Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that protrude from the rectum. Irritated hemorrhoids can be itchy and bleed, especially after a bowel movement, according to MayoClinic.com. Hemorrhoids are caused by straining during bowel movements as well as chronic constipation or diarrhea. While bleeding is a side effect of hemorrhoids, bleeding from the rectum can be a sign of more serious diseases. If you experience bleeding after a bowel movement, see your doctor to determine if hemorrhoids are causing the bleeding.
Witch Hazel
Dr. Martin Schuster, a doctor at the Francis Scott Key Medical Center, states that witch hazel is one of the best home remedies for bleeding hemorrhoids. You can find bottles of witch hazel at drug stores and grocery stores. To treat your bleeding external hemorrhoids with witch hazel, soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply the cotton ball to your rectum. Schuster claims that witch hazel shrinks blood vessels and stops bleeding. For extra cooling relief for your bleeding hemorrhoids, try keeping the bottle of witch hazel in the refrigerator or on ice.
Stoneroot
Stoneroot, which is also known as collinsonia, is an herb that strengthens your veins, according to Richard Mabey in his book "The New Age Herbalist." Dr. Grady Deal, a nutritional chiropractor who practices in Hawaii, states that stoneroot is effective in treating bleeding hemorrhoids. You will probably have to visit a health food store to find stoneroot capsules. Deal recommends treating hemorrhoids by taking two 375mg capsules of stoneroot powder per day. It's best to talk to your medical professional before starting herbal treatments at home.
Ice Packs
Get relief from hemorrhoids that are bleeding and inflamed quickly at home with a few ice packs. Hemorrhoid.net suggests placing an ice pack on irritated hemorrhoids for 10 to 15 minutes, five times per day. You can fill a small plastic zip-top bag with ice to make a simple homemade ice pack.
Aloe Vera
Gel from the aloe vera plant is useful in treating bleeding hemorrhoids, according to Hemorrhoids.net. You can find aloe vera gel at grocery and health food stores as well as drug stores. Use aloe vera gel directly on your hemorrhoids to provide cooling relief from pain.
Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is a helpful home treatment for painful and bleeding hemorrhoids. To prepare a sitz bath, fill your bathtub with warm water so that the water comes just high enough to cover your hips and buttocks. Hemorrhoids.net suggests sitting in plain water with nothing added for 10 to 15 minutes for relief. It's important not to use hot water.
