Last Updated on October 12, 2024
Epsom salt can be used as a natural remedy for many common ailments. An Epsom salt bath for hemorrhoids is a great way to treat this irritating problem. They are safe to use and can help you feel significantly better.
Hemorrhoids are a common medical condition that can happen to many people. They can cause itching, irritation, pain, and even bleeding. Fortunately, Epsom salt can work as an at-home remedy for this problem.
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What Is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral salt that has a chemical compound of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Also known as magnesium sulfate, it gets its name from Epsom in Surrey, England, where it was originally discovered.
Though it has a similar appearance to table salt, Epsom salt has a bitter taste that is quite unpalatable. It is generally dissolved in baths and used for medicinal purposes.
When dissolved in water, Epsom salt magnesium and sulfate ions. When used in a bath, the idea is that your body will absorb magnesium and sulfates, which can help with different body functions.
In addition to using in a bath, Epsom salt can also be applied to the skin or taken by mouth. It is safe to use, though some people may experience side effects when taking it by mouth.
Epsom salt is readily available at most grocery stores and supermarkets, as well as being available online. It is an affordable option for at-home treatment for various ailments.
Other benefits of Epsom salt
In addition to treating hemorrhoids, Epsom salt has many other uses. It can help relieve constipation, reduce pain and swelling and provide magnesium to the body. In addition, you can use it for promoting sleep and stress reduction, along with improving exercise performance and recovery.
Epsom Salt Bath For Hemorrhoids
Epsom salt is a common home remedy for treating hemorrhoids. While hemorrhoids often heal on their own over time, they can cause itching, irritation, pain, and even bleeding.
To help relieve your hemorrhoids, you can take an Epsom bath up to three times a day. If possible, it is best to do an Epsom salt bath after a bowel movement.
Making an Epsom salt bath
There are two different ways you can make an Epsom salt bath. You can use your regular bathtub or buy a sitz bathtub. Sitz bathtubs are available at most pharmacies or online.
Sitzs consists of a small, shallow basin that fits over your toilet or you can also use them in your bathtub as well. They allow you to soak your genital and anal areas without having to draw a full bath.
If you don’t have a Sitzs, you can still use your regular bathtub to make an Epsom salt bath. Be sure to scrub your bathtub first with white vinegar before sprinkling some baking and then rinse it will water before your bath.
To make your Epsom salt bath, fill your bathtub with four to five inches of warm water. If using a sitz, it will be closer to two to four inches of warm water. Add two cups of Epsom salt to your bathtub or 1/2 cup to your sitz.
Lower your buttock into the bath and sit for 10-20 minutes. After soaking, rinse yourself and the tub. Pat dry your buttock instead of wiping it to prevent further irritation.
Sitz Bath Soak Kit for Hemorrhoids
Making an Epsom salt paste
Instead of a bath, you can make an Epsom salt paste to apply directly to the affected area. To make the paste, mix two tablespoons of vegetable glycerin and two tablespoons of Epsom salt in a small bowl.
Once the mixture forms a paste, apply it to a gauze pad and place it directly to the affected area. Keep the gauze pad on your buttock for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this process every four to six hours until the pain goes away.
When To Seek Medical Help?
Though Epsom salt can be an effective home treatment for hemorrhoids, in some more serious cases you may need to seek medical help. It is a good treatment for mild cases, but more serious causes should be assessed by a doctor.
If you have never experienced rectal bleeding before, it is best to see a doctor regarding the matter for a formal diagnosis. In addition, if you experience pain from your hemorrhoids, go see a doctor as this may be a sign of a thrombosed hemorrhoid. A thrombosed hemorrhoid is when a blood clot develops in hemorrhoid.
If you are not feeling any relief from your hemorrhoid after two weeks, it is a good idea to see your doctor. In some cases, they may suggest a procedure to remove the hemorrhoids.
The Benefits Of Epsom Salt Baths For Hemorrhoids
Epsom salt baths are an affordable and effective way to treat mild hemorrhoids. They can help reduce pain, itching, and irritation, along with reducing inflammation. They can provide great at-home relief for flareups and are safe to use.
Do you have any questions regarding using Epsom salt bath for hemorrhoids? If so, please ask any questions regarding Epsom salt or hemorrhoids in the comment section below.
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