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 dry like a powder) to the area to help relieve the itchiness. The following is a guide to other treatments you can explore. Check these with your caregiver.
If experiencing haemorrhoids after the birth you can fill a latex rubber glove with water, tie off the fingers and freeze 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.)
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. 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).
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 geranium oil in a bowl of warm water to sit in (called a 'sits' bath), or pouring this over the area with a jug, as a wash after opening your bowels. They may also suggest creams or gels with a small amount of geranium or another essential oil mixed in (Cypress oil used to be recommended but it is now suggested to be avoided, as it may cause vaginal bleeding). Check with your aromatherapist before using essential oils.
Homoeopathy.