While there’s not a ton of medical research on using bentonite clay for hemorrhoids, many folks in the alternative medicine world swear by it. Hemorrhoids, often called piles, are just swollen veins in your anus and rectum, and they’re pretty common among adults. If you don’t deal with them, they can be painful and cause a lot of discomfort.
Hemorrhoids involve inflamed veins in the anus or rectum. Bentonite clay can help soothe these inflamed veins and stop the itching and irritation they cause. To start healing from within, consider a high-fiber diet, which can help reduce bleeding and pain from hemorrhoids. Bentonite clay can be used both internally and externally for treatment.
Bentonite clay is naturally absorbent and gentle on the system, making it great for treating skin issues and various internal problems. It attracts and neutralizes toxins in the intestines. People often add it to foods or drinks to help with digestion or detoxification.
Available as a supplement, bentonite clay easily absorbs water once inside the body, where it stays in the digestive tract. It is believed to bind to toxins, neutralizing them and helping to expel them from the body, making it a powerful detox remedy.
As a highly absorbent natural clay, bentonite is great for keeping the anal area dry, which helps to prevent infection and decrease irritation associated with hemorrhoids. Its absorbent properties help reduce inflammation.
Research highlights bentonite clay’s potential as a detoxifying agent. It may absorb negatively charged toxins, which could aid digestion and, as a result, help alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms. A study in Italy in 2002 found bentonite clay more effective than salicylic sugar powder in preventing infections in a newborn’s umbilical stump, underscoring its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory qualities. These properties can help reduce irritation when using it for hemorrhoids.
Here are four ways to use bentonite clay for hemorrhoid relief at home:
1. Drink 2 ounces of liquid bentonite clay three times a day (avoid taking it with other medications).
2. Try a bentonite clay enema by mixing 2 ounces of liquid clay with a pint of water.
3. Apply a clay mask around the anus in the morning and evening.
4. Enjoy sitz baths or full clay baths twice a week for 10–15 minutes, using one cup of bentonite powder per bath. Stay hydrated while you bathe.
Using bentonite clay is just one option for treating hemorrhoids. It’s important to find what works best for your lifestyle. Eating a high-fiber diet full of fruits and vegetables, along with drinking plenty of water, can prevent constipation and reduce hemorrhoid pain.
Consider sitz baths or full body soaks to help reduce swelling. Witch hazel can ease itching and pain with its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a warm, wet tea bag to external hemorrhoids can also soothe them since tannic acid helps reduce swelling and promotes healing.
Aloe vera may relieve the burning, itching, and swelling of hemorrhoids when applied topically. Just ensure you use pure aloe vera to avoid additives that might worsen symptoms.
In the world of Ayurveda, Niruha Basti involves introducing oil into the colon through the rectum to cleanse it, which some believe helps remove waste and toxins.
There are plenty of ways to manage hemorrhoids at home or with over-the-counter treatments. Many methods focus on relieving symptoms until hemorrhoids naturally clear up. Give bentonite clay a try and see if it works for you.
