What are Hemorrhoids?
Is it possible to use coconut oil for hemorrhoids? First, like a lot of people, you may not be completely clear on the subject, so what are hemorrhoids, exactly? Well, hemorrhoids are inflamed, swollen veins that can form internally or externally in or around your rectum and anus that are often caused by sedentarism, hereditary predisposition, malnutrition that leads to constipation, strain during bowel movement and pregnancy (increased pressure).
This can result in painful and itchy swelling, and while they’re more annoying than they are harmful, they can certainly make it harder for you to go about your day since you might be squirming with discomfort every time you sit down.
One of the best ways to prevent hemorrhoids is to take up a squatting position when you defecate instead of the sitting position that is common in Western countries. Squatting is more natural and makes everything come out much more smoothly so that you don’t need to strain, and most sitting toilets can be converted easily into squat toilets. However, if it’s already too late and you’re suffering, you might want to try coconut oil for hemorrhoids.
Why use Coconut Oil for Hemorrhoids?
As an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent, coconut oil is a great healing compound, and that property is no different when dealing with hemorrhoids. Since hemorrhoids are caused by swelling, coconut oil is a natural choice to bring that swelling down and bring peace and order back to your rectum. Coconut oil has been shown to treat wounds and help them heal faster, so it will help to keep your sensitive areas sanitized as well.
Compounds of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in saturated medium chain triglycerides (healthy fatty acids)—such as lauric acid and caprylic acid—and vitamin E.
Lauric Acid and Caprylic Acid:
These compounds have several beneficial properties, but chief among them is that they are antimicrobial. They can fight against infections from bacteria, viruses, as well as yeast and other kinds of fungi. Since many of these microorganisms can cause indigestion and constipation, these compounds help protect you from negative gastric effects. They are also anti-inflammatory, so they can reduce rectal swelling.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E, as you might know, is a powerful antioxidant which helps skin to heal and repair, and helps it retain its natural moisture and elasticity. But did you know it is also can reduce inflammation?
How to Apply coconut oil for hemorrhoids:
Coconut Oil (Direct Application): use dry cotton balls and soak them in virgin coconut oil. Apply the soaked balls on the affected areas and wait until it is absorbed naturally. Repeat the application 2-3 times per day. For every application, use a fresh cotton ball to maintain hygiene.
Coconut Oil with Essential Oils: you can use any essential oil of your choice like, tea tree oil or lavender oil, etc… all of them have anti-hemorrhoids properties. Mix a teaspoon of warm melted coconut oil with 2 – 4 drops of essential oil. Mix them thoroughly. Apply this mixture on the affected area. Let it dry naturally. Repeat the application 2-3 times per day.
Taking Coconut Oil Internally
It’s a good idea to incorporate coconut oil into your diet, since it can greatly improve the experience of passing stool and can make bowel movements easier, leading to less of a chance of hemorrhoids. Coconut oil promotes good digestion and absorption of nutrients, which prevents constipation and indigestion. All of these effects collectively help you avoid the annoyance of hemorrhoids.
The fatty acids in particular that are present in the oil can help improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome because they are anti-inflammatory.
How to Choose the best Coconut Oil:
Always look for these things in your coconut oil:
- It should be Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Pure Raw and Unrefined
- And 100% Certified Organic
In conclusion, if you are suffering from hemorrhoids, or are at risk for them—for example, if you are constipated frequently—then one good way to prevent and treat the swelling of these blood vessels in your rectum is with coconut oil. Using coconut oil for hemorrhoids is a great natural alternative to all of the creams and medications out there, and it can help reduce your symptoms as well as fix the problem at its root.