Piles (Hemorrhoids) – Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Remedies
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding. Modern lifestyle factors such as sedentary habits, unhealthy diet, and stress contribute to the prevalence of piles. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, provides natural and effective remedies to reduce inflammation, strengthen veins, and prevent recurrence, ensuring long-term relief.
Causes of Piles
Constipation or Straining: Hard stools and prolonged sitting during bowel movements
Poor Diet: Low-fiber diet, excessive spicy or oily food
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise weakens venous walls
Pregnancy: Increased pressure in the pelvic region during pregnancy
Obesity: Extra pressure on rectal veins
Vata and Pitta Imbalance: According to Ayurveda, aggravated Vata causes dryness and irregular bowel movements, while Pitta contributes to inflammation and burning sensations
Symptoms of Piles
Pain and swelling in the anal region
Bleeding during or after bowel movements
Itching or irritation around the anus
Feeling of a lump near the anus
Discomfort while sitting or walking
Ayurvedic Remedies for Piles
1. Herbal Treatments
Triphala: Supports digestion, relieves constipation, and balances Vata
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Acts as a gentle laxative, improving bowel movements
Aloe Vera: Soothes inflammation and burning sensations
Neem and Turmeric Paste: Anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and infection
2. Dietary Recommendations
Eat high-fiber foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
Drink plenty of water to keep stools soft
Avoid spicy, oily, and processed foods during flare-ups
Include ghee and triphala powder for gentle bowel regulation
3. Lifestyle Tips
Daily Exercise: Walking, yoga, and light stretching improve blood circulation
Sit in Warm Water (Sitz Bath): 10–15 minutes daily to reduce pain and swelling
Avoid Straining: Maintain regular bowel habits
Maintain Cleanliness: Gentle cleansing of the anal area prevents irritation
4. Panchakarma Therapies
Basti (Medicated Enema): Helps balance Vata and detoxify the lower colon
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Improves circulation and relieves local discomfort
At times the veins in the anal region, both external and internal, get varicosed and this gives rise to the piles. In Ayurveda this is called arshas. Chronic constipation, sitting on hard seats, sitting constantly for long time, lack of exercise and morbidity of the liver are responsible for piles.
Piles are classified into two groups, namely, bleeding piles and dry piles. At times there is so much bleeding that the patient becomes anaemic. Loss of appetite, itching of the anus, wind formation in stomach and lumbago are often associated with this disease.
Ayurvedic Treatment for piles: Nagakesara is the drug of choice for this condition, specially when it is associated with bleeding. The powder of this flower is given to the patient in a dose of one teaspoonful three times a day. For patient suffering from both dry and bleeding piles, haritaki is exceedingly useful. It is given to the patient in powder form in a dose of one teaspoonful two to three times a day followed by milk.
Abhayarishta in which haritaki is added predominantly is useful for this condition. It is given to the patient in a dose of 30 ml. twice daily after food with an equal quantity of water. Kasisadi taila, of which kasisa or iron sulphate is the important ingredient, is used externally. It shrinks the piles and cures itching in the anal region. It relieves pain and checks bleeding.
Diet to taken by piles patients: Kulattha, barley, wheat, old rice, papaya, amalaki, patola, and goat's milk are very useful in this condition. The rhizome of surana is also exceedingly useful. It is given to the patient in the form of both diet and medicine. Vegetables like potato, yellow variety of pumpkin and colocasia are not advised.
Other regimens: The piles patient should not suppress natural urges and should not indulge in sex in excess. Riding on the back of animals, and sitting on hard seats are very harmful for the patient.
Causes of Piles
Constipation or Straining: Hard stools and prolonged sitting during bowel movements
Poor Diet: Low-fiber diet, excessive spicy or oily food
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise weakens venous walls
Pregnancy: Increased pressure in the pelvic region during pregnancy
Obesity: Extra pressure on rectal veins
Vata and Pitta Imbalance: According to Ayurveda, aggravated Vata causes dryness and irregular bowel movements, while Pitta contributes to inflammation and burning sensations
Symptoms of Piles
Pain and swelling in the anal region
Bleeding during or after bowel movements
Itching or irritation around the anus
Feeling of a lump near the anus
Discomfort while sitting or walking
Ayurvedic Remedies for Piles
1. Herbal Treatments
Triphala: Supports digestion, relieves constipation, and balances Vata
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Acts as a gentle laxative, improving bowel movements
Aloe Vera: Soothes inflammation and burning sensations
Neem and Turmeric Paste: Anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and infection
2. Dietary Recommendations
Eat high-fiber foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
Drink plenty of water to keep stools soft
Avoid spicy, oily, and processed foods during flare-ups
Include ghee and triphala powder for gentle bowel regulation
3. Lifestyle Tips
Daily Exercise: Walking, yoga, and light stretching improve blood circulation
Sit in Warm Water (Sitz Bath): 10–15 minutes daily to reduce pain and swelling
Avoid Straining: Maintain regular bowel habits
Maintain Cleanliness: Gentle cleansing of the anal area prevents irritation
4. Panchakarma Therapies
Basti (Medicated Enema): Helps balance Vata and detoxify the lower colon
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Improves circulation and relieves local discomfort
At times the veins in the anal region, both external and internal, get varicosed and this gives rise to the piles. In Ayurveda this is called arshas. Chronic constipation, sitting on hard seats, sitting constantly for long time, lack of exercise and morbidity of the liver are responsible for piles.
Piles are classified into two groups, namely, bleeding piles and dry piles. At times there is so much bleeding that the patient becomes anaemic. Loss of appetite, itching of the anus, wind formation in stomach and lumbago are often associated with this disease.
Ayurvedic Treatment for piles: Nagakesara is the drug of choice for this condition, specially when it is associated with bleeding. The powder of this flower is given to the patient in a dose of one teaspoonful three times a day. For patient suffering from both dry and bleeding piles, haritaki is exceedingly useful. It is given to the patient in powder form in a dose of one teaspoonful two to three times a day followed by milk.
Abhayarishta in which haritaki is added predominantly is useful for this condition. It is given to the patient in a dose of 30 ml. twice daily after food with an equal quantity of water. Kasisadi taila, of which kasisa or iron sulphate is the important ingredient, is used externally. It shrinks the piles and cures itching in the anal region. It relieves pain and checks bleeding.
Diet to taken by piles patients: Kulattha, barley, wheat, old rice, papaya, amalaki, patola, and goat's milk are very useful in this condition. The rhizome of surana is also exceedingly useful. It is given to the patient in the form of both diet and medicine. Vegetables like potato, yellow variety of pumpkin and colocasia are not advised.
Other regimens: The piles patient should not suppress natural urges and should not indulge in sex in excess. Riding on the back of animals, and sitting on hard seats are very harmful for the patient.
