Essential Oils for Hemorrhoids

Overview

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins located around the rectum and anus. Those that form inside the rectum are called internal hemorrhoids, while ones that are visible or palpable outside the rectum are external hemorrhoids.

Almost three out of four adults will develop hemorrhoids at some time. Certain factors, such as pregnancy and excess body weight, raise the likelihood of hemorrhoids, though sometimes the cause is unclear. Hemorrhoids can lead to:

• bleeding during and after bowel movements
• bumps and swelling around the anus
• painful irritation

Because hemorrhoids result from swollen blood vessels, essential oils with anti-inflammatory qualities might provide relief.

Essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil before topical use. They may also be inhaled by placing a few drops on a tissue or in a diffuser. Essential oils should not be consumed internally.

Frankincense

The time-honored Eastern practice of using frankincense for pain and inflammation is regaining interest. Frankincense not only reduces inflammation, it can inhibit certain bacteria that might cause infection and may offer pain-relieving effects.

Frankincense essential oil can be blended with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba and gently applied to the hemorrhoid. Inhalation via aromatherapy can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Myrtle essential oil

Myrtle essential oil has been shown in some studies to help with the pain and bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. It even helped patients who didn’t respond well to conventional hemorrhoid medications.

Myrtle oil can be mixed into an ounce of cold cream and applied to the affected area. It must be diluted before use — applying undiluted essential oils may trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation.

Horse chestnut essential oil

In 2012, researchers noted that horse chestnut seed extract may reduce swelling and alleviate pain when used for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. If you frequently suffer from varicose veins or hemorrhoids, consider buying a preformulated cream to apply directly to external hemorrhoids.

Horse chestnut can decrease blood clotting and should be avoided prior to surgery. Those with latex allergies might also experience cross-reactivity.

Cinnamon bark essential oil

Several studies suggest cinnamon bark essential oil promotes healthy tissue repair and reduces inflammation, according to research. Apply cinnamon bark oil to an external hemorrhoid cautiously. Diluting 3 to 5 drops of cinnamon essential oil in 1 oz. of melted coconut or sweet almond oil produces anti-inflammatory effects. People with delicate skin should avoid topical cinnamon oil.

Clove essential oil

Clove essential oil is available in pure form or as part of a cream. In individuals with chronic anal fissures — which can accompany hemorrhoids — clove oil cream was found to improve anal pressure.

You can buy clove oil cream online or at natural health shops. To make your own, mix 3 to 5 drops of clove essential oil per ounce of an unscented, hypoallergenic lotion. Clove oil can irritate sensitive skin.

Peppermint essential oil

Because peppermint oil has demonstrated benefits for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), some experts propose it might also ease hemorrhoid symptoms. The cooling menthol in peppermint combined with its anti-inflammatory action may help reduce pressure around the anus and make bowel movements less painful.

Those with sensitive skin should avoid peppermint essential oil. Always dilute this oil thoroughly before applying.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. It’s too concentrated to use undiluted on sensitive inflamed skin around a hemorrhoid. You can prepare an ointment by combining tea tree oil with one or two other essential oils from this list and diluting well with jojoba or coconut oil. Apply sparingly to the affected area.

Dill essential oil

Dill essential oil acts as a strong anti-inflammatory and can be blended with tea tree, witch hazel, and cypress oils to create a potent hemorrhoid-soothing ointment. Soften this mixture with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or coconut oil to protect the skin.

Cypress oil

Cypress oil has shown antimicrobial, calming, and astringent effects that may enhance blood flow and relieve discomfort around external hemorrhoids. Mix cypress oil with a carrier oil before applying to prevent burning. People with sensitive skin should avoid topical use. You might also diffuse cypress oil to benefit from its antimicrobial properties.

Side effects and risks

When using essential oils for hemorrhoids, maintain cleanliness and dryness in the treated area. Never attempt to “burn off” or otherwise destroy the skin around a hemorrhoid — that will worsen pain and raise infection risk. Essential oils are appropriate for external hemorrhoids only. Do not insert essential oils into the rectum to treat internal hemorrhoids unless using a doctor-approved suppository such as suppositories for hemorrhoids.

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil prior to application — generally 3 to 5 drops per ounce of sweet almond, olive, or another topical oil. Essential oils can be toxic if ingested. They are not regulated by the FDA, so select reputable brands carefully.

Some essential oils carry toxicity risks; while most are relatively low-risk, they are not substitutes for professional medical care. Seek medical attention rather than self-treating if you experience any of the following:

• pain and swelling that persists beyond one week
• lumps inside the anus that seem to be growing
• chronic, recurrent constipation
• heavy bleeding from the anus

Contact your physician for assessment and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Takeaway

Essential oils are an increasingly popular approach for managing hemorrhoids. More research is necessary to compare their effectiveness to conventional hemorrhoid therapies, but attempting home treatment with essential oils is a relatively low-risk option, and there are numerous oils to consider.