It can be used in the ointment to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation of the anal region.

Natural Home Remedies for Piles:

In the initial stage of Hemorrhoid, Natural Remedies are very effective. So one should resort to these to try and avoid surgical intervention.

• Soak figs in a glass of water overnight. Eat the figs early in the morning.
• Take high-fiber food - beans, cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables like asparagus, cabbage.
• Take Carrot Juice daily.
• Avoid pickles, fried foods, oily and spicy food, red chili, excessive amounts of salt, eggplant.
• Do not sit on a hard surface for a long time.
• Drink Radish juice twice daily with a little bit of salt.
• A decoction of dried ginger (Zingiber officinale) twice daily is beneficial.
• Decoction of Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) before going to bed is advisable.
• Take the juice of green leaves of coriander.
• The juice of Bitter gourd is beneficial in hemorrhoids. It helps to stimulate peristaltic movements. If you have a problem with gasses, don’t take it.
• Eat cooked Rice with Buttermilk daily.
• Onion (Allium cepa) with sugar is advisable.
• Eat the fruit of Jambhul with salt.
• Take ginger juice, lime juice, and mint juice in equal parts. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to it. Take this once a day.
• Drinking buttermilk is very effective in piles. Add a bit of black pepper powder and cumin seed powder to it.
• For bleeding piles, take the powder of dried mango seeds with honey. Fiber shows a beneficial effect on hemorrhoids; it helps to relieve the problems of hemorrhoids and softens the stools. To get fiber, eat whole grains and plenty of vegetables.
• Bioflavonoids strengthen the blood vessels and relieve inflammation. They help to relieve pain and disorders of the anal region occurring at the time of an acute attack of hemorrhoids.
• The juice of Bitter gourd is beneficial in hemorrhoids. It helps to stimulate peristaltic movements. If you have a problem with gases, don’t take it.

External Use:

• A poultice made of sesame seeds can be applied over bleeding piles as an external treatment.
• A paste of the seeds of Sesamum indicum mixed with butter is used in bleeding piles.
• A hot poultice of dry Radish is a good application in non-bleeding piles.
• The enema of Wheat Grass Juice can be used as an enema in piles.
• Wear cotton underwear to prevent the accumulation of moisture.
• Apply some coconut oil on the affected area. It gives a soothing effect for a short period of time.
• Apply an ice pack on the anal region for about 10 minutes twice daily. Keep the anal region dry.
• Avoid soda beverages, beer, wine, coffee, oily, and spicy food.

Though I have mentioned the quantity of ingredients in some Natural Home Remedies, consult the Ayurvedic Physician for the quantity of ingredients and also for Natural Home Remedies before taking them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Hemorrhoids (Piles)

1. What is the strongest treatment for piles?

The strongest treatment for piles depends on their severity. For first- and second-degree piles, natural remedies like high-fiber diets, herbal treatments (e.g., Bombax malabaricum gum, turmeric, or horse chestnut), and lifestyle changes can be highly effective. For third-degree piles requiring manual replacement, medical interventions like rubber band ligation or, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Consult an Ayurvedic physician or doctor to determine the best approach for your condition.

2. Which is best for piles, homeopathy or Ayurveda?

Both homeopathy and Ayurveda offer effective treatments for piles, but their approaches differ. Ayurveda uses herbs like Nymphaea stellata, Curcuma longa, and Santalum album, along with dietary changes and natural remedies, to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Homeopathy focuses on individualized remedies to address symptoms like pain and bleeding. Ayurveda may be preferred for its holistic approach and emphasis on Piles and Fissures Ayurvedic Treatment and Medicines, but consult practitioners of both systems to find what suits you best.

3. What is the best medicine to remove piles?

No single medicine "removes" piles, but Piles and Fissures: Ayurvedic Treatment and Medicines like Bombax malabaricum gum (Mochras), Butcher’s Broom, and Sesamum indicum seed paste are effective for reducing symptoms and promoting healing. Turmeric ointments and horse chestnut tea can also help with inflammation and bleeding. For severe cases, medical procedures may be needed. Always consult an Ayurvedic physician or doctor before starting any treatment.

4. Does Triphala cure hemorrhoids?

Triphala, a blend of three fruits (including Haritaki), doesn’t directly "cure" hemorrhoids but can significantly relieve symptoms. Its laxative properties help soften stools, reduce straining, and alleviate constipation, a major cause of piles. Taking a decoction of Haritaki before bed, as mentioned in the remedies, supports bowel health and may prevent worsening of hemorrhoids. Consult an Ayurvedic physician for proper dosage.

5. How can you treat piles or haemorrhoids without surgery?

Treat Piles or Haemorrhoids Without Surgery is possible, especially in early stages. Natural remedies like soaking figs overnight, drinking radish or carrot juice, and using a high-fiber diet (e.g., beans, vegetables, whole grains) can soften stools and reduce straining. Herbal treatments such as sesame seed poultices, turmeric ointment, or wheatgrass juice enemas can relieve pain and inflammation. Lifestyle changes, like avoiding spicy foods and prolonged sitting, also help. Consult a doctor to monitor progress.

6. What are the best Piles and Fissures: Ayurvedic Treatment and Medicines?

Ayurvedic treatments for piles and fissures include herbs like Bombax malabaricum (astringent), Nymphaea stellata (anti-inflammatory), and Curcuma longa (turmeric) for pain and swelling relief. Remedies like sesame seed paste, radish poultices, and Haritaki decoctions are effective. External applications, such as coconut oil or Santalum album paste, soothe inflammation and pruritus. Always consult an Ayurvedic physician for personalized Piles and Fissures Ayurvedic Treatment and Medicines and proper dosages.

Author: Dr. Veena