Epsom Salt for Hemorrhoids: How to Use Epsom Salt to Treat Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common among both, men and women. Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins of the rectum and anus. The swelling is caused due to straining during bowel movements, an irregular low-fiber diet, or increased pressure in the anal area during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external.
Small hemorrhoids can be asymptomatic while larger hemorrhoids are painful, itchy, cause anal swelling, minor bleeding, and difficulty in sitting. Using Epsom salt for hemorrhoids can help treat these annoying symptoms. But how to use Epsom salt for hemorrhoids?
There are a number of ways to use Epsom salt for hemorrhoids one of which is a soothing warm Epsom salt bath. Read on to know about Epsom salt and some more ways to get relief from hemorrhoids.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt originated from Epsom, England and was first discovered in natural healing baths.
Many of us confuse Epsom salt with table salt that we add to recipes to make them taste better. But both are different. Epsom salt consists of tiny white crystals that look a lot like table salt.
Table salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine called sodium chloride while Epsom salt is a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate.
Epsom salt is used for a variety of purposes. It can relieve pain and cramping, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, ease gout discomfort, used as a facial cleanser, and also keeps your feet healthy.
More importantly, using Epsom salt for hemorrhoids is a wonderful natural remedy to ease the discomfort.
Is Epsom Salt Good for Hemorrhoids?
Ever heard of using Epsom salt for hemorrhoids? Yes, you heard it right. Epsom salt can be used for hemorrhoids to get relief.
The magnesium in Epsom salt is an essential mineral your body uses to break down proteins, help with muscle and nerve function, control blood glucose, and regulate the blood pressure.
It helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain when absorbed through your skin. If the blood vessels burst, Epsom salt heals the cuts around the anus.
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath will:
- Relieve inflammation
- Relieve pain
- Heal abrasions
- Reduce burning sensation
- Reduce constipation
- Relax anal muscles
Epsom salt when ingested acts as a very effective laxative which loosens stool and reduces pressure. It eases the strain on the rectum during constipation.
How to Effectively Use Epsom Salt for Hemorrhoids?
Below are few ways mentioned to use Epsom salt for hemorrhoids:
1. Use it as a Detoxifier
Epsom salt can be ingested. You can make an Epsom salt detox for hemorrhoids. Simply, add a small amount of Epsom salt to a large glass of water.
Stir to dissolve the salt. Drink the solution to reduce constipation. You can have the solution two to three times a day.
Ingesting Epsom salt flushes out the toxins, cleanses the colon, and increases the water levels of the body after ingestion. But you should use this remedy only for a brief period.
Also Read: Drinking Epsom Salt: Health Benefits and Side Effects Explained
2. Make a Paste
Also, some may get faster relief by applying a paste of Epsom salt directly to the anal area. Make the paste by mixing a small amount of Epsom salt with two tablespoons of water. Apply the paste on the affected area.
3. Epsom Salt Bath
Moreover, the best and most common way of using Epsom salt for hemorrhoids is by soaking yourself in an Epsom salt bath. Fill a bath tub with minimum six inches of warm water and add at least a cup of Epsom salt to it.
You should add two cups if you prefer using a filled standard tub. When using a basin, just a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salt will be sufficient.
Be sure to mix the salt and warm water until all of the salt dissolves. Enter the tub and soak for about 20 minutes.
Recline if you wish but keep your butt submerged completely in the salt solution. After 20 minutes, rinse your body thoroughly and dry off with a clean towel. However, it is best to let your anal area air dry or use a hair dryer to ensure the area is completely dry.
Apply a topical hemorrhoid cream, baby oil, or aloe vera gel to the area for additional relief. Repeat the process two to three times per day until the symptoms resolve.
As with all natural remedies, if your symptoms continue, please contact your healthcare provider.
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Baking Soda Bath
Tips and Warnings for Using Epsom Salt for Hemorrhoids
Now you know, to relieve the pain and itching the best way is to use Epsom salt for hemorrhoids. But there are several things to keep in mind when using Epsom salt for hemorrhoids.
First of all, Epsom salt and table salt are not the same, and Epsom salt should be used for hemorrhoids. The most common way to use Epsom salt for hemorrhoids is to dissolve the salt in water and to soak your butt for 15 to 20 minutes.
Avoid using soap around your anal area and make sure that you dry the area completely with a clean towel or hair dryer for best results.
Be careful when ingesting Epsom salt for hemorrhoids and consult your healthcare provider prior to use. Constipation is the primary cause of hemorrhoids, and you should treat constipation first to prevent hemorrhoids.
Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Also, consume a diet enriched with fiber that includes whole grains, cereals, fresh fruits, and green leafy vegetables to help treat hemorrhoid.
Sources:
Ketcham S., “How to Use Epsom Salt to Relieve Hemorrhoids,” Livestrong web site; http://www.livestrong.com/article/250621-how-to-use-epsom-salt-to-relieve-hemorrhoids/, last accessed Aug 22, 2017