Hemorrhoids are also called piles, they’re swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum that can cause bleeding, pain, swelling, itching, and irritation in the anus. Depending on the location, hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Although it is not fully understood yet, why hemorrhoids occur, factors such as pregnancy, aging, diarrhea, obesity, choice of diet, chronic constipation, anal intercourse, and heavy lifting could lead to its appearance.
Hemorrhoids can get better on their own, but sometimes they can lead to the formation of a painful blood clot which may require surgery to be removed. However, with the help of some anti-inflammatory essential oils, the swelling and pain caused by hemorrhoids can be treated, essentially, treating hemorrhoids as well. Here in this article, we’ve provided you with a list of some great essential oils for hemorrhoids, what they contain and how to use them.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEMORRHOIDS
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that kill bacteria reduce inflammation and promote healing. Using tea tree oil for hemorrhoids can help soothe pain, itching, and burning sensation due to swollen blood vessels. However, tea tree oil is strong to be used alone directly on the skin, especially the sensitive inflamed skin around hemorrhoids, so it is advised to mix it with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil.
2. Frankincense Oil
The use of frankincense to treat pain and inflammation goes way back, many centuries ago. Frankincense oil is a sticky resin extracted from a plant called Boswellia serrata. It has antimicrobial, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, and anti-cancer effects. It is also rich in monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohol, and esters, therefore, using it to treat hemorrhoids can give fast relief and reduce inflammation.
3. Cypress Oil
Cypress oil is an antimicrobial soothing and astringent essential oil for hemorrhoids. It can improve blood flow, and pain around the external hemorrhoid. Cypress oil is rich in pinene, careen, limonene, alpha-terpinolene, and other related terpenes which makes it effective for healing open or injured blood vessels quickly, and stopping bleeding from external hemorrhoids.
4. Juniper Oil
In ancient Turkey, juniper oil was used as medicine because of its antinociceptive, antioxidant, antiseptic, diuretic, analgesic, antirheumatic and antimicrobial properties. It contains alpha-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, and beta-pinene. Using this essential oil for hemorrhoids will help relieve pain, and bleeding while passing stool.
5. Myrtle Essential Oil
Some research has shown that essential oil from the myrtle plant can help treat pain, and bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. Myrtle oil notably has antimicrobial, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, lipolytic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, decongestant, antirheumatic, hemostatic, vulnerary, and digestive properties.
It contains bioactive compounds such as linalool, eucalyptol, pinene, terpineol, and geranyl acetate, which are effective in reducing inflammation of the veins that cause hemorrhoids to swell, softening the surrounding tissues and preventing bleeding.
6. Clove Essential Oil
It is an extract from the dry flower buds of a plant called Eugenia caryophyllata L. it contains caravacrol, thymol, eugenol,l, and cinnamaldehyde, which gives it its antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and insecticidal properties. Hence, clove essential oil can be used for hemorrhoids as it can promote healing and relieve pain and swelling.
7. Horse Chestnut Essential Oil
A 2012 research suggested that horse chestnut seed extract when used for hemorrhoids and varicose veins, may improve pain and reduce swelling. You shouldn’t however use this essential oil before any surgery, especially if you’re allergic to latex as it might slow blood clotting causing severe bleeding after the surgery.
8. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is a rich antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic agent that contains phytochemicals such as citronellol, linalool, cadinene, and germacrene D. it is a typical Chinese and Iranian medicine used to cure dysentery, inflammation, microbial infections, wounds, and cuts. Because of these properties, it could be used for hemorrhoids to reduce swelling and give maximum relief from pain and constipation.
9. Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
According to several studies, cinnamon bark essential oil stimulates healthy tissue growth and relieves inflammation. You’ll need to be extra careful in using cinnamon bark essential oil for hemorrhoids, especially if you have external hemorrhoids, and always mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil to give an anti-inflammatory effect.
10. Dill Oil
Dill oil has many uses. It is used in global cuisine as a flavoring agent, and also has several medicinal benefits. It contains carvone, limonene, and phallandrene, which gives it its analgesic effect and the carvone in it improves circulation. Applied topically, dill oil can be used to heal wounds. These properties make it a good essential oil for hemorrhoids, especially external hemorrhoids, as it can relieve pain and treat bleeding. Dill oil could also be mixed with tea tree, witch hazel, or cypress oil to make it a strong hemorrhoid-fighting oil, but always temper down with a carrier oil.
11. Peppermint Essential Oil
The soothing and anti-inflammatory effect of peppermint oil may help provide some relief around your anus and since it has shown to be an effective treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it could help with some symptoms of hemorrhoids such as constipation and will make bowel movements less painful.
12. Lavender Oil
Another essential oil for hemorrhoids is common for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. When massaged into the body, lavender oil soothes strained nerves, relieves soreness, and improves blood circulation. As such, lavender oil can be used to reduce the size and severity of hemorrhoids and also allows pain-free bowel movements when inhaled.
13. Sandalwood Essential Oil
It is a common treatment in Indian medicine. An excellent anti-inflammatory analgesic and antipyretic agent. Its cooling features (antipyretic) comes into play when it is applied to hemorrhoids, it helps to relieve the excruciating pain and also prevents infections.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEMORRHOIDS
Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquids extracted from plants and retain the natural smell, flavor, and volatile chemical of their source. They can be used to relieve pain and cramping, improve respiratory health and heal skin conditions. Improper use of essential oils may cause harm such as inflammation and skin irritation. It could also trigger an allergic reaction.
When using essential oils for hemorrhoids, ensure to dilute them in carrier oil before applying them to the skin. There are several carrier oils you can choose to use, from coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, castor oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil. Diluting essential oils with carrier oils minimizes the chances of any side effects such as itching and irritation.
After diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil, use a soft cloth or a cotton ball and dab it into the mixture. Gently massage the mixture on the rim of your anus or the inflamed area. For people with sensitive skin, using essential oils for hemorrhoids topically might not be a good idea. Essential oils can still provide an anti-inflammatory effect when inhaled, so consider using them in aromatherapy instead. Apply a few drops of essential oil on a tissue or in a diffuser and inhale.
Essential oils for hemorrhoids could also be used as suppositories if your doctor recommends it. An essential oil suppository diluted with a carrier oil is a therapeutic delivery system that is inserted into the rectum, where it melts and offers to heal. According to drug delivery research done by the National Institute of Health, the colon is highly absorptive, hence suppositories have several advantages over other delivery methods.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEMORRHOIDS SIDE EFFECTS
Essential oils can be toxic, therefore not recommended to be taken orally. Using essential oils for hemorrhoids carries comes with the risk of toxicity, especially when not used properly.
Essential oils for hemorrhoids may cause:
- Prolong pain and swelling
- Lumps inside your anus that appear to be growing
- Severe bleeding from your anus
- Chronis and recurring constipation
PRECAUTIONS
- When using essential oils for hemorrhoids, always make sure the area is kept clean and dry
- Essential oils are topical treatments for external hemorrhoids, unless you’re using a suppository as approved by your doctor, never use essential oils for internal hemorrhoids.
- Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before use
- Don’t apply too many essential oils to the surrounding tissues and wash vigorously. This will damage the tissues and make you more susceptible to infections.
- Unless approved by your doctor, don’t take essential oils orally. They are toxic compounds and not monitored by the FDA.
- If you begin to notice any side effects of using essential oils, stop the treatment and notify your doctor immediately.
- Don’t peel off the skin surrounding hemorrhoid, as that will increase your pain and make you more prone to infections.
CONCLUSIONS
Essential oils have been used to treat several kinds of diseases due to their rich nature in antioxidants, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When used properly, in the right dose, and under medical supervision, essential oils can be effective in treating hemorrhoids. Always remember to dilute essential oils with carrier oils before use, to minimize side effects.