Anybody who has had haemorrhoids know how painful they can be. Even the simple act of passing stools become the most difficult task. Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels in the anus and the rectum. It's a medical condition that can cause pain, irritation and itching. It's a fairly common problem seen in people, especially who are overweight, aged or pregnant. The risk increases among people with a persistent cough, those who have a hereditary problem and the ones who lift heavy weights regularly. Symptoms of piles include painful swelling around the anus, bleeding while passing stools, a lump that comes out of the anus, mucus discharge, soreness and itchy bottom. There are many natural remedies for piles, mainly for managing the pain and reducing the symptoms. One of the best remedies for piles is aloe vera. In this week's Home Remedy of the Week, let's focus on aloe vera.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Piles (Watch Video):

Aloe vera is a short-stemmed plant with thick, spiky leaves with gel-like substance in it. It's a popular medicinal plant with a lot of powerful ingredients that treat inflammatory conditions. Aloe vera is used widely in the naturopathic and cosmetic industry for its various benefits. The clear gel inside the aloe plant contains many bioactive compounds such as vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and amino acids. Home Remedies for Constipation: 7 Best Foods to Regulate Your Bowl Movements.

Aloe vera can be applied topically or consumed orally. Both have their own merits. For haemorrhoids, aloe vera gel can either be applied on the anus to reduce inflammation and irritation and consumed to reduce constipation that can make haemorrhoids worse.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health lists aloe vera as one of the safest remedies for piles. How to Treat Cough Naturally with Black Pepper.

Applying Topically

Pure aloe vera gel extracted fresh out of the aloe leaves contain glycoproteins and polysaccharides. The two bioactive ingredients not only reduces the inflammation and pain but also repairs wounds. Applying the gel on the haemorrhoids can give temporary relief from the discomfort. But in the long run, it can heal the inflammation.

The two can also arrest any infection around the area, which could make the haemorrhoids worse.

Consuming Aloe Vera

Eating aloe vera or drinking its juice can have a soothing effect on the digestive system, particularly the colon, the rectum and the anus where piles appear. It also softens the stools, easing constipation and making bowel movements easier in people with haemorrhoids.

Aloe vera is a wonder herb with many medicinal and therapeutic benefits. That's why it's a great idea to keep a potted aloe vera plant at your home. It can treat minor burns and scrapes, and also has a lot of cosmetic uses. However, clean the leaves thoroughly before using as they may have dust and other debris settled on them. Remove the spiny parts, strip the leaves of its outer covering and use the clear transparent portion of the leaves.

(This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 13, 2019 12:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).