Hemorrhoid, also called piles, is a health condition that occurs when the veins in the rectum and anus become protruding and swollen. It can happen as a result of chronic diarrhea, low fiber intake, constipation, heavy lifting, and sometimes after pregnancy, women experience hemorrhoids due to strained bowel movements.
The sad part is, hemorrhoids is extremely painful and uncomfortable, so it's no wonder why people try different home remedies to treat it.
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is known for a lot of health benefits, but what's its relationship in the treatment of hemorrhoid?
Is there scientific evidence that talks about the efficacy of taking Epsom salt baths to calm symptomatic hemorrhoids and reduce inflammation?
Keep reading!
Do Epsom Salt Help Hemorrhoids?
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) consists of magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur. Magnesium is very effective in reducing inflammation, so when you soak in an Epsom salt bath the inflammation reduces, plus you'll get immediate relief.
Epsom salt bath for hemorrhoids is not a solution, but a temporary pain relief pending when you can find a permanent remedy. Depending on how severe the hemorrhoid is, you might need to undergo surgery, so speak to your doctor first, and be certain you aren't wasting your time trying out other home remedies as well.
Some individuals argue that Epsom salt bath can treat mild hemorrhoids, but there's no scientific backing, however, there's no harm in trying.
Can Soaking in Epsom Salt Baths Shrink Hemorrhoids?
Epsom salt baths don't shrink or treat hemorrhoids, however, it tackles the symptoms.
Also, make sure you are not confusing table salt (sodium chloride) with Epsom salt, because they are both very different, and the reason why we recommend Epsom salt is its magnesium contents.
For instance, soaking in an Epsom salt bath can soothe inflammation of the affected area, thereby providing relief. You can use Epsom salt if you need instant relief from the burning sensation you are always feeling.
Naturally, a warm water soak calms symptomatic hemorrhoids, but to speed up the healing process, add Epsom salt to your warm bath and soak for about 30 minutes.
How To Use Epsom Salt for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid symptoms include rectal bleeding after bowel movement, discomfort, itching, and an inflamed anal area. Adding Epsom salts to warm water and taking a quick soak can help with external hemorrhoids and prevent further irritation.
The best part about this is that you can use Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) for hemorrhoids in different ways.
Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt bath is just like your regular bath, only with the inclusion of Epsom salts. Here's how to do it;
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Fill your hot tub with enough warm water
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Pour two cups of Epsom salt into the water
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Slowly dip yourself into the bathtub, making sure your anal area is well immersed in the water
After you are done, pat dry your skin and apply your body lotion. This Epsom bath will offer relief and not make the problem worse. However, if you are having any health condition, consult your healthcare provider before trying this procedure. Some natural treatments aren't recommended for certain individuals, so be sure you are cleared by your physician.
Epsom Salt and Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is commonly known for its antioxidant properties. It not only helps reduce swelling but pain as well.
There have been some speculations that lavender oil can help shrink hemorrhoid, but there's no solid evidence for this.
So, adding lavender oil to your Epsom bath for hemorrhoids should help relieve pain and reduce itching.
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Pour enough water into your bathtub, make sure it's hot but not enough to scald your skin
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Add 20 drops of lavender oil and one cup of Epsom salt
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Stir gently to dissolve all the ingredients
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Soak for about 20 minutes, or until the pain subsides
This remedy is one of the most natural home remedies in relieving pain that comes from hemorrhoids, plus it's even considered a relaxation bath.
Epsom Salt and Glycerin Paste
Glycerin is used to relieve discomfort and irritation, the same as witch hazel. So, mixing it in your bath water will help in treating some of the symptoms of hemorrhoid. You can purchase glycerin from most grocery stores.
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Mix 4 spoons of vegetable glycerin with 4 tablespoons of Epsom salt
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Ensure you stir the mixture properly until it forms a paste
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Apply a generous amount of the paste on a clean gauze pad
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Place the gauze pad on the anal area and let it sit for about 15 minutes
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Repeat this process thrice a day for about two weeks
While this may provide temporary relief, it's not a solution. So, we suggest you still follow up with your doctor for additional treatments.
How to Make an Epsom Salt Paste for Piles
Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties, and it's perfectly safe for topical application.
You can make an Epsom salt paste for hemorrhoids using aloe vera, here's how;
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Get a small bowl or basin and pour aloe vera gel
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Add Epsom salt (2 tablespoons)
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Mix it well until it forms a paste
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Apply the mixture to the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes
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Wash off using warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth
Note that you don't need to apply pressure when rubbing the paste, so you don't risk making that area swell or irritated
How to Make an Epsom Salt Compress for Piles
Not everyone loves the concept of using paste or baths to treat hemorrhoids, and we totally understand.
You can get similar relief from using a compress, as they all have the same ingredients, so the purpose and results will be the same.
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Mix three tbs of glycerine and two cups of Epsom salt inside half a gallon of water
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Stir well, until all particles are completely dissolved
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Get a soft cloth and dip it inside the mixture and wring out the excess water
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Apply directly to your anal area. Try to avoid contact with your genitals (especially for women)
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You can stop when you notice you don't feel any sharp pain
Using Epsom Salt In Sitz Baths for Hemorrhoids
Sitz bath is perfect for patients who don't buy the idea of a full bath soak. A sitz bath is a small tub, about the size of your toilet seat, but it's large enough to accommodate your genitals and anal area.
How to use Epsom salt in a sitz bath;
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Add enough warm water into your sitz bath
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Pour in one cup of Epsom salt
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Lower the affected area (anal area) into the sitz bath and soak for 15 minutes
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No scrubbing when using a sitz bath to prevent more irritation
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Rinse off with cool water when you are done
Sitz bath is perfect in the treatment of inflammation caused as a result of the piles, and generally, doctors recommend this remedy to patients who have mild hemorrhoids.
How Long to Soak Hemorrhoids in Epsom Salt?
Using Epsom salt for hemorrhoids may cause rectal bleeding and itching when not done in moderation.
10 to 15 minutes of putting Epsom salts on the affected area is enough to provide relief. If you are adding it to your bathtub, a maximum of 30 minutes is enough, so you don't complicate your condition.
Home treatments are natural, but you need a "go-ahead" from your doctor.
Using Epsom creams and ointment might subside the burning sensation, and ease the pain.
Important Risks and Precautions You Should Know
If you experience itching after using Epsom salts, then discontinue usage. Also, if you notice any additional swelling or the pain doesn't subside, don't repeat.
Always seek advice from your doctor before using Epsom salts for hemorrhoids.
Don't ingest Epsom salts because it contains a high level of amount magnesium, and can cause magnesium overdose. This is very risky as it might lead to heart problems, paralysis, and in worse-case scenarios, death.
Hemorrhoids share symptoms with other health conditions, so be certain of what you have before commencing treatment with Epsom salts. If you notice blood in your stool, it's best to visit your doctor for a check-up.
Conclusion
Treating hemorrhoids is no child's play, and it can become really frustrating when there's only temporary relief; however people always try even the worst home remedies to get two seconds of normalcy.
Lifestyle changes can have a huge impact in treating piles and combined with Epsom salts, you should notice great changes.
You can try out the lavender set from bodyandearth, as it contains products that'll make your Epsom salt bath more complete and relaxing.
