Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

The most useful home remedies for hemorrhoids are eating more fiber, avoiding straining on the toilet, and drinking enough fluid.

These measures can make bowel movements easier, while other approaches may provide temporary comfort. For hydration ideas, see the best drinks for hemorrhoids.

8 home remedies for hemorrhoids

The ai symptom analyzer can help you organize symptoms to discuss with a clinician; it cannot diagnose hemorrhoids or determine the cause of rectal bleeding.

1. Eat more fiber

Fiber helps soften stool and make it easier to pass, which can reduce straining and irritation around hemorrhoids. It is especially useful when constipation is part of the problem, though it is not an instant pain reliever.

Add fiber gradually through foods such as beans, oats, whole grains, fruit and vegetables. If food alone is not enough, ask a pharmacist or clinician whether a fiber supplement such as psyllium is suitable; follow the package directions and take it with the recommended fluid.

Evidence: Fiber has stronger support than most other home measures for improving hemorrhoid symptoms, although it does not help everyone. A 2025 review of hemorrhoid management discusses conservative care alongside office-based and surgical treatments; it does not establish that any single home remedy works for every person.

Increase fiber slowly to limit gas or bloating. If you take medication, ask a pharmacist whether a fiber supplement needs to be taken at a different time.

2. Avoid straining on the toilet

Straining increases pressure on the veins around the anus and can aggravate hemorrhoids. Sitting on the toilet for a long time can also add pressure, even if you are not actively pushing.

Go when you feel the urge rather than routinely delaying a bowel movement. Sit comfortably, keep your feet supported and avoid holding your breath or forcing stool out; a small footstool may make positioning easier.

If nothing happens, get up and try again later rather than staying seated and straining. Keeping your phone or reading material away from the toilet may make it easier to avoid a long visit.

Evidence: Reducing straining is a standard practical recommendation, but it is difficult to separate its effect from changes in fiber, fluid intake and other habits. It may help prevent irritation without immediately shrinking hemorrhoids.

3. Drink enough fluid

Adequate fluid supports normal bowel function and helps fiber do its job. It may be particularly helpful if you are constipated or are increasing fiber, but drinking more than you need is not a proven treatment for hemorrhoids.

Drink water regularly and with meals, and have enough fluid that you are not routinely thirsty. If you use a fiber supplement, follow its fluid instructions rather than taking it dry.

Evidence: Hydration is a sensible part of constipation care, but evidence that extra water alone improves hemorrhoids is limited. The amount needed varies with activity, climate, health and other factors.

Do not force large amounts of water. If you have heart or kidney disease, or have been told to limit fluids, follow your clinician's advice about how much to drink.

4. Soak in warm water

A warm sitz bath can soothe discomfort and help you clean the area without rubbing. It may make sitting or passing stool more comfortable, but it should not be expected to remove hemorrhoids.

Fill a clean bathtub or sitz-bath basin with comfortably warm, not hot, water. Soak the affected area for about 10–15 minutes, then gently pat dry with a soft towel; repeat as needed, including after a bowel movement.

Plain water is sufficient. Avoid adding fragrances, essential oils or harsh soaps, which can irritate sensitive skin, and clean the basin after use.

Evidence: Warm-water soaking is widely recommended for symptom relief, but direct evidence for a lasting effect on hemorrhoids is limited. If heat makes pain worse or the skin becomes irritated, stop and seek advice.

5. Use an appropriate nonprescription product

Some nonprescription hemorrhoid creams or ointments can temporarily ease itching or discomfort. A protective ointment may also reduce friction against irritated external skin, but these products do not address the cause of constipation or replace an examination when one is needed.

Choose a product labeled for hemorrhoids and follow its directions, including whether it is intended for external or internal use. Ask a pharmacist for help if you are unsure which product is suitable or take other medicines.

Hydrocortisone products can reduce itching, but use them only as directed and do not use them for longer than 1 week unless a clinician advises it. Stop using any product that causes a rash, burning or worsening irritation.

Evidence: These products may provide short-term symptom relief, but their benefits and ingredients vary. Evidence for many herbal preparations is less clear: a review of traditional medicinal plants noted a lack of human studies for the herbs it discussed, so a natural label is not proof of effectiveness or safety.

6. Try a wrapped cold compress

A cold compress may temporarily numb soreness and reduce the sensation of swelling around external hemorrhoids. It is a comfort measure rather than a way to resolve the underlying problem.

Wrap a cold pack or some ice in a clean, soft cloth and place it against the outside of the area. Use it briefly, remove it if it feels uncomfortable, and allow the skin to warm before applying it again.

Never put ice directly on the skin or leave a cold pack in place while sleeping, because cold can injure skin. If the pain is severe or a painful lump appears suddenly, contact a clinician rather than relying on a compress.

Evidence: Cold is commonly used for temporary discomfort, but good evidence that a cold compress treats hemorrhoids is limited. Its main role is short-term relief.

7. Clean gently and keep the area dry

Rubbing or repeated wiping can further irritate the skin around hemorrhoids. Gentle cleaning may make the area more comfortable, particularly after a bowel movement.

Rinse with lukewarm water or use soft, damp toilet paper, then pat rather than rub the area dry. Choose unscented products and avoid alcohol-containing or fragranced wipes if they sting or irritate your skin.

Wear comfortable underwear and change out of damp clothing when practical. You do not need to scrub the area or use disinfectants; more vigorous cleaning can make irritation worse.

Evidence: Gentle skin care is a practical way to limit further irritation, but it has not been well established as a treatment that shrinks hemorrhoids. Seek advice if a rash or soreness continues despite changing products.

8. Move regularly

Regular movement can support bowel function and may help if inactivity contributes to constipation. It can complement fiber and fluid, although exercise alone is not a proven cure for hemorrhoids.

Choose an activity you can comfortably do, such as walking, and build it into your usual routine. If you sit for long periods, take opportunities to get up and move rather than remaining seated continuously.

Avoid holding your breath or straining during exercise. If a particular activity or heavy lift makes symptoms worse, modify it and ask a clinician for guidance if discomfort persists.

Evidence: Physical activity is a reasonable general measure for bowel health, but direct evidence for treating existing hemorrhoids is limited. It should not delay assessment of bleeding or significant pain.

When should you see a doctor for hemorrhoids?

Contact a clinician if you have rectal bleeding, even if you think hemorrhoids are the cause. Other conditions can also cause bleeding, and a clinician can decide whether an examination or tests are needed. Arrange an appointment if symptoms are worsening, keep returning, or have not improved after about 1 week of home care.

Seek urgent medical care for substantial or continuous bleeding, bleeding with dizziness or fainting, black or tarry stools, or severe pain accompanied by fever. A suddenly very painful anal lump also deserves prompt assessment; some treatments are time-sensitive.

Ask a clinician before using medicines or supplements for hemorrhoids if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if a child has symptoms. Also seek advice if you take blood thinners or have a condition that affects bleeding, because bleeding needs particular attention; do not stop prescribed medication on your own.

If home care is not enough, a clinician can discuss other options, including office-based treatment. Do not assume persistent symptoms are harmless or keep trying remedies indefinitely.