What are the Home Remedies for Blood in the Stool?

Natural Relief for Rectal Bleeding: What Works and Why

Bleeding during bowel movements could be frightening, but many cases of mild severity are due to issues like haemorrhoids and anal fissures that can be treated at home. The most effective strategies are to increase your intake of fibre through fruits and vegetables and to avoid stress or staying in the bathroom.

These methods usually stop the bleeding caused due to haemorrhoids and fissures. However, persistent or excessive bleeding should be treated with medical assistance as these remedies are NOT a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Any instance of rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause. Do not assume the cause is minor simply because the bleeding stops. Read on to learn more about home remedies and the causes of blood in the stool.

How to Treat Blood in Stool With Home Remedies?

Home remedies for rectal bleeding (bleeding in stool) are as follows:

1. Hydrate Well: Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to keep stools soft and reduce constipation, which eases bowel movements and minimises bleeding.
2. Boost Fibre Intake: Include high-fibre foods like leafy greens, beans, squash, prunes, and figs. Alternatively, use fibre supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Benefiber) to promote regularity and avoid strain.
3. Skip Foods Triggering Constipation: Avoid refined flours, fried goods, alcohol, and high-fat dairy, as they can lead to harder stools and worsen bleeding.
4. Use Sitz Baths: Soak the anal area in warm water for 10–15 minutes, several times daily, especially after bowel movements. This relaxes sphincter muscles, eases discomfort, and supports healing.
5. Apply Cold Compresses: Place ice packs on the anal region to reduce swelling and pain from haemorrhoids or fissures.
6. Keep Clean and Comfortable: Take daily showers or baths to gently cleanse the area. Use moist wipes or unscented toilet paper to avoid irritation.
7. Avoid Toilet Strain: Resist the urge to read or use your phone on the toilet. Go when needed, don’t hold it in, and don’t push too hard.
8. Light Exercise: Engage in gentle activities like walking, yoga, or rebound therapy (mini-trampoline). These stimulate digestion and reduce constipation.
9. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Support: For mild pain or swelling, use OTC creams with hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or lidocaine, or take pain relievers like acetaminophen. Consider OTC stool softeners if fibre alone isn’t sufficient.
10. Maintain Preventive Habits: To prevent recurrence, maintain hydration, a high-fibre diet, gentle exercise, and good bathroom habits.
     

What are the Causes of Blood in the Stool?

The common causes for blood in the stool are as follows:

1. Haemorrhoids (Piles): Swollen veins located in or around your rectum and anus can rupture, causing bright red blood, usually noticeable on toilet paper or in the bowl. These are common and often painless.
2. Anal Fissures: Tiny cracks in the lining of the anus, often due to passing hard stools or constipation. These cause sharp pain during bowel movements and fresh red bleeding.
3. Constipation and Straining: Chronic constipation or frequent straining can injure the anal canal or rectum, leading to minor bleeding.
4. Colon or Rectal Polyps and Cancer: Abnormal cell growths (polyps) can bleed, and although rare, colorectal cancer may cause darker or mixed-blood stools. Regular screening helps detect and treat these early.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease inflame the digestive tract and often result in bleeding, diarrhoea, and pain.
6. Diverticular Disease: Small pouches in the colon wall may become inflamed or rupture, leading to bleeding.
7. Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectum, due to infection, radiation, or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), can cause bleeding, a constant urge to defecate, and mucous discharge.
8. Angiodysplasia and Vascular Issues: Fragile blood vessels in the colon or rectum may leak blood, especially in older adults.
9. Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Ulcers, esophageal tears, varices, or stomach tumours can cause dark, tarry stools as blood is digested along the digestive tract.
10. Infections and Colitis: Bacterial or viral infections (like E. coli or C. difficile) can inflame the intestines, sometimes leading to bloody diarrhoea.
     

If you notice bright red blood, it often comes from haemorrhoids, fissures, or irritation in the lower colon. Dark or tarry black stools usually suggest bleeding higher up in the digestive system, like from ulcers or varices. In any case, bleeding is abnormal; if you see blood in your stool even once, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If the mild bleeding persists, despite treatment at home, or if you observe large quantities of blood and tar-like stool and dizziness, extreme abdominal pain, or a mysterious weight loss, you should consult a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis.

Although the majority of cases stem from haemorrhoids or minor tears, the presence of persistent or massive bleeding could be a sign of more serious issues such as ulcers and intestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases or even cancer.

These home remedies are safe and simple, aiding in resolving minor bleeding from issues, such as haemorrhoids or anal fissures. They are not a substitute for medical treatment. If symptoms worsen or persist, seek a healthcare specialist or medical help.