Can soaking hemorrhoids in Epsom salt and tea tree oil be beneficial?

From the Guidelines

Soaking hemorrhoids in a warm bath with Epsom salts and tea tree oil is not a recommended treatment based on the available evidence. The American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids 1 does not mention the use of Epsom salts and tea tree oil as a treatment for hemorrhoids. Instead, it recommends adding dietary fiber and avoiding straining at stool to manage hemorrhoidal symptoms.

Some key points to consider when managing hemorrhoids include:

• Increasing dietary fiber to reduce hemorrhoidal bleeding and painful defecation 1
• Avoiding straining at stool to prevent exacerbating hemorrhoidal symptoms 1
• Using topical analgesics to bring symptomatic relief of local pain and itching, but being cautious of long-term use of high-potency corticosteroid creams 1
• Considering the use of oral micronized, purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) to increase venous tone, lymphatic drainage, and capillary resistance, and normalize capillary permeability 1

While Epsom salts and tea tree oil may have some anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, there is no strong evidence to support their use in treating hemorrhoids. As such, it is recommended to focus on evidence-based treatments and consult a healthcare provider for persistent or severe hemorrhoids.

From the Research

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

• There is no mention of soaking hemorrhoids in Epsom salts or tree oil in the provided study 2
• The study suggests that adequate dietary fiber supplement and the TONE method can help avoid surgery in most patients with advanced hemorrhoids 2
• The TONE method entails specifying exact treatment goals:
  • T, three minutes at defecation
  • O, once-a-day defecation frequency
  • N, no straining during passing motions
  • E, enough fiber 2
• The study found that corrected deranged defecation habits (DDH) can prevent the progression of hemorrhoids and bleeding episodes 2

Alternative Treatments

• The provided study does not discuss the use of Epsom salts or tree oil as a treatment for hemorrhoids 2
• It focuses on the importance of dietary fiber supplement and the TONE method in managing hemorrhoids 2
• There is no evidence to suggest that soaking hemorrhoids in Epsom salts or tree oil is an effective treatment for hemorrhoids based on the provided study 2