Some women will utilise natural therapies to help them deal with their haemorrhoids. One common treatment is making a paste of baking soda and water (or applying it dry like a powder) to the area to help relieve the itchiness. Another soothing method is filling a latex rubber glove with water, tying off the fingers and freezing them, to make small ice fingers for the area. These are also helpful for the initial swelling of the perineum, especially if stitches were required. (Only leave ice fingers on for short periods, 30 minutes to an hour at a time, and then have a break for an hour or two. Constant ice on the area can reduce blood flow needed for healing.)
The following is a guide to other treatments you can explore. Check these with your caregiver.
Herbal. Herbalists may suggest applying witch hazel ointment, or pouring liquid witch hazel onto a small gauze pad and then applying it to the area as a small compress. The astringency can be pain relieving and help tighten the tissues to reduce swelling. Other women will use diluted lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar onto a pad instead of witch hazel. (These may sting if the haemorrhoids are bleeding). Keep the liquid (whichever you choice) away from the front of the pad as it may sting stitches, or grazes around the vaginal area.
Other herbal treatments can include ointments with St Johns Wort flower, Calendula or Comfrey. Drinking Nettle leaf tea to improve the elasticity of the veins. Taking Bioflavonoids and
Vitamin C to help strengthen the connective tissue around the blood vessels. Consult your practitioner.
Aromatherapy. Aromatherapists may suggest a few drops of Cypress oil in a bowl of warm water as a '
sitz bath', or pouring this over the area with a jug, as a wash after opening the bowels. They may also suggest creams or gels (like KY jelly) with a small amount of geranium and cypress essential oils mixed in and applied to the haemorrhoids.