How to Shrink Hemorrhoids Fast at Home - 14 Ways to Shrink Hemorrhoids Quickly

While roughly 50 to 75% of people have this ailment, the truth is no one really likes talking about it.

Once you have hemorrhoids, the problems have begun.

But so has the pain relieving solution now that you've found this carefully compiled guide on dealing with the condition. Keep reading this thorough piece to learn how you can shrink hemorrhoids yourself so no one has to know! 

Most people will head straight to the drugstore for an over-the-counter medication.

While this is not a bad practice, there are a few alternative choices to consider.

The main thing that people need to understand is what causes hemorrhoids to begin with.

Hemorrhoids tend to be caused, in one shape or the other, by too much straining when you're having a bowel movement.

If your stool is not soft enough or not shaped correctly, it can put undue pressure on the area surrounding your anus. 

Understanding the cause of your hemorrhoids helps you to figure out if home treatments can be helpful and if yes, which particular method is ideal for you. 

How Do I Shrink Hemorrhoids? 

Let's talk about how you can shrink hemorrhoids. Most people go for a few common home remedies that seem to work fairly well.

Let's take a look at some of the home remedies for shrinking hemorrhoids and see if they sound like something you might want to try.

1. Aloe Vera - This type of cream is known to ease itching and painful burning. If you choose to use aloe vera, look for one that contains vitamin E to help soothe the area and provide a little better pain relief. Note that aloe vera helps to improve internal blood flow, too, making it an excellent fit for this condition.
   
   
2. Flax seed - Ground flax seeds are very high in fiber and this is a good thing with hemorrhoids. Anything high in fiber softens the bowel movements and causes less straining.
3. Coconut oil - This is a topical treatment and requires the area to be clean and dry. The oil should be applied with a clean cotton poultice and the coconut oil is thought to help shrink hemorrhoids within approximately a week.
4. Apple cider vinegar - This remedy can either be added to your bath water or you can apply it using a clean cotton swab, directly to the hemorrhoid. Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-inflammatory and will help with the swelling and pain. Warning! You may experience burns so be careful with this. It is also very toxic when ingested.
5. Butcher's broom - This remedy promotes blood circulation and is good for treating varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Typically, it would be taken in the form of a hemorrhoid supplement or steeped as a tea. This is a traditional European remedy that was once used as a cleaner or sanitizer.
6. Horse chestnut - Having been used for multiple different ailments over the years, horse chestnut is effective with things like hemorrhoids, varicose veins, swelling, and inflammation. It will also help strengthen the walls of a weak or collapsing vein. Horse chestnut can be consumed in either a capsule form or steeped in a tea. You should never try to use this product raw; it contains a poison called esculin which can be deadly if consumed raw. 
7. Witch hazel - Although this one has been around for quite a while, this is a gentle and traditional hemorrhoid remedy. It should be applied topically using a clean cotton swab or cloth. Whatever you decide to use, saturate it and apply it to the affected area 1-3 times daily. It can be applied up to six times a day or after bowel movements. Witch hazel will ensure the area stays sanitized, reduce painful inflammation, and prevent infection.

There are other home remedies that have come to light over the years, but the ones above are the ones that seem to really be hanging around.

If you are trying to shrink the hemorrhoids down, use the options above only after you have consulted with a doctor.

Other Ways to Shrink Hemorrhoids

Some of the true and tested techniques for shrinking hemorrhoids include:

1. Warm Bath - sitting in a warm bath for 15 minutes several times a day, especially after a bowel movement
2. Psyllium Husk - This seems to make you more regular and may result in hemorrhoid shrinkage.
3. Epsom Salts - Epsom salts are thought to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids and may cause shrinkage when used in a bath or sitz bath.
4. Over-the-counter Medications - These contain ingredients like witch hazel and phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor that can help shrink your hemorrhoids.
5. Proper Diet - Eating healthy can shrink hemorrhoids down pretty quick, especially if your hemorrhoids are bowel movement related (constipation and diarrhea).

There are some foods that you should refrain from eating once you have an onset of hemorrhoids as well.

A list of those foods which should be avoided includes the following:

• Dairy products
• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Citrus fruit
• Refined carbohydrates
• Red meat
• Fried food
• Alcohol
• Processed meat
• Excessive fiber including white breads and bagels

How to Shrink External Hemorrhoids

The type of hemorrhoid that people have the most trouble from is the external hemorrhoid.

These cause all of the common symptoms that you hear about such as itching, burning, and/or pain.

The common onset of hemorrhoids will typically need about 2 to 4 weeks for treatment.

This is the average amount of time they take to completely calm down.

Shrinking can also depend on the size of the hemorrhoid, if they are on the small side they may go away in a few days.

There are multiple factors that can affect hemorrhoids. One thong you must remember is that there are other conditions that can cause the same symptoms as hemorrhoids.

What Can I Use to Shrink Hemorrhoids? 

Shrinking hemorrhoids means getting rid of symptoms, and so many sufferers look to solutions that force the hemorrhoids to disappear—and quickly. 

Home remedies include a sitz bath with warm water to reduce the swelling, witch hazel, a powerful herb with properties that relieve symptoms rapidly and making sure you are loaded up on whole foods that contain a healthy amount of fiber.

What Can You Put on Hemorrhoids to Shrink Them?

Be careful what you are putting on your hemorrhoids for shrinkage. Any ingredient, cream, ointment, or wipe with properties that target inflammation, relieve pain, and provide an anti-itch relief can be applied to hemorrhoids. 

Hemorrhoid suppositories, creams, and wipes are among the most popular ways to shrink hemorrhoids, and there are numerous brands available that market to hemorrhoid relief. 

These treatments will alleviate symptoms, allowing the hemorrhoid to become less noticeable as it works to shrink in a few days time.

Conclusion

If you have not seen a doctor, do not just assume it is hemorrhoids.  Other illnesses can affect your blood vessels around the anal area and failure to determine this on time can be deadly. Please make an appointment and verify the diagnosis.

If it is hemorrhoids, the things that we've listed can help you prevent or if you already have them, shrink them down.

The important thing to remember is to do everything you can to shrink them, starting with eating right and staying hydrated.