How to Use Witch Hazel to Reduce Hemorrhoids

Though hemorrhoids are uncomfortable and sometimes painful, they’re also very common—as many as 3 out of 4 adults will have them at some point in their life. Hemorrhoids form when too much pressure is put on the veins in your rectum, causing the veins to bulge; they can be interior or exterior, and thankfully both types of hemorrhoids can be treated. Witch hazel is a great home remedy that can help soothe and calm irritated, swollen skin.<refhttps://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-227/witch-hazel</ref> However, if you have excessive pain, bleeding, or a hemorrhoid that won’t go away, it’s best if you go see your doctor for professional care.[1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Treating Exterior Hemorrhoids

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    Clean your anal area before treating your hemorrhoids. Bathe or shower daily to keep your anal area clean. Baths are preferable to showers as they have the added benefit of soaking your hemorrhoids, which can provide some relief. Be gentle when you clean yourself, as scrubbing the area could be painful or uncomfortable.[2]
    • You don’t have to use soap but do use warm or hot water.
    • Leftover fecal matter can irritate your hemorrhoids, so use a soothing wipe after every bowel movement. You can buy these wipes at any drugstore, and many of them contain soothing witch hazel.
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    Try taking a witch hazel sitz bath to soothe your hemorrhoids. Fill your bathtub with 3 to 4 inches (76 to 102 mm) of warm water and stir in 1/2 cup (100 grams) of Epsom salt and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of witch hazel. Soak in the sitz bath for 10-15 minutes, adding more hot water if you start to get cool. Gently towel dry yourself afterward.[3]
    • You could also buy a sitz bath that fits over your toilet.

    About Witch Hazel: Witch hazel has been used to treat inflammation and hemorrhoids for a very long time. It contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help it to calm sensitive skin. It can also reduce itching and swelling, making it a great choice to treat your hemorrhoids.[4]

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    Apply a witch hazel-soaked pad to your hemorrhoids for immediate relief. Take a cotton ball and soak it in witch hazel. Press it gently to the area for about 60 seconds up to 6 times a day. Throw away the cotton ball after you’ve used it and wash your hands.[5]
    • If you prefer, you can use pre-made witch hazel pads, make specifically for hemorrhoids.
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    Try a witch hazel salve to relieve itching and swelling. These can be purchased online or at the drugstore. Always read and follow the directions on the container. In general, you’ll use an applicator to put the salve directly onto the hemorrhoid and on the skin surrounding it.[6]
    • Always wash your hands and the applicator after applying the salve.
    • A salve is sometimes a nice choice because it provides an extra layer of protection between your skin and clothing, which can prevent further irritation.
    • If you dislike the way the salve feels while you’re going about your day, stick with witch hazel-soaked pads.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using a Suppository for Internal Hemorrhoids

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    Make a suppository out of witch hazel tincture and cocoa butter. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of the tincture with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of cocoa butter. You should be able to find both of these ingredients at your local drugstore, though you may need to visit a natural health store to find the tincture.[7]
    • A tincture is a concentrated form of something else. Witch hazel tincture generally comes in a dropper bottle and is much more potent than regular witch hazel. It’s important for your suppository as it wouldn’t work if the witch hazel were too watery.

    Warning: If you decide to buy a suppository from the store rather than making one yourself, don’t confuse a laxative suppository for a hemorrhoidal suppository—the consequences will not be what you expected!

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    Mold the mixture in a small oblong shape. If you’re having trouble shaping the suppository, place the mixture in plastic wrap and twist it to mold it into a pill-shape. Place the suppository in a small bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
    • In this case, a suppository is a solid dose of some type of medicine that gets inserted into the rectum. It releases the soothing witch hazel as it melts.
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    Freeze the suppository for 1-2 hours until it is fully frozen. Place the bowl into the freezer, making sure it’s covered in plastic wrap. Once the suppository is firm to the touch and doesn’t give when you press it, it’s good to use.
    • The suppository needs to be as cold and firm as possible for it to be fully inserted in your rectum.
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    Wash your hands and put on a disposable glove to practice good hygiene. Wear hand protection to keep your fingers germ-free and keep bacteria from getting under your nails or in the folds of your skin.[8]
    • You could also use a finger cot, which is like a disposable glove but just for an individual finger.
    • If you don’t have a glove or finger cot, you can use your bare hand. Just make sure to thoroughly wash your hands both before and after inserting the suppository.
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    Lubricate the end of the suppository to help it go in more easily. Use some kind of water-soluble lubricant and dab it on the end of the suppository. This will help you avoid any discomfort when you insert it, and it’ll help it go in a little further to more thoroughly treat your hemorrhoids.[9]
    • If the suppository looks too large when you take it out of the freezer, you can cut it in half. Doing so won’t make it any less effective.
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    Insert the suppository while laying on your left side. While on your side, bend the knee of your top leg while keeping your bottom leg straight. Lift your top buttocks with one hand and gently push the suppository into your anus with the other hand. Make sure it goes in about 1 inch (25 mm).
    • You may need to push the suppository up inside using a finger. It may be a little uncomfortable but should be over very quickly!
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    Lay on your side for 5-10 minutes while the suppository works. You may need to squeeze your sphincter for a few seconds to keep the suppository inside your body. Try your best to relax; hopefully, you’ll feel relief from the witch hazel before too long.
    • You may get chilly while you’re waiting for the suppository to work, so it can be handy to have a blanket nearby.
    • Try watching some funny videos on your phone while you’re waiting—they’ll help distract you and make the time pass more quickly.
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    Discard your gloves and wash your hands a final time. Use warm water and soap, and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before drying them off with a clean towel. The suppository should have dissolved, but you may experience a little leakage as you move about. Wear a pad if this happens to you to keep the cocoa butter from getting on your clothes.[10]
    • You can use this kind of suppository up to 3 times if you need to for relief.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Seeking Medical Attention

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    Visit your doctor if your hemorrhoids bleed, hurt, or don’t improve. Most hemorrhoids go away within a week without medical care, which is great news if you have one. However, they can bleed or cause excessive pain sometimes. If this happens to you, your doctor can offer you additional treatment options to help you find relief.[11]
    • Let your doctor know that you’ve been treating your hemorrhoids at home with witch hazel.
    • If you’re over the age of 40, it’s especially important that you talk to your doctor if you notice bleeding. While it’s most likely from hemorrhoids, bleeding can also be a symptom of something more serious.

    Tip: It’s totally normal to feel embarrassed and a little awkward about having a hemorrhoid. Try to remember that they’re super common and your doctor has seen and treated a lot of them.

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    Get immediate medical care for dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These may be symptoms of a more serious condition or possibly an infection. Visit your doctor or an urgent care center immediately to get checked out. They’ll help you get the proper treatment so you start feeling better quickly.[12]
    • Don’t drive yourself if you’re dizzy or lightheaded. Call a friend to come pick you up or order a car to take you.
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    Let your doctor check your hemorrhoids and do any necessary tests. Your doctor will probably do a visual inspection to confirm your diagnosis. If you have internal hemorrhoids, they may do a quick exam by feeling for the hemorrhoid using their finger. These tests can be a little awkward and uncomfortable, but they’re very quick.[13]
    • In rare cases, your doctor may decide to do a colonoscopy if they suspect you have a condition other than hemorrhoids. This test is generally painless, though you may experience some discomfort.
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    Talk to your doctor about topical treatments for your hemorrhoids. If witch hazel didn’t work, other over-the-counter ointments, creams, and suppositories may help. You can find hemorrhoid creams and hydrocortisone suppositories at your local drug store or online. If you still have hemorrhoids after a week, visit your doctor again to ask about other treatments.[14]
    • Read the label before using the product and make sure you follow all of the directions.
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    Discuss other treatments if your hemorrhoid is interfering with your life. If nothing is helping, your doctor may suggest you try something different to get relief. There are several procedures for treating a hemorrhoid, most of which are minimally invasive. Your doctor may be able to do one of the following:[15]
    • Your doctor can cut off the blood supply by doing a rubber band ligation, which means tying rubber bands around the hemorrhoid. This makes it fall off.
    • To shrink your hemorrhoid, your doctor might inject it with a chemical that treats it locally.
    • Your doctor can use heat from a laser or infrared light to shrink and harden your hemorrhoid.
    • In rare cases, your doctor might remove or staple your hemorrhoid to help relieve your symptoms.
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    Does the witch hazel have to contain alcohol or is the alcohol free type useful as well?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Use the alcohol-free witch hazel.  The tissues of a hemorrhoid can be very delicate and the alcohol may be too harsh and cause some stinging and discomfort.
  • Question
    Can antibiotics cause hemorrhoids?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    No-- at least not directly. Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. It is possible that taking antibiotics can reduce the number of intestinal bacteria (which we need) and can also cause constipation, though more commonly, they cause diarrhea.  The risk of a hemorrhoid can increase with constipation or diarrhea,  So, indirectly, antibiotics might increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
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Warnings

  • If you find blood after wiping or if having a bowel movement is painful, you should contact your physician.[19]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Always check with your doctor to confirm your problem is hemorrhoids. Though hemorrhoids can often be treated at home, you should make sure you don’t have a more serious problem. Additionally, if your hemorrhoids are particularly bad, your doctor can offer some in-office treatments to lessen your discomfort.[20]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If witch hazel leads to irritation or itchiness, you may have an allergy and should stop using it immediately.[21]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You’ll Need

Treating Exterior Hemorrhoids

  • Epsom salt
  • Witch hazel
  • Witch hazel salve
  • Towels
  • Cotton balls

Using a Suppository for Internal Hemorrhoids

  • Small bowl
  • Cocoa butter
  • Witch hazel tincture
  • Measuring spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Water-soluble lubricant
  • Disposable gloves

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
  3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
  4. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npc/witch-hazel.html
  5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279466/
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279466/
  7. ↑ https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB11086
  8. ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/6-4-rectal-and-vaginal-medications/#navigation
  9. ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/6-4-rectal-and-vaginal-medications/#navigation
  1. ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/6-4-rectal-and-vaginal-medications/#navigation
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
  3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
  5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
  6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280
  7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279466/
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
  10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
  11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
  12. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npc/witch-hazel.html

About This Article

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Co-authored by:
Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007. This article has been viewed 848,808 times.
5 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 22
Updated: December 10, 2022
Views: 848,808
Categories: Hemorrhoids

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To reduce external hemorrhoids by using witch hazel, start by gently cleaning your anal area in the bath or shower. Afterwards, dry the area with a hair dryer instead of a towel in order to prevent further irritation. Then, soak a clean piece of cloth in witch hazel and blot it gently on the affected area. Alternatively, use pre-made witch hazel pads, made specifically for use with hemorrhoids. Finally, let the area air dry for a few minutes before getting dressed. For more advice from our Naturopathic reviewer, including how to remove internal hemorrhoids with a witch hazel suppository, keep reading.

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