How to Use Castor Oil for Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are characterized by swelling in the blood vessels of the intestinal smooth muscles. When continuous strain or pressure is applied to these smooth muscles, the blood vessels supplying them get swollen like a lump. This results in itching, discomfort, soreness, and bleeding. Though the condition is not dangerous or fatal, it may hamper daily life activities and make you feel highly debilitated.

Like other mild illnesses, hemorrhoids can be managed with several natural cures despite conventional treatments and medicines. Castor oil is the best remedy as it is an excellent lubricant, laxative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory. But how does castor oil work to relieve hemorrhoids? Explore below to find out your answer and learn all about castor oil for hemorrhoids.

Key Insights

• What are hemorrhoids? Symptoms and causes
• Is castor oil good for piles?
• How does castor oil work for piles?
• How to use castor oil for hemorrhoids?
• Cautions, precautions, contraindications, and care

What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. Piles can be internal (when a swollen lump forms in the rectum) or external (due to swelling in the anus). These are merely a consequence of continuous strain in the pelvic area and are not fatal at all. However, piles cause some distress to the sufferer, and if not treated immediately, the symptoms become aggravated and debilitating. 

Mild to moderate stages of hemorrhoids are easily treatable through various interventions rather than medicines and surgeries, which are reserved only for severely chronic piles. These interventions include applying natural lubricants (such as castor oil, tea tree oil, and coconut oil), following a fiber-rich diet, and regularly taking sitz baths for at least half an hour. Topical medications such as hydrocortisone ointments, creams, and suppositories are also prescribed for immediate relief.

Note the following signs and symptoms to determine your piles' severity and treat them accordingly.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hemorrhoids occur due to continuous pressure or strain applied on the smooth muscles of the rectum or the external anal tissues. This strain could be the result of:

• Chronic constipation
• Chronic diarrhea
• Sitting for too long (particularly on the toilet due to constipation or diarrhea)
• Anal intercourse
• Lifting heavy weights regularly
• Extreme level of obesity (pressure of pelvic fats on the anus)
• Pregnancy (Enlarged uterus imposes pressure on the rectum)

Is Castor Oil Good for Piles?

Castor oil is a natural remedy. It is a thick and sticky pale-yellow elixir obtained from ripe castor beans of the Ricinus plant. Due to its origin, castor oil is also known as Ricinus oil. Its primary active principle is ricinoleic acid, which is about 89-92%.  This acid is a potent stimulant, irritant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, and antimicrobial. Besides this, castor oil contains proteins, other triglycerides, omega fatty acids, and tocopherols.

Castor oil has been popularly used in complementary medicine since ages. Naturopaths and people practicing Ayurveda still recommend this magical potion to treat several diseases and illnesses from head to toe. Owing to the incredible therapeutic properties of ricinoleic acid, castor oil is the easiest, quickest, and simplest remedy to treat piles at home—here's how castor oil benefits hemorrhoids.

Benefits of Castor Oil for Hemorrhoids

• Castor oil increases blood circulation in the pelvic region, giving each cell ample oxygen and nutrients. It also decreases inflammation of the blood vessels, reduces the size of hemorrhoids, and helps the swollen veins return to normal quickly.
• Castor oil, an analgesic, reduces pain in the swollen lumps and soothes irritation in the pelvis.
• Antimicrobial properties of ricinoleic acid help fight bacteria that may reside on the external piles and cause infection.
• Castor oils’ lubricant and emollient effect help skin heal naturally.
• Since castor oil is also a potent laxative, it helps treat constipation- an underlying condition causing piles.

How to Use Castor Oil for Hemorrhoids?

Before we discuss' How to apply castor oil for hemorrhoids?’, it is essential to remember that topical application is always preferable to oral consumption. This is because topical application is more safe and effective. Also, you can control the amount of oil you apply rather than what you intake.

Supplies You’ll Need

• The Goodbye Company cold-pressed, extra-virgin castor oil
• Soft and clean cotton ball or pad
• Old towel

Steps to Follow

• Wash your pelvic area with mild soap and water. Pat dry using a clean, soft cotton wipe to avoid rash. Do not rub your skin.
• Warm two tablespoons of castor oil in a bowl. You can add a few drops of tea tree or coconut oil. Then, soak a clean, soft cotton ball into it.
• Spread an old towel on a couch or a bed where you will sit or lie during the session.
• Gently insert the castor oil-infused cotton ball into your rectum if you have internal hemorrhoids, or just sit on the ball if you have external hemorrhoids around your anus. You can also directly apply castor oil around your anus.
• Relax in a comfortable position for at least 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the ball and wash your pelvis with warm water and mild soap.
• Repeat once or twice daily until your piles properly heal.
• You can also try this home remedy overnight for the best results. However, test your sensitivity before applying castor oil to your delicate rectal area. For this, you can apply some drops of castor oil on the inside of your wrist and wait to see if the rash appears.

Caution and Care

Topical application of castor oil around the anus may cause irritation or rash in some people. This is because castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a potent irritant. Therefore, it is best to do a patch test before topically applying this elixir to an already itchy area.

Oral consumption of castor oil also poses some problems due to overdosage or sensitivity. Since castor oil is a potent laxative, it stimulates intestinal smooth muscles and increases bowel movements. As a result, you may suffer from abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and nausea.

Be extremely cautious if you are pregnant since castor oil may also induce false labor. Therefore, do not consume castor oil to treat chronic constipation causing frequent piles. However, you can apply topically to your anus or rectum but be very careful with that also, as the oil should not reach your uterus.

Consult your HCP if you suffer from other diseases also, such as IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease), anorectal disorders, and heart diseases, before using castor oil to treat hemorrhoids. This is to avoid drug-disease interactions and complications. Moreover, talk to your doctor if you are on medications such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets because castor oil may potentiate their effects and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

FAQs

Is castor oil good for hard stools?

Castor oil is approved to manage constipation and is an excellent natural remedy. Castor oil is a stimulant laxative; it increases bowel movements and softens the hard stool to pass it quickly. For this, you can use the oil both internally and externally. However, be cautious while ingesting as an overdose may cause diarrhea and irritation to the bowel. Moreover, do not use this remedy frequently to avoid dependency if you are pregnant.

Is it safe to use castor oil for piles in pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to use castor oil topically for piles during pregnancy. However, exercise care while applying and avoid your vaginal area, as castor oil can trigger false labor. Carefully apply the oil to your anal area or insert the oil-soaked cotton ball in your anus using mild pressure. Moreover, do not ingest castor oil for piles or constipation in pregnancy. This is to avoid false labor and premature childbirth.

Can you add tea tree oil to castor oil for piles?

You can add tea tree oil to castor oil to enhance its benefits. Though castor oil alone is also very beneficial as it has excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, lubricant, and antimicrobial properties, adding tea tree oil enhances its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Pour 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil into a tablespoon of castor oil and warm it slightly. Pour this warm elixir on a cotton ball or a pad and apply it to your anal area to heal piles. Sit down or lie comfortably for at least 15-20 minutes. Relax and let this magical potion work for you.

Where to buy castor oil?

You can buy our finest quality castor oil from the shop section. Here, you can choose castor oils such as extra-virgin, cold-pressed castor oil, Jamaican castor oil, and Black and Gold exquisite. However, extra-virgin cold-pressed castor oil is preferred to manage piles. It's free from hexane, GMOs, parabens, and BPA to ensure safe application every time.

How to apply castor oil for hemorrhoids?

Soak a clean cotton ball in castor oil and apply it to your anus. You can insert the cotton ball while gently applying pressure to push the hemorrhoid in. Then, apply a few drops of castor oil on the outside of your anal area. Leave the soaked cotton ball for at least 15-20 minutes. Repeat the application once or twice daily till it heals. However, do a patch test to ensure you are not allergic to castor oil.

Outlook

Castor oil is a natural lubricant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and laxative. These properties make this magical potion the best at-home solution to piles. Soak a cotton ball or a pad in castor oil and apply it to your affected area. Sit or lie for at least 15-20 minutes. Apply it once or twice daily until your piles heal.