While there is limited medical research on the benefits of bentonite clay for hemorrhoids, there are many alternative medicine practitioners who believe in this remedy. Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and rectum. They are a common condition among adults that can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort if left untreated.
Hemorrhoids are characterized by inflammation of the veins in the anus or the rectum (1). Bentonite clay helps relieve the inflamed veins and prevents itching and irritation due to inflammation. Start healing from the inside out with a high-fiber diet, which can reduce the bleeding and pain from hemorrhoids. Using bentonite clay for hemorrhoids can be used internally and externally.
Naturally absorbent and extremely gentle on the system, bentonite clay can treat various skin and an array of internal ailments and attracts and neutralizes poisons in the intestinal tract.
Bentonite clay is present in many skin products, but people also add it to foods or drinks with the aim of relieving digestive issues or removing toxins from the body.
Bentonite clay is available in supplement form. Once in the body, bentonite easily absorbs water. It remains in the digestive tract and is believed to bind and inactivate toxins and promote their excretion. Making it a wonderfully detoxifying and powerfully absorbent remedy.
3 Tested Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Hemorrhoids
1. Highly Absorbent
Bentonite is an absorbent natural smectite clay (2). Hemorrhoids must be kept dry at all times to prevent infection and relieve itchiness and irritation. Due to its high absorbency, bentonite clay is able to keep the anal area both clean and dry and help reduce the inflammation.
2. Detoxes Body
Bentonite clay is very sponge-like so it’s not surprising that research has shown its impressive ability to act as a detoxifying agent (3). The use of bentonite clay for hemorrhoids may lead to the absorption of negative charge toxins. By removing these toxins from the body, bentonite clay can help remove impurities in the digestive tract which results in better digestion, therefore, reducing the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
3. Bactericidal and Anti-inflammatory
A study conducted by Italian researchers in 2002, determined that bentonite clay was more effective in preventing infection of the newborn’s umbilical stump than salicylic sugar powder. This demonstrates that bentonite clay has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce irritation if using bentonite clay for hemorrhoids.
How to Use Bentonite Clay for Hemorrhoids:
We’ve found 4 methods you can use to treat hemorrhoids with bentonite clay at home.
Consume
Drink 2 ounces of liquid bentonite clay 3 times daily. (do not drink with other medications)
Enema
Take a bentonite clay enema using 2 ounces of liquid clay to a pint of water.
Topical
Insert clay mask in and around the anus in the morning and evening
Bathe
You can try sitz baths or take a clay bath twice a week for 10 – 15 minutes using one cup of bentonite powder per bath. (drink water or electrolyte drink during bath)
Other Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids
While using bentonite clay for hemorrhoids is one route to take there are also several other ways to naturally treat this issue. Finding the right remedy for you that fits your lifestyle is the most important factor here.
Increase your fiber intake
A high-fiber diet can reduce the bleeding and pain from hemorrhoids. Fill your plate with fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water can also prevent constipation.
Sitz Baths
You can use a sitz bath, which is a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat or take a full-body bath in your tub. Soaking in a warm bath or a sitz bath with plain water 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times a day may reduce hemorrhoid swelling.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel can reduce both itching and pain, two main symptoms of hemorrhoids. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, so it could also reduce swelling.
Tea Bags
External hemorrhoids can be soothed by applying a warm, wet tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea will help reduce swelling, ease the pain, and promote blood clotting to stop the bleeding.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may provide relief from the burning, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids when applied topically. Purity is very important, as additives and preservatives can make symptoms worse.
Niruha Basti
Niruha Basti is an Ayurveda healing method said to cleanse the colon. As with colonics, this method involves introducing oil into the colon by way of the rectum. According to advocates, Niruha Basti benefits can remove waste and toxins from the colon. It is believed that non-eliminated waste can build up in the colon and lead to a host of health problems
There are many hemorrhoid treatment options available in the home or in the form of over-the-counter medications. Many of the treatment methods involve simply easing the symptoms of the hemorrhoids until they clear up on their own. Try using bentonite clay for hemorrhoids and let us know your experience.