How to Use Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids

Using essential oils for hemorrhoids (piles) may help relieve their pain and itchiness. Just remember it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider. Definitely see your doctor if you have bleeding.

These swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus are most commonly caused by straining during bowel movements, which increases the pressure in the veins.

Anatomy of Hemorrhoids

To help prevent hemorrhoids, avoid constipation and having to strain by getting enough fiber in your diet and drinking plenty of water. Stool softeners are also an option.

To reduce itching, you can use cotton swabs or pads to apply witch hazel to hemorrhoids. Also, don't scratch, and do use unscented wet wipes instead of toilet tissue with perfumes or colors.

Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoid Relief

Another suggestion is to sit in a warm sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes. You can add essential oils if desired. Judith Jackson, aromatherapist and author of Scentual Touch: A Personal Guide to Aromatherapy recommends mixing 20 drops lavender and 20 drops juniper essential oils into a shallow, hot bath and soaking for 10 minutes.

Essential Oils For Healing suggests this hemorrhoid sitz bath:

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 2 tablespoons evening primrose oil
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 2 tablespoons unscented liquid castile soap
• 1 drop cypress essential oil
• 1 drop frankincense essential oil
• 1 drop lavender essential oil
• 1 drop roman chamomile essential oil

1. Put the Epsom salt in a large glass bowl.
2. Mix in the carrier oils and castile soap.
3. Stir in the essential oils.
4. Fill a tub with 4 to 5 inches of warm water, making sure it's not too hot for you.
5. Stir in the Epsom salt mixture.
6. Sit in the bath with your bottom immersed and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Rinse yourself and the tub when finished.

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy suggests 4 drops of geranium essential oil in a sitz bath. Afterwards, dry the area and apply a little of the following blend:

• 15 drops geranium essential oil
• 10 drops cypress essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 teaspoons carrier oil

Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids

Here's how to make an oil, cream, wipes, or compress for hemorrhoid relief.

Hemorrhoid Oil

The Essential Oils Desk Reference suggests this blend of essential oils for hemorrhoids:

• 3 drops cypress essential oil
• 2 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 10 drops myrtle essential oil
• 15 drops carrier oil
  

Apply 3 to 5 drops as needed. It may sting a little — if it stings too much, add more carrier oil to the blend.

Hemorrhoid Cream Recipe

To make a hemorrhoid cream:

• 3 drops cypress essential oil
• 3 drops geranium essential oil
• 3 drops juniper essential oil
• 1 drop myrrh essential oil
• 3 tablespoons unscented moisturizing cream or aloe vera gel

Mix essential oils into cream or gel. Apply as needed.

Source: Massage & Aromatherapy: Simple Techniques to Use at Home

Hemorrhoid Aloe Wipes

From Hands-On Healing Remedies:

• 1/2 cup aloe vera juice
• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 75 drops lavender essential oil
  

Combine all ingredients in a dark bottle and shake well to blend. Store in cool, dark place.

To use: Shake. Soak a square cosmetic cotton pad with the wash. Wipe affect area. Use up to five times a day.

Hemorrhoid Compress

To make a compress with aromatherapy oils for hemorrhoids:

• 3 drops helichrysum essential oil
  
• 3 drops roman chamomile essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop neroli essential oil
• 2 tablespoons distilled witch hazel
• Jar of witch hazel or aloe vera wipes

1. Blend the essential oils and witch hazel.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons of the blend into the jar of wipes. 
3. Use a wipe as a compress.

Source: Essential Oils & Aromatherapy for Dummies

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Image Credit: WikipedianProlific and Mikael Häggström [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons