Hemorrhoid relief does not need to involve questionable surgery procedures or expensive medical prescriptions. There are many home remedies for hemorrhoids that do not require any of the above mentioned choices. In this article we will reveal a wide range of methods for relief for hemorrhoids based on natural ingredients.

Hemorrhoids are a very painful condition for millions of people around the world which helps to explain why there is such an interest in how to get rid of hemorrhoids and in any products which promise effective hemorrhoid relief. Probably the most common occurances of this painful condition involve cases of hemorrhoids during pregnancy and amongst the elderly and obese individuals.

The symptoms of hemorrhoids are not difficult to recognize, especially in cases of external hemorrhoids when the veins within the anal region become swollen and very tender. This may soon lead to bleeding caused by rubbing or straining of the swollen tissue along with pain and itching. Internal hemorrhoids are less painful, do not actually protrude out of the anal opening, and may only be noticed through the appearance of blood in stool, inside of the toilet or on the toilet paper.

Hemorrhoid relief is most effective when it addresses the causes of the problem. Most cases of hemorrhoids are due to constipation or the inability to have a normal bowel movement without abnormal straining. It is this straining that puts enormous pressure on the blood vessels within the rectum causing them to swell and sometimes burst. So a very simple natural form of relief for hemorrhoids is to eat foods rich in fiber to help reduce constipation by keeping the stool soft so it moves easily through the rectum and anal canal without major straining.

Eating fiber to help with hemorrhoid relief is not difficult since it is found in many common foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits including pears, tomatoes, raspberries, barley, legumes and beans. If you want to ensure that you are getting enough fiber for hemorrhoid relief you can also take fiber supplements, especially ones made from psyllium husks. These husks actually aid in hemorrhoid relief by forming a gel within the colin that helps to add bulk to the feces and makes it softer and easier to move along. It is important to remember to drink lots of water if relying on fiber supplements for relief from hemorrhoids to avoid fiber constipation problems.

Yet another natural form of relief comes in the form of plant pigments called flavonoids. These are very high in antioxidants which are known to reduce inflammation of tissue as well as strengthening blood vessels which offers hemorrhoid relief in a different way than eating fiber does.

Flavonoids also provide additional relief from hemorrhoids through their ability to reduce the serverity of itching and bleeding. A flavonoid called diosmin, found in most citrus fruit, is regarded as the most benefical flavonoid to people with a hemorrhoid problem.

People plagued with external hemorroids often find the herb Witch Hazel to be an effective hemorrhoid relief remedy. Simply apply the Witch Hazel right onto the affected regions daily. The hemorrhoid relief comes from the fact that this herb is a strong anti-inflammatory and an astringent, plus there is mounting evidence to indicate it also may strengthen veins. In fact this herb is the main ingredient in many commercially made hemorrhoid relief products.

Another herb that may be used for natural hemorrhoid relief is called Horse Chestnut extract. Recent studies indicate that Horse Chestnut reduces many of the symptoms of hemorrhoids by increasing blood flow, strengthening veins and surrounding tissue as well as reducing swelling and redness of affected tissue. Don't expect overnight hemorrhoid relief from taking Horse Chestnut extract as most research indicates up to six weeks for the benefits to be noticed.

Clearly hemorrhoid relief based on natural ingredients is certainly a viable option that must be seriously considered when evaluating how to get rid of hemorrhoids.