Hemorrhoids also referred to as piles, are common anorectal disorders that are characterized by symptomatic enlargement and abnormal downward displacement of anal tissues or the lower part of the rectum. Reports have shown that hemorrhoids are very common and reported to occur in one-half of the older people mainly after their 50 age.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids
- Rectal bleeding
- Pain during bowel movement
Main causes of hemorrhoids
- Hereditary predisposition
- Malnutrition that leads to constipation
- Strain during bowel movement
- Pregnancy where they exert strong pressure during bowel movements.
- Other factors such as chronic liver disease may also cause excessive venous pressure which can lead to hemorrhoids disorder
Treatment of Haemorrhoids
In most cases hemorrhoids are usually treated by changes in lifestyle, incorporating fiber-rich food and supplements, suppository delivered anti-inflammatory drugs or by administration with venotonic drugs (medicines used to alleviate venous-related diseases). Several home treatments that promote healthy bowel movement and reduction in pain and swelling are also found to be effective in the treatment of this disorder. Example topical application of natural plant oil such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, hazel, castor oil etc. are also found very effective in relieving the pain and swelling. And certain oil such as coconut oil can be also effectively used in dietary treatment because of its various health benefits in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids.
Coconut oil for hemorrhoids (Piles)
Coconut is a tall palm tree, widely cultivated by man years ago for its multiple utilities, mainly for its nutritional and medicinal values. The coconut tree is one of the most valuable trees for man where its various products such as tender coconut oil, copra, coconut oil, raw kernel, coconut toddy, coconut cake and its other outer structural parts (coconut shell, leaves, coir pith) and other wood based products are widely used by man from ages. Therefore according to Hindu classic, the coconut palm is eulogized as “kalpavriksha” in Sanskrit which means the tree that provides all necessities for life. In traditional growing areas mainly the coastal regions worldwide, make use of its all natural products for medicinal use in the treatment of various ailments and some parts are being used in the development of Industrial products also. For example, studies have shown parts like coconut kernel and its tender water possess numerous medicinal properties which include antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antidermatophytic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and immunostimulant properties. And hence coconut fruit and all its edible parts which contain nutritional micro-minerals and other nutrients which are very essential for proper growth and body development are been consumed by the man since ancient times as a part of traditional food. Because of its numerous properties related to its use in health and prevention of various diseases, it is widely studied by scientists all around the world.
As mentioned above, among the wide products of coconut, its oil also exhibits various therapeutic and medicinal properties. Researchers have indicated that coconut oil consumption is found to be associated with a number of health benefits such as, reduced risk of heart related problems as compared to other dietary oils, improved cholesterol level, lower body fat accumulation, prevent blood clot formation, act as a scavenger for free radicals preventing cell damage, and thus overall promotes healthy life if incorporated in the diet.
Scientist has shown coconut oil contains a group of unique fat molecules which are known as medium-chain fatty acid molecules (MCFA), which belongs to saturated fats molecules and are considered “healthy fats”.The medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil are found to offer considerable improvement in patients suffering from irritable bowel movement and other digestive disorders by reducing the inflammation in the intestinal tract such as in hemorrhoids. As improper digestion of food that leads to constipation is considered to be one of the major causes of hemorrhoids, incorporating coconut oil into the diet is found to be advantageous in promoting better bowel movement. This is mainly because coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil is found to be a rich source of lauric acid which possesses antimicrobial properties (acting against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast which mainly cause indigestion in (food) thus helping in proper digestion of food and prevent constipation. Due to its powerful antimicrobial effect, coconut-treated wounds and cuts are also found to heal faster thus proving to be an effective topical cream in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
How to use coconut oil for hemorrhoids
Coconut oil can be used in two ways in the treatment of hemorrhoid disorder.
1) Applied externally as a topical oil
Coconut oil due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make a perfect choice for topical application to the affected area in hemorrhoid patients. After cleaning the affected part, apply generously coconut oil using a dry cotton ball, especially in the troubled areas at least 2-3 times a day. Try to maintain proper hygiene while applying and is advised to use a fresh and clean cotton ball for every use. Do it regularly for many days until you find considerable improvement in pain and selling. You can choose to apply this oil with hazel for better impact. Because of its powerful healing properties and soothing effect, it is proven that regular application of coconut oil helps in reducing pain and inflammation and promotes speedy healing of the affected area. It is recommended to use pure organic virgin coconut oil for better results.
2) Used in diet
Secondly when this oil is ingested with food is found to promote better digestion and absorption and metabolism of nutrients thus preventing constipation, inflammation, indigestion and other digestive problems which can lead to hemorrhoid disorder. Therefore it is recommended to incorporate in various cooking dishes such as dals, curries, vegetable sauté and even as dressing in salads for its maximum use, especially for patients suffering from constipation and hemorrhoid problems.
