Aloe vera for hemorrhoids is the first thing I recommend to almost every client who comes to me for relief. It works by calming an inflamed digestive tract while supporting elimination, which is exactly what a hemorrhoid needs. This post covers why aloe works, exactly how to use it, and a technique I call aloe shock therapy for hemorrhoids that are stubborn or bleeding.
Not long ago, I was working with a client who had been dealing with bleeding hemorrhoids for months. She needed relief and wanted to know what she could do to actually help them heal.
The first thing I recommended was fresh aloe vera. It is where I begin with almost everyone who comes to me with hemorrhoids.
Luckily, she had already bought a fresh aloe leaf and had it at home. She just had not started using it yet. Like many people, she knew aloe could be used on the skin, but she did not realize how powerful it could be when taken internally.
Most of us think of aloe as something we reach for after a sunburn. But the clear gel inside a fresh aloe leaf can also be eaten, and this is how I primarily use it when I am helping someone with hemorrhoids. The reason becomes much clearer once you understand where hemorrhoids actually begin.
Key takeaways
- Aloe vera for hemorrhoids works because it cools and calms the digestive tract while supporting elimination, addressing constipation and straining at the same time.
- According to Medical Medium® Information, hemorrhoids start with a sluggish, overburdened liver, not just local pressure in the rectum.
- Use only the clear inner gel of a fresh aloe leaf, never the green outer part, and never a bottled aloe product with preservatives or citric acid.
- A typical daily amount is two to four inches of fresh aloe gel, taken consistently rather than only during a flare up.
- For stubborn or bleeding hemorrhoids, aloe shock therapy increases that same amount to every two to four hours for about seven days.
- Lower fat and more fresh fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens support the liver and keep elimination moving without added strain.
- Heavy or frequent rectal bleeding should always be checked by a doctor, even while using aloe.
Why Creams Alone Do Not Solve Hemorrhoids
Creams and sitz baths are commonly used for temporary hemorrhoid relief, but they do not explain why the hemorrhoids developed in the first place. According to Medical Medium® Information, hemorrhoids start much higher up, with the liver and digestive system. When the liver becomes sluggish and overburdened, the intestinal tract can become inflamed and constipation can develop. Repeated straining then puts pressure on the veins around the rectum, which can lead to hemorrhoids.
Does Aloe Vera Help Hemorrhoids?
Fresh aloe can be especially helpful for hemorrhoids because it is cooling and calming to the digestive tract while also helping with elimination. When constipation and straining are part of the problem, both of these actions matter.
“Aloe vera leaf is a miraculous healing food that is one of the oldest healing remedies and natural antibiotics in the world. Taken internally, aloe works wonders for assimilation, circulation, and elimination.”
How to Use Aloe Vera for Hemorrhoids
Buy a whole aloe leaf. Most grocery stores keep them near the produce, and a single leaf will last you days in the refrigerator.
“Cut a 2 inch piece off the leaf and scoop out the clear gel inside. This gel can be blended in water, juice, or smoothies to be taken internally or used externally and applied directly to the skin for quick relief and healing.”
Use only the clear inner gel, never the green outer part of the leaf. You can blend it into water, juice, or a smoothie and have it daily.
Fresh Leaf or Store-Bought Aloe?
When I talk about using aloe internally, I always mean the fresh leaf. Walk through any health food store and you will find shelves of aloe drinks, juices, and gels. Many of these products contain preservatives, flavorings, aromas, or citric acid, which can be irritating to a digestive tract that is already inflamed.
For the best results, I recommend buying a whole aloe leaf from the produce section and using the fresh, clear gel inside.
Can You Apply Aloe Directly?
Fresh aloe gel can also be applied directly to the area for soothing relief. But when I work with hemorrhoids, I do not rely on external application alone. I want to bring aloe into the body as well.
How Often Should You Use Aloe Vera for Hemorrhoids?
When I recommend aloe to my clients, consistency matters. Having it every day gives the body much more support than using it only when hemorrhoids flare up.
I usually start clients with two to four inches of fresh aloe gel a day. How quickly someone notices a change will be different for everyone, especially when constipation and other digestive issues have been present for a long time.
For some clients, I suggest using aloe more frequently for a short period of time. Ideally aloe shock therapy.
What Is Aloe Shock Therapy?
Sometimes I recommend using aloe more frequently, especially when a hemorrhoid is stubborn or bleeding. In those situations, I may suggest a short, more intensive round of aloe, Medical Medium ® calls it the aloe shock therapy.
For about seven days, have two to four inches of fresh aloe gel every two to four hours instead of once a day. After the week, you can return to your regular daily amount.
If you are experiencing heavy or frequent bleeding, please also check in with your doctor to make sure you know what is causing it.
What Else Supports Healing
Along with fresh aloe, I recommend keeping fats lower and bringing more fresh fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens into your meals. These are the foods I focus on when supporting the liver and keeping elimination moving without unnecessary straining.
My Hemorrhoid Smoothie brings several of them together, including fresh aloe, wild blueberries, papaya, banana, and spinach.
When someone asks me where to start with hemorrhoids, fresh aloe is always at the top of my list. It is simple, easy to find, and you can use it every day at home.
If the bitterness of fresh aloe has stopped you from using it in the past, I also have a simple method for preparing it that makes it much easier to enjoy.
If you already have an aloe leaf sitting in your refrigerator, cut it open and start using it.
Ready to put this into practice? Try the Hemorrhoid Smoothie recipe next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can aloe vera make hemorrhoids worse?
No, when you use only the clear inner gel of a fresh leaf, aloe vera is calming rather than irritating to skin and tissue that is already inflamed. The outer green part of the leaf can be irritating, so it should never be used internally. If you notice new irritation after starting aloe, stop and check in with your doctor.
How long does it take for aloe vera to help hemorrhoids?
This is different for everyone, especially when constipation and other digestive issues have been present for a long time. Some people notice a difference within days of consistent use, while others need several weeks, particularly if they move into a round of aloe shock therapy.
Is it safe to take fresh aloe vera every day?
Yes, fresh aloe vera gel from the clear inner leaf is safe for daily use for most people, and consistency is part of why it works. If you are pregnant, nursing, or managing another health condition, check with your doctor before adding it to your daily routine.
