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Apple Cider Vinegar for Hemorrhoids, Does it Work? Discover the Truth About Apple Cider Vinegar and Hemorrhoids

Posted on 26 November 2017 by

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Does Apple Cider Vinegar really work for hemorrhoids?

Is Apple Cider Vinegar a true treatment for hemorrhoids? Should you consume the Apple Cider Vinegar, or dab it on your hemorrhoid, or both? 

We will answer all of these questions about Apple Cider Vinegar for hemorrhoids and more. It is important to keep in mind that the answer to most of these questions depends on what type of hemorrhoids you are dealing with.

Do you know what type of hemorrhoids you have? There are 4 types of hemorrhoids and we have guides for each below:

  1. Internal hemorrhoids
  2. External Hemorrhoids
  3. Prolapsed hemorrhoids
  4. Thrombosed hemorrhoids

Be sure to read this guide to discover what is causing your hemorrhoids.

How Can Hemorrhoids Be A Problem?

Hemorrhoids are nasty buggers. They can burn, itch, bleed and make it quite unpleasant to sit or get comfortable.

apple cider vinegar supplement

They plague the majority of us at least once during our lives.

In fact, statistically two out of ever three of us will get them.

The problem is, if they are not properly cared for they can progress and become a chronic medical condition that may even require surgery.

Hemorrhoid surgery recovery can be extraordinarily painful and prevent you from working for weeks.

Before we completely dive in, you can check out these guides as well:

What Type Of Hemorrhoids Do I Have?

hemorrhoids & apple cider vinegar

Hemorrhoid can be classified as internal, or originating from inside the anus.

They can be classified as external, or originating from outside the anus and beneath the anal skin.

They can also be prolapsed. A prolapsed hemorrhoid is one that extrudes out of the anus. Both internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids can be prolapsed.

If the prolapsed hemorrhoid goes back in or retracts on its own, then that prolapsed hemorrhoid is a second degree prolapsed hemorrhoid.

If a prolapsed hemorrhoid can be pushed back into the anus with your hand it is a third degree prolapsed hemorrhoid, and if it can not be pushed back in, then it is a fourth degree prolapsed hemorrhoid.

You can refer to the diagram above to see what type of hemorrhoid you have.

Is There A Blood Clot In My Hemorrhoid?

A hemorrhoid can also form a blood clot inside of it. When it does this, then the hemorrhoid is additionally considered to be a thrombosed hemorrhoid. 

A thrombosis or blood clot in the hemorrhoid can cause severe and unbearable hemorrhoid pain. 

This can cause many to run into the proctologist to seek immediate relief from hemorrhoids.

Proctologists will often cut open the hemorrhoid in the area of the clot to take it out. These clots more frequently form when your hemorrhoid is external.

The reason for this is that the blood supply to the hemorrhoid can often be limited and cause the formation of the clot. 

If you have a hemorrhoid burst do NOT put apple cider vinegar on the wound.

This is why taking sits baths to improve circulation and using a hemorrhoid supplement with Witch Hazel in it, like HemRid are so important.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar help as well?

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help My Hemorrhoids?

Apple Cider Vinegar is not simply apple cider. It is apple cider which yeast has been added to.

When the yeast is added the fermentation process begins.

The fermentation process causes the sugar that was in the apple cider to be converted or turned into alcohol (1).

The alcohol then becomes Acetic Acid.

apple cider vinegar for hemorrhoids

It is this final step, turning alcohol to Acetic Acid that gives apple cider vinegar that pungent vinegar smell and strong taste that will give your tastebuds a kick. 

As we will explain this final end product of Apple Cider Vinegar will also give your hemorrhoids a kick, but there are many other options that are better for stopping hemorrhoid itching and burning!

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Healthy For Me?

Apple Cider Vinegar has multiple known health benefits.

Studies have shown that consuming Apple Cider Vinegar can lower your blood pressure, support weight loss, help with acid reflux and even improve diabetes (3).

These outstanding benefits are supported by scientific research. 

Keep in mind these benefits were realized after consuming Apple Cider Vinegar.

When it is used topically can it help your hemorrhoid?

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help My Hemorrhoids?

Apple Cider Vinegar is an astringent. An astringent is a substance that shrinks or contracts tissue. However, when used topically on skin it can leave burns.

A hemorrhoid is a swollen or inflamed vessel. While it would seem Apple Cider Vinegar would make sense to use, that is not the case.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Make My hemorrhoids Worse?

When Apple Cider Vinegar is applied topically to the hemorrhoid it may worsen the condition by aggravating the hemorrhoid.

We do not recommend you use apple cider vinegar topically as you can get burns (2)!  They acidic nature of Apple Cider Vinegar has been reported to cause significant burning pain in the area of the hemorrhoid.  Because of this, Apple Cider Vinegar is NOT recommended for topical use on your hemorrhoid.

In fact, Apple Cider Vinegar can cause a chemical burn to your skin, and potentially cause your hemorrhoids to get worse.

That is why we recommend using witch hazel (Tucks Brand) and taking a hemorrhoid supplement (HemRid Brand) over using apple cider vinegar for hemorrhoids.

Most mainstream treatments, like hemorrhoid creams, hemorrhoid wipes and hemorrhoid supplements include ingredients which are designed or intended to shrink the hemorrhoid.

For instance,  theses top three products all contain astringents like witch hazel or vasoconstrictors like Phenylephrine HCL  (ingredients that shrink tissue):

1) Preparation H - Includes Phenylephrine HCL, a vasoconstrictor which shrinks the hemorrhoid;

3) Tucks Pads - Contains witch hazel extract, an astringent which shrinks the hemorrhoid; and

3) HemRid - Also contains Witch Hazel extract.

While the use of all three is optimum, using at least two of three is acceptable.

Being able to shrink the hemorrhoid is helpful in many ways. It can reduce or eliminate discomfort and irritation. 

This is why some people may use Apple Cider Vinegar for hemorrhoids. It acts as an astringent when it is applied topically to the affected area.

Warning: Apple cider vinegar can burn your hemorrhoid and make it worse...do not apply topically.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Hemorrhoids?

Simply saturate a cotton ball with diluted Apple Cider Vinegar and gently pat it on the affected area.

The astringent will help ease your symptoms and may even shrink your hemorrhoids. 

You can also take two teaspoons orally every day. 

Although we have not seen any research which supports this having an effect on hemorrhoids, there are multiple health benefits that can be derived from its use. 

Should I Use Apple Cider Vinegar On My Hemorrhoids?

While it is a natural astringent, it can also potentially harm you.

Please understand that Apple Cider Vinegar is acidic, meaning that it can BURN YOUR SKIN. 

Skin burns can occur even when it is diluted. 

Try HemRid for your hemorrhoids. It is better than Apple Cider Vinegar. Plus, it is completely natural, safe, and recommended by doctors.

want fast hemorrhoid relief

If you do decide to use Apple Cider Vinegar topically on your hemorrhoids, do so with caution.

The last thing you want to do is make matters worse down there.

The skin in the area of the anus can be quite delicate and sensitive, using Apple Cider Vinegar on it may injure it and cause you a great deal more pain and frustration.

That is why we recommend using other natural ingredients like witch hazel.

Apple cider vinegar benefits

While there is no research supporting that it benefits hemorrhoids, there is research showing that the active ingredient in Apple Cider Vinegar, Acetic Acid, can injure the soft tissues like your lips, mouth and throat.

Does that sound like something you want to put on your anal region? Let’s take a look.

Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar On My Hemorrhoids?

The short answer is NO.

  1. There is no research to support that Apple Cider Vinegar can improve your hemorrhoids.
  2. There are actual hemorrhoid products that work whose ingredients are supported by research to improve your hemorrhoids.
  3. Your run the risk of burning yourself.

We have reviewed the best hemorrhoid products so that you can get something that works the first time.

Many of these you can purchase online for less than $10.

Although it has the benefit of being an astringent, the ingredients in Preparation H - Phenylephrine HCL, Tucks Pads and HemRid - Witch Hazel, are ingredients that are proven effective for hemorrhoids. You can get all three of these products combined for about $35 on Amazon. 

Here is the list of our best hemorrhoid products of 2018

Apple Cider Vinegar And Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar has been used over the years to dry out the face and prevent acne.

The result of this has been many chemical burns due to the acidity of the vinegar.

These chemical burns can be extremely painful and sometimes leave scars. 

People turn to Apple Cider Vinegar sometimes because they want an all natural remedy for their hemorrhoids, but all natural isn’t always safe!

If you have acne scars, be sure to check out our acne scar cream.

Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar When There Are Other All Natural Product With Proven Ingredients?

The fact is, many mainstream hemorrhoid products are composed of all natural ingredients.

Nearly all hemorrhoid wipes like Tucks Pads contain Witch Hazel.

Same goes for the hemorrhoid supplements like HemRid.

While Preparation H is not an all natural product, it is one of the most popular hemorrhoid products for a reason, its ingredients work to both relieve pain and improve your hemorrhoids. 

These products are know quantities and will not cause a chemical burn. 

hemorrhoid wipes

The best hemorrhoid wipes are known to soothe and relieve symptoms while at the same time cleansing you.

For those with bleeding hemorrhoids these can be of great benefit. This is especially true for those with itching hemorrhoids too.

Constantly scratching the area can cause the hemorrhoids to become more inflamed and worsen your condition.

Witch Hazel is also a great way to take away the itch. Here is a post on tucks pads vs witch hazel pads.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Internal Piles or Hemorrhoids

Alright, so we have established that Apple Cider Vinegar is an astringent and may cause the hemorrhoid tissue to shrink, but how are you going to apply it to an internal hemorrhoid?

See, with creams like Preparation H there is an applicator that assists in applying the cream on internal hemorrhoids.

Or, instead of using the cream and applicator you can insert a hemorrhoid suppository into the anus so that the medicine makes contact with the hemorrhoid. 

How can you do that with Apple Cider Vinegar? You can’t.

Placing an acidic vinegar into your anus is NOT a good idea.

Once again, another reason why getting a wipe, cream/suppository and supplement is a much better idea.

Our hemorrhoid suppository guide can help you choose the right suppository the first time.

Apple Cider Vinegar For External Piles or Hemorrhoids

While theoretically this may work to help your hemorrhoids since the Apple Cider Vinegar would contact the external hemorrhoid, for the reasons stated above, it is not an ideal treatment or one that is recommended. 

Everyones skin is different.

Some may tolerate a few application every day, while others may not be able to tolerate one single application.

Which leads us to our next topic…

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Make My Hemorrhoids Worse?

The short answer is, Yes!

There is no research to suggest that apple Cider Vinegar will make your hemorrhoids larger or advance the condition of your hemorrhoids.

However, Apple Cider Vinegar due its acidic nature certainly can cause a chemical burn to your hemorrhoids.

It isn’t exactly making the hemorrhoids worse, but rather adding another problem, a burn, to the hemorrhoid area.

Burns can cause all types of issues.

First, they are quite painful.

Second, they have the potential to lead to an infection.

Last, they can increase the inflammation in the area of the hemorrhoid and worsen your symptoms.

How Long Does Apple Cider Vinegar Take To Heal Hemorrhoids?

This common question is best answered by saying that your are presuming Apple Cider Vinegar does in fact heal hemorrhoids.

The problem is that there is no research to support that it does heal hemorrhoids. We do know that it can injure and burn your skin.

Be careful when using Apple Cider Vinegar for hemorrhoids!

How Long Will It Take For Apple Cider Vinegar To Burn My Skin

This answer depends on several factors.

There are many different Apple Cider Vinegar products, some stronger than others.

Add that to the fact that some people’s skin is far more susceptible to chemical burns and you can understand that there is no magic formula.

If after reading this you still decide to try and use it as opposed to simply getting a wipe, cream and supplement, then you will want to exercise extreme caution to avoid a burn.

This can be done by diluting the Apple Cider Vinegar and infrequent applications.

You can try using Coconut Oil for hemorrhoids if you are looking for a natural alternative to Apple Cider Vinegar.

Also, using Tea Tree Oil for hemorrhoids is another completely natural option.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant with hemorrhoids, you most definitely want to check with your doctor before trying to use Apple Cider Vinegar.

In fact, you will want to check with your doctor before taking any type of otc hemorrhoid medicine or supplement.

Many times hemorrhoids that occur during pregnancy may actually go away after childbirth.

pregnancy apple cider vinegar

During the time of pregnancy and especially childbirth there is extreme pressure placed on the pelvic floor and anal region.

Obviously, once the baby is born, this pressure is relieved allowing you to heal.

The bottom line is, before you decide to use Apple Cider Vinegar for hemorrhoids during pregnancy check with your doctor.

Medication For Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Your doctor may tell you to use over the counter products like hemorrhoid wipes and creams during pregnancy.

Hemorrhoid wipes or Tucks Pads are commonly prescribed because they contain the all natural ingredient, Witch Hazel.

Of course, address the issue with your hemorrhoid doctor and make sure you are doing the right thing for you and your baby.

Any medication for hemorrhoids during pregnancy should be safe for the both of you.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Remove Hemorrhoids?

Absolutely Not. There is not a shred of scientific evidence to support that Apple Cider Vinegar will actually remove a hemorrhoid.

Hemorrhoids are generally removed through surgery.

The use of a hemorrhoid cream, wipe and supplement can improve your condition, but nothing is known to physically remove the hemorrhoid other than painful surgery. 

Here is a review and buyers guide of the best hemorrhoid products of 2018.

Please be kind and rate this post 😀

Revitol Skin Exfoliator
HemRid Max - Hemorrhoid Supplement
Speed of Effectiveness
External Hemorrhoid Relief
Internal Hemorrhoid Relief
Quality of Ingredients
Price: $14.95 - Overall Value
Rating: 4.9
Revitol Skin Exfoliator
Preparation H - Hemorrhoid Wipe
Speed of Effectiveness
External Hemorrhoid Relief
Internal Hemorrhoid Relief
Quality of Ingredients
$8.39 to $18.39 - Overall Value
Rating: 4.6
Revitol Skin Exfoliator
Preparation H - Hemorrhoid Cream
Speed of Effectiveness
External Hemorrhoid Relief
Internal Hemorrhoid Relief
Quality of Ingredients
$7.39 to $18.45 - Overall Value
Rating: 4.5
Revitol Skin Exfoliator
Kieba - Hemorrhoid Pillow
Speed of Effectiveness
External Hemorrhoid Relief
Internal Hemorrhoid Relief
Quality of Ingredients
$28.95 - Overall Value
Rating: 4.4
Revitol Skin Exfoliator
Better Bath Better Body - Hemorrhoid Bath Soak
Speed of Effectiveness
External Hemorrhoid Relief
Internal Hemorrhoid Relief
Quality of Ingredients
$15.95 - Overall Value
Rating: 4.4

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