Does coconut oil help hemorrhoids?

No study in this review tested coconut oil on hemorrhoids, in animals or in people. There is no research evidence either for or against it — it simply hasn't been studied.

Does castor oil help hemorrhoid relief?

The only study involving castor oil gave it to everyone before hemorrhoid surgery as a laxative to clear the bowel, not as a treatment applied to hemorrhoids. No study has tested castor oil as a hemorrhoid remedy.

What's the best oil for hemorrhoids?

No trial has compared different natural oils against each other for hemorrhoids, so there's no evidence to say one is 'best.' The closest evidence is small trials of myrtle essential oil and a tea tree oil gel, which reported less itching, pain, or bleeding than placebo or standard cream.

Can essential oils shrink hemorrhoids?

No study has measured whether essential oils change the size or grade of a hemorrhoid. Small trials only looked at symptoms like itching and bleeding, not whether the hemorrhoid itself got smaller.

Does oil pulling cure piles?

Oil pulling (swishing oil in the mouth) was not studied in any of the research reviewed here, and there is no plausible link described between a mouth rinse and hemorrhoid tissue in the anus. No evidence supports this claim.

Does coconut oil or other natural oils (olive oil, castor oil, essential oils) help hemorrhoids?

Name: Does coconut oil or other natural oils (olive oil, castor oil, essential oils) help hemorrhoids?
Published: 2026-10-13
Keywords: coconut oil for hemorrhoids, best oil for hemorrhoids, olive oil for hemorrhoids, castor oil for hemorrhoid relief, natural hemorrhoid treatment essential oils, essential oils for hemorrhoids recipe, essential oils to shrink hemorrhoids, does oil pulling cure piles

In adults with symptomatic hemorrhoids, does topical application of coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, or essential oils reduce symptoms (pain, itching, bleeding) or promote healing compared with no treatment or standard hemorrhoid care?

How people search for this, in their own words

“coconut oil for hemorrhoids”
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“olive oil for hemorrhoids”
“castor oil for hemorrhoid relief”
“natural hemorrhoid treatment essential oils”
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“does oil pulling cure piles”

Evidence review in plain language · compiled 2026-10-13 · checked 2026-10-13 · next 2026-11-13 · automated review, how it works

Bottom line

No study has tested whether coconut oil, plain olive oil, or castor oil alone relieve hemorrhoid symptoms in people.

A few small trials tested products that contain natural oils — a myrtle essential oil ointment, a tea tree oil gel, and a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax — against placebo or standard hemorrhoid cream, and some found symptom improvement, but none isolate the oil itself, and none tested coconut oil, plain olive oil, or castor oil alone. In one surgical trial, castor oil was given to all patients as a pre-surgery bowel preparation, not as the treatment being compared, so it does not test whether castor oil helps hemorrhoids. Most of the remaining evidence comes from lab experiments or animal models, which cannot show what happens when a person applies these oils to their own hemorrhoids.

How certain

Very low

The 6 human studies found measure a related question rather than this one, so they can only be read indirectly.

What it shows

Not studied

No study has measured this outcome in people with this condition.

studies found: 18studies found
randomised trials: 4randomised trials
people studied: 414people studied
years covered: 2002–2025years covered

What the research shows

Symptom score (pain, itching, burning)
Small trials of a myrtle oil ointment and a tea tree oil gel reported less itching or better overall symptoms than placebo or standard cream, but these used different oils than coconut, olive, or castor oil, and the trials were small and low quality.[1,2,3]
Insufficient evidence
Rectal bleeding frequency or severity
A tea tree oil gel trial and an uncontrolled case series using an olive oil, honey, and beeswax paste both reported less bleeding, but neither isolated olive oil or tested it in a controlled comparison.[1,2]
Insufficient evidence
Time to symptom resolution
No trial tracked how long it took symptoms to go away with coconut, olive, or castor oil, or with essential oils.
Not studied
Hemorrhoid size or grade regression
No human study measured whether these oils shrink hemorrhoids or change their grade.
Not studied
Recurrence rate
No study followed people long enough afterward to see whether hemorrhoids came back after using these oils.
Not studied
Adverse skin or anal reactions
The small human trials did not report serious skin or anal reactions, but they were not designed specifically to check for them, so safety with regular use is unclear.[1,2,3]
Insufficient evidence

What it may help with

Small trials of plant-based ointments containing essential oils — myrtle oil and a tea tree oil gel — reported less itching, pain, or bleeding than placebo or a standard hemorrhoid cream. This hints that some topical plant oils might ease symptoms, but these are different products from coconut, olive, or castor oil, and the trials were small.[1,2,3]
An uncontrolled case series found that a paste of honey, olive oil, and beeswax applied to hemorrhoids was linked with less bleeding and itching. Without a comparison group, though, this cannot show the olive oil itself caused the improvement.[1]

Important limitations

Castor oil only appears in this evidence as a bowel-clearing laxative given before hemorrhoid surgery — it was not applied to hemorrhoids or tested as a treatment.[1]
Most of the oils and plant extracts actually studied were tested in rats, mice, or lab dishes, and are not the coconut, olive, or castor oil sold in a kitchen aisle.[1,2,3,4,5]
Several sources are narrative reviews, lab chemistry papers, or single case reports, which carry a high risk of bias and cannot show whether a treatment works.[1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
The few actual randomised trials were small (36 to 200 people) and tested specific commercial products or herbal ointments; one trial gave castor oil to all patients only as a pre-surgery bowel preparation rather than testing it as a hemorrhoid treatment, so it does not provide evidence on natural oils used as a treatment.[1,2,3]

What the studies found

Found a benefit11 · 61%
Mixed or unclear7 · 39%

What kind of studies

Narrative review5 · 28%
Animal study4 · 22%
Randomised trial4 · 22%
Laboratory study3 · 17%
Case series2 · 11%

The studies that decided it

Balkrishna et al. 2024
Co-administration of Ayurvedic medicines Arshogrit and Jatyadi Ghrit, attenuate croton oil-induced hemorrhoids in rat model of recto-anal inflammation by modulating TNF-α and IL-1β levels
Herbal drugs eased hemorrhoids in rats.Animal studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2024
treatment reduced swelling, hemorrhage, tissue damage and inflammatory cytokine levels caused by croton oil
Who was studied
rats with croton oil-induced hemorrhoids (recto-anal inflammation)
What they received
Ayurvedic herbal medicines Arshogrit (oral) and Jatyadi Ghrit (topical), containing fatty acids and other phytocompounds
Compared with
prednisolone standard drug and untreated croton oil model
Main outcome
reduction in hemorrhoid-related tissue damage and inflammatory markers
Quality
This is an animal study using a rat model with herbal drug combinations, not plain natural oils, so it cannot reliably predict effects in people using coconut, olive, castor, or essential oils for hemorrhoids.
Limitations
Animal model only; no participant numbers given; intervention is a complex multi-herb formulation rather than a single natural oil.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population rat model of croton oil-induced hemorrhoids
- intervention co-administration of Arshogrit (AG) and Jatyadi Ghrit (JG), two herb-based Ayurvedic medicines
- comparator Prednisolone was employed as the standard drug and was administered orally at the dose of 1 mg/kg/day.
- primaryOutcome To study the efficacy of co-administration of Arshogrit (AG) and Jatyadi Ghrit (JG), two herb-based Ayurvedic medicines, in rat model of croton oil-induced hemorrhoids.
- result AG and JG were able to attenuate the croton oil-induced macro and microscopic anomalies.
- result AG and JG additionally reduced COP-induced increase in the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Drug Dev Ind Pharm · PMID 39565131 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Malekuti et al. 2019
Comparison of the effect of Myrtus communis herbal and anti-hemorrhoid ointments on the hemorrhoid symptoms and quality of life in postpartum women with grade I and II internal hemorrhoid: A triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial
Similar relief, less itching with herbal ointmentRandomised trialLow qualityRelated question
134 people8 weeks
no statistically significant difference between the two groups in overall symptom severity or quality of life, but anal itching was lower and satisfaction higher with the herbal ointment
Who was studied
postpartum women with grade I and II internal hemorrhoid
What they received
Myrtus communis herbal ointment applied rectally twice a day for 4 weeks
Compared with
anti-hemorrhoid ointment applied the same way
Main outcome
severity of hemorrhoid symptoms and quality of life
Quality
it is a triple-blind randomized trial, which is good, but it tested an unrelated herbal ointment (Myrtus communis) rather than coconut, olive, castor, or essential oils, so it doesn't directly answer the question.
Limitations
The abstract does not describe how the herbal ointment was prepared (e.g., oil extraction method), dropout rates, or long-term follow-up beyond 8 weeks.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population women with grade I and II hemorrhoid referring to health centers in Tehran, Iran, in 2017
- intervention The intervention group received the Myrtus communis herbal ointment
- comparator the control group received anti-hemorrhoid ointment twice a day, every 12 ± 2 h, an applicator of the drug through the rectum for 4 weeks
- primaryOutcome compare the effect of Myrtus communis herbal and anti-hemorrhoid ointments on symptoms of hemorrhoid and quality of life (primary outcomes)
- n Individuals were randomly assigned to two groups of 67 people through block randomization method
- result The severity of all symptoms of hemorrhoid decreased in both two group and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). However, the mean of anal itching at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention was significantly lower in the Myrtus communis ointment group (p<0.05).
J Complement Integr Med · PMID 31433782 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Mahboubi 2017
Effectiveness of Myrtus communis in the treatment of hemorrhoids
Eased hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.Narrative reviewLow qualityRelated question
size not given2017
significantly improved bleeding, pain, anal irritation, itching and heaviness, including in patients who did not respond to standard treatment
Who was studied
patients with hemorrhoids types I and II
What they received
Myrtus communis essential oil (lotion or ointment)
Compared with
current chemical anti-hemorrhoids ointment treatment
Main outcome
bleeding, pain, anal irritation, itching and heaviness
Quality
This is a narrative review summarizing unspecified clinical studies without described methodology, sample sizes, or statistical details.
Limitations
No details given on study design, number of patients, or how studies were selected; abstract does not report sample sizes or follow-up time.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population patients with hemorrhoids types I and II
- intervention M. communis essential oil (lotion or ointment)
- comparator patients who did not respond to current chemical treatments (anti-hemorrhoids ointment)
- primaryOutcome bleeding, permanent pain, pain during defecation, anal irritation, anal itching and anal heaviness
- result can significantly improve bleeding, permanent pain, pain during defecation, anal irritation, anal itching and anal heaviness in patients with hemorrhoids types I and II
J Integr Med · PMID 28844211 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Joksimovic et al. 2012
Efficacy and tolerability of hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane in a new gel medical device for treatment of haemorrhoids in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Less pain and bleeding than placeboRandomised trialLow qualityRelated question
36 people14-day treatment
gel significantly reduced all symptoms compared to placebo after 14 days
Who was studied
patients with hemorrhoids (grade 1-3)
What they received
gel containing hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane
Compared with
placebo gel
Main outcome
anal pain, pain during defecation, visible bleeding, itching and irritation/inflammation
Quality
Very small trial of only 36 patients, which makes the results unreliable.
Limitations
Small sample size; abstract gives no detail on randomization or blinding methods beyond being described as double-blind.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n The total number of 36 haemorrhoidal patients (grade 1-3) was enrolled
- population 36 haemorrhoidal patients (grade 1-3)
- intervention a new gel medical device (Proctoial) containing hyaluronic acid with tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane as major components
- comparator double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
- primaryOutcome The anal pain, pain during defecation, visible bleeding, pruritus and irritation/inflammation were recorded before and after 14-day treatment
- result The new gel medical device statistically significantly reduced all the symptoms after the treatment compared to placebo.
- followUp 14-day treatment
Updates Surg · PMID 22492249 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Al-Waili et al. 2006
The safety and efficacy of a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax for the management of hemorrhoids and anal fissure: a pilot study
Less bleeding and itching reportedCase seriesVery low qualityRelated question
15 people4 weeks
significant reduction in bleeding and itching in hemorrhoid patients; significant reduction in pain, bleeding, and itching in anal fissure patients
Who was studied
patients who presented with anal fissure or hemorrhoids
What they received
topical mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax applied for 12 hours
Compared with
before vs after treatment, no control group
Main outcome
bleeding, itching, edema, erythema, and pain scores
Quality
This was a tiny uncontrolled pilot study with only 15 patients and no comparison group, so the improvement can't be attributed to the treatment itself.
Limitations
No control group, very small sample size, not randomized or blinded, mixed condition groups (hemorrhoids and anal fissure combined).
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n Fifteen consecutive patients, 13 males and 2 females, median age 45 years (range: 28-70), who presented with anal fissure (5 patients) or first- to third-degree hemorrhoids (4 with first degree, 4 with second degree, and 2 with third degree)
- population who presented with anal fissure (5 patients) or first- to third-degree hemorrhoids
- intervention treated with a 12-h application of a natural mixture containing honey, olive oil, and beeswax in ratio of 1:1:1(v/v/v)
- comparator Efficacy of treatment was assessed by comparing the symptoms' score before and after treatment; at weekly intervals for a maximum of 4 weeks.
- primaryOutcome Bleeding, itching, edema, and erythema were measured using a scoring method
- result The honey mixture significantly reduced bleeding and relieved itching in patients with hemorrhoids. Patients with anal fissure showed significant reduction in pain, bleeding, and itching after the treatment.
ScientificWorldJournal · PMID 17369999 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Al-Mulhim et al. 2006
Post hemorrhoidectomy pain. A randomized controlled trial
Antibiotic eased pain, not about oilRandomised trialModerate qualityRelated question
200 people2006
the metronidazole group had significantly less pain and returned to normal activity sooner
Who was studied
patients with third and fourth degree hemorrhoids having surgery to remove them
What they received
metronidazole given before and after surgery
Compared with
no medication
Main outcome
pain after hemorrhoid removal surgery
Quality
it was a randomized trial with a reasonable number of patients, but it was not designed to test castor oil or other natural oils on hemorrhoids.
Limitations
castor oil was given to all patients as a pre-surgery bowel preparation in both groups, not as the treatment being compared, so this study does not test whether castor oil or other natural oils help hemorrhoids.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population patients with third and fourth degree hemorrhoids
- intervention In Group 1 (100 patients) pre and postoperative metronidazole was used
- comparator in Group 2 (100 patients) no medications were given
- primaryOutcome To compare the effect of metronidazole on post conventional hemorrhoidectomy pain
- result Patients in group 1 had significantly less pain than those in the second group.
- n Two hundred consecutive patients
- limitations All patients received castor oil from 2 days before surgery and lactulose after surgery for 2 weeks.
Saudi Med J · PMID 17013479 · Read it on PubMed ↗

What actually helps, on this site

More about the condition:

All 18 studiesEvery study that answered the question, with its design, size and result.

The other 12 studiesEverything else the search returned, including anything retracted.

Aydın et al. 2025
From Herbal Tea to Science: Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia (Lamiaceae) With Molecular Docking Analysis
No evidence tested for hemorrhoidsLaboratory studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2025
The extracts showed some antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting activity in lab tests, but no hemorrhoid-related outcome was measured or reported
Who was studied
No human patients; plant extracts and essential oils tested in a lab setting, not people with hemorrhoids
What they received
Methanolic extract, aqueous extract, and essential oil from Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia aerial parts
Compared with
No comparator described for hemorrhoid treatment
Main outcome
Antioxidant, antidiabetic (α-amylase inhibition), and anticholinesterase activity, plus phytochemical and molecular docking analysis
Quality
This is a laboratory chemistry study with no patients, no hemorrhoid outcome tested, and only a passing mention of traditional folk use.
Limitations
Purely in-vitro/chemical analysis; traditional use for hemorrhoids is mentioned only as background, not tested or evaluated in this study
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia is traditionally used in Türkiye as an analgesic, tonic, and for the external treatment of hemorrhoids and wound healing.
- intervention This study evaluates antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase activities of methanolic, aqueous extracts, and essential oils from the flowering aerial parts of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia
- primaryOutcome This study evaluates antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase activities of methanolic, aqueous extracts, and essential oils
- result The methanolic extract exhibited moderate bioactivity, achieving 28.36% α-amylase inhibition at 5000 μg/mL and 21.85% acetylcholinesterase inhibition at 100 μg/mL, while also demonstrating notable antioxidant activity with 23.013% ABTS•+ and 8.114% DPPH• scavenging.
- comparator These findings support the traditional use of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia and highlight its promise as a natural source for therapeutic agents targeting oxidative stress, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Food Sci Nutr · PMID 40808707 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Joshi 2022
Krimighna (anthelmintic) role of Neem Oil (medicated oil of Azadirachta indica Linn.) and adjuvant Ayurvedic therapies in the management of anal myiasis: A case report
Maggot infection cleared; piles also treated.Case seriesVery low qualityRelated question
1 people29 days
The case was completely cured and relieved in 29 days
Who was studied
49-year-old man with anal myiasis (maggot infestation) and internal-external hemorrhoids (piles)
What they received
Neem oil soaked gauze applied daily plus Ksharasutra thread ligation of hemorrhoids and internal Ayurvedic herbs including castor-oil-roasted Haritoki
Compared with
No comparison group; single patient treated
Main outcome
Resolution of the maggot infestation and wound healing
Quality
This is a single uncontrolled case report, so it cannot show whether the oil helped more than no treatment.
Limitations
Single patient, no control group, and the main condition treated was maggot infestation (myiasis) rather than hemorrhoids alone.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population a 49-year male having anal myiasis along and interno-external piles together
- intervention local application of Neem oil (Medicated oil of Azadirachta indica Linn.) soaked gauze piece once a day on daily bases in the invaded tissues of myiasis along with Ksharasutra ligation in the base of pile mass
- comparator The case was managed by local application of Neem oil
- primaryOutcome Neem oil revealed Krimighna (anthelmintic) effect which helped in tissue debridement and enhanced wound healing
- result The case was completely cured and was relieved in 29 days.
- n a 49-year male having anal myiasis
J Ayurveda Integr Med · PMID 36399960 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Kusumawati et al. 2022
Histomorphometric study of ethanolic extract of Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff. leaves on croton oil-induced hemorrhoid mice: A Javanese traditional anti-hemorrhoid herb
Herbal leaf extract reduced hemorrhoid damage in mice.Animal studyLow qualityRelated question
size not given2022
combined oral and topical use improved anorectal tissue damage more than using either method alone
Who was studied
mice with hemorrhoids induced by croton oil
What they received
ethanolic extract of Graptophyllum pictum leaves, given orally and topically (alone or combined)
Compared with
oral-only or topical-only application of the extract
Main outcome
changes in anorectal tissue structure under microscope
Quality
This is a small animal (mice) study of a different plant extract, not a natural oil, so it offers little direct evidence on the question asked.
Limitations
Animal study only, not in humans; tests a leaf extract rather than coconut, olive, or castor oil; sample size not reported.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Croton oil-induced hemorrhoid mice
- intervention the oral-topical combination use of the ethanolic extract of G. pictum leaves
- comparator better than the single application by oral or topical application
- primaryOutcome observing histomorphologic changes in mice anorectal tissue induced by croton oil
- result demonstrated significant improvement on the croton oil-induced anorectal damage better than the single application by oral or topical application
J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 34688799 · Read it on PubMed ↗
El Menyiy et al. 2021
Phytochemical properties, biological activities and medicinal use of Centaurium erythraea Rafn
No real evidence for hemorrhoidsNarrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2021
review reports traditional use for hemorrhoids among many conditions, but no clinical evidence or trial data on hemorrhoids is given
Who was studied
people using traditional herbal medicine
What they received
Centaurium erythraea plant extracts and essential oils
Compared with
no comparator described
Main outcome
traditional uses and biological activities of the plant
Quality
This is a general review of folk uses and lab-based pharmacological properties of a plant, with no clinical trial on hemorrhoids reported.
Limitations
No clinical studies on hemorrhoids are described; information is based on traditional use and unrelated pharmacological experiments (antibacterial, antioxidant, etc.), with authors stating further in vivo and toxicity studies are needed.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population It is used in folk medicine to treat various illnesses.
- intervention The essential oils and extracts of C. erythraea exhibited numerous biological properties
- comparator RESULTS: C. erythraea is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as diabetes, fever, rhinitis, stomach ailments, urinary tract infections, dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, and hemorrhoids, and as diuretic.
- primaryOutcome previous reports on the taxonomy, botanical description, geographic distribution, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and toxicity of Centaurium erythraea were critically summarized
- result such as diabetes, fever, rhinitis, stomach ailments, urinary tract infections, dyspeptic complaints, loss of appetite, and hemorrhoids, and as diuretic
J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 33940085 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Fatima et al. 2018
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of fixed oil of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. in mice and rats
Reduced pain, swelling in animals.Animal studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2018
the oil reduced pain and swelling similarly to aspirin, though effects came on more slowly in some tests
Who was studied
mice and rats
What they received
fixed oil from Macrotyloma uniflorum (horse gram) beans, given at two doses
Compared with
normal saline or standard aspirin
Main outcome
pain response and inflammation/swelling in animal tests
Quality
this is a small animal experiment testing a different bean-derived oil for general pain and swelling, not hemorrhoids specifically, so it says little about treating hemorrhoids in people.
Limitations
animal study only, not testing hemorrhoids directly, and the abstract does not report group sizes.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population analgesic (by acetic acid induced writhing, hot plate and tail flick tests in mice) and anti-inflammatory (carrageenan induced paw edema in rats) activities of Macrotyloma uniflorum fixed oil (MUFO)
- intervention Macrotyloma uniflorum fixed oil (MUFO)
- comparator Group-I: Normal Saline Control (2ml/kg), Group-II: MUFO (2ml/kg), Group-III: MUFO (4ml/kg), and Group-IV: Standard Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA 300mg/kg).
- primaryOutcome The present study evaluated analgesic (by acetic acid induced writhing, hot plate and tail flick tests in mice) and anti-inflammatory (carrageenan induced paw edema in rats) activities of Macrotyloma uniflorum fixed oil (MUFO).
- result All results were significant however delayed onset of action was observed in tail flick and paw edema tests.
Pak J Pharm Sci · PMID 29618451 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Sisay et al. 2017
Ethnobotanical, Ethnopharmacological, and Phytochemical Studies of Myrtus communis Linn: A Popular Herb in Unani System of Medicine
No direct evidence for hemorrhoidsNarrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2017
Review reports traditional use for hemorrhoids among many conditions and describes pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, without specific data on hemorrhoid treatment outcomes
Who was studied
people with various ailments including hemorrhoids (traditional/folkloric use)
What they received
Myrtus communis (myrtle) plant parts and essential oil
Compared with
none described
Main outcome
traditional therapeutic uses and pharmacological activities of the plant
Quality
This is a narrative review of ethnobotanical and pharmacological literature, not a controlled study testing the plant on hemorrhoids specifically
Limitations
No clinical trial data on hemorrhoids specifically; relies on traditional/folkloric claims and general pharmacological studies not focused on this condition
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population treatment of several diseases like gastric ulcer, diarrhea, dysentery, cancer, rheumatism, hemorrhage, deep sinuses, leucorrhoea, hemorrhoid, inflammation
- intervention different parts of this plant and essential oil have been used for a variety of purposes
- primaryOutcome ethnopharmacological studies revealed that the plant is endowed with extensive pharmacological activities
- result Most of these studies validate the aforementioned traditional claims of this medicinal plant.
- comparator Further studies are needed to unravel other pharmacological activities of this plant in the long run.
J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med · PMID 28745081 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Bouzabata et al. 2015
Myrtus communis L. as source of a bioactive and safe essential oil
Lab study only, not tested on hemorrhoidsLaboratory studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2015
The oil inhibited NO production in inflamed cells and showed antifungal activity, without harming cell viability at tested doses
Who was studied
No human or animal patients; traditional use mentioned for respiratory disorders, diarrhea and hemorrhoids, tested in mammalian cell lines and fungal cultures
What they received
Myrtus communis (myrtle) essential oil
Compared with
Untreated cells/fungal cultures
Main outcome
Antifungal activity and anti-inflammatory effect (nitric oxide production) in lab cell models, plus safety on cell viability
Quality
This is a lab study on cells and fungi, not people with hemorrhoids, so it cannot show whether the oil helps that condition.
Limitations
In vitro only, no human or animal testing of hemorrhoids; hemorrhoids mentioned only as background on traditional use, not studied directly.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population The leaves are used in respiratory disorders, diarrhea and hemorrhoids.
- intervention well characterized essential oils (EO)
- primaryOutcome The aims of this work were to evaluate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of well characterized essential oils (EO).
- result Both oils were able to significantly inhibit NO production, without affecting cell viability, in concentrations up to 0.64 mg/mL.
- comparator The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages.
Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 25446467 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Rajput et al. 2014
An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species
No evidence given for hemorrhoids.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2014
Hemorrhoids listed only as one of many traditional uses; no efficacy data given for this condition
Who was studied
People using traditional herbal medicine systems (not specified further)
What they received
Acorus calamus (sweet flag) plant extract/rhizome, used traditionally
Main outcome
Traditional uses and pharmacological properties of Acorus calamus
Quality
This is a general narrative review listing traditional uses of a plant, not a study testing it on hemorrhoids, and the abstract itself says many of its uses are unproven.
Limitations
Abstract states many traditional uses of this plant 'are yet to be scientifically validated'; no clinical data on hemorrhoids are presented; the plant is not coconut, olive, or castor oil.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- intervention Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) has a long history of use and has numerous traditional and ethnomedicinal applications.
- population Since ancient times, it has been used in various systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Chinese medicine, etc.
- primaryOutcome In the present review an attempt has been made to explore traditional uses and pharmacological properties of A. calamus.
- result for the treatment of various aliments like nervous disorders, appetite loss, bronchitis, chest pain, colic, cramps, diarrhea, digestive disorders, flatulence, gas, indigestion, rheumatism, sedative, cough, fever, bronchitis, inflammation, depression, tumors, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, numbness, general debility and vascular disorders.
- limitations Though A. calamus has been used since ancient times, many of its uses are yet to be scientifically validated.
Phytomedicine · PMID 24200497 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Gurel et al. 2013
Herbal haemorrhoidal cream for haemorrhoids
Herbal cream reduced inflammation in rats.Animal studyVery low qualityRelated question
28 people15 days
herbal creams reduced inflammation and oxidative stress compared to untreated croton oil group
Who was studied
young male rats with chemically induced anal inflammation
What they received
herbal creams (fig leaves, artichoke leaves, walnut husks, with or without horse chestnut fruit)
Compared with
saline or croton oil alone
Main outcome
inflammation and oxidative stress markers in anal tissue
Quality
This was a small animal study using rats, not humans, so it cannot show what helps people with hemorrhoids.
Limitations
Animal model only, small sample size, no coconut, olive, or castor oil tested, and no human outcomes measured.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats, 6-8 weeks old and weighing 160-180 g, were used in this study
- intervention croton oil+fig leaves+artichoke leaves+walnut husks+horse chestnut fruit
- comparator rats were treated with 0.1 ml of cream or saline twice a day
- primaryOutcome Tissue and blood samples were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical studies
- result the greatest degree of improvement was seen in the fourth group, and some recovered areas were observed
- n Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats
Chin J Physiol · PMID 24032710 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Arsić et al. 2011
Estimation of dermatological application of creams with St. John's Wort oil extracts
Skin healed, but not tested on hemorrhoids.Randomised trialVery low qualityRelated question
size not givenseven-day treatment
skin measurements returned to normal baseline levels after seven days of cream treatment
Who was studied
people with skin irritation (not hemorrhoid patients), tested using a skin irritant
What they received
cream containing 15% St. John's Wort oil extract made with olive, palm, or sunflower oil
Compared with
different oil extractant creams and baseline skin measurements
Main outcome
skin electrical capacitance and redness (erythema index) after irritant exposure
Quality
this study tested skin irritation recovery in a lab-style trial, not hemorrhoid patients or hemorrhoid symptoms, so it cannot tell us whether this helps hemorrhoids.
Limitations
Abstract does not report participant numbers, does not study hemorrhoid patients or hemorrhoid outcomes directly, and focuses on general skin inflammation/antimicrobial testing instead.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population using a sodium lauryl sulphate test
- intervention three O/W creams containing 15% (w/v) of SJW oil extract
- comparator different vegetable oils used as an extractant, namely: Olive, palm and sunflower oil
- primaryOutcome Both skin parameters assessed in the study (electrical capacitance and erythema index)
- result were restored to the baseline value after a seven-day treatment with the tested creams
- followUp after a seven-day treatment
Molecules · PMID 22205093 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Srivastava et al. 2010
Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future
No evidence given, just mentioned as traditional use.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2010
Not tested; abstract only states chamomile is commonly used for various ailments including hemorrhoids, without reporting any study results or outcomes
Who was studied
Not specified - general discussion of human ailments
What they received
Chamomile preparations (herbal medicine)
Compared with
No comparator described
Main outcome
Not a specific outcome; general discussion of therapeutic uses and curative/preventive properties
Quality
This is a narrative review describing traditional uses of chamomile, with no original data, trial, or outcome measurements reported for hemorrhoids specifically.
Limitations
No study design, data, participant numbers, or outcome results are presented; hemorrhoids is only mentioned as one of many traditional uses without evidence or citation details.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids
- intervention Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments
- comparator Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids.
- primaryOutcome evaluating its curative and preventive properties, highlight recent findings for its development as a therapeutic agent promoting human health
- result Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids.
Mol Med Rep · PMID 21132119 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Saglik et al. 2002
Fatty acid composition of Dracunculus vulgaris Schott (Araceae) seed oil from Turkey
No evidence tested on hemorrhoidsLaboratory studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2002
identified main fatty acids in the seed oil; no treatment effect tested
Who was studied
not applicable (plant seeds, not human patients)
What they received
Dracunculus vulgaris seed oil fatty acid analysis
Main outcome
chemical composition of seed oil fatty acids
Quality
This is a lab chemistry analysis of plant oil composition, not a study of people with hemorrhoids, so it cannot show whether the oil helps.
Limitations
No human subjects, no clinical testing, no hemorrhoid outcome measured; traditional use is only mentioned as background.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population The tubers and the fruits with the seeds of D. vulgaris have long been in use for the treatment of rheumatism and hemorrhoids, respectively.
- intervention The fatty acid composition of D. vulgaris seeds have been analyzed as their methyl esters by GC and GC-mass spectrometry.
- primaryOutcome The fatty acid composition of D. vulgaris seeds have been analyzed
- result C16:0, C16:1n-7, C18:1n-9, C18:1n-7 (cis -vaccenic acid), C18:2n-6 and 13-phenyl tridecanoic acids were found to be the main components in the seed oil.
J Pharm Pharm Sci · PMID 12553891 · Read it on PubMed ↗

How we searchedThe exact query, the date it ran, and what came back — so you can run it yourself.

Searched: PubMed · ClinicalTrials.gov · Crossref on 2026-10-13
The exact search — paste this into PubMed to repeat it: ("Hemorrhoids"[Mesh] OR hemorrhoid*[tiab] OR piles[tiab]) AND ("Plant Oils"[Mesh] OR "Coconut Oil"[tiab] OR "Olive Oil"[Mesh] OR "Castor Oil"[Mesh] OR "Oils, Volatile"[Mesh] OR essential oil*[tiab] OR aromatherapy[tiab] OR coconut oil[tiab] OR olive oil[tiab] OR castor oil[tiab]); PubMed expanded that to: ("Hemorrhoids"[MeSH Terms] OR "hemorrhoid*"[Title/Abstract] OR "piles"[Title/Abstract]) AND ("Plant Oils"[MeSH Terms] OR "Coconut Oil"[Title/Abstract] OR "Olive Oil"[MeSH Terms] OR "Castor Oil"[MeSH Terms] OR "oils, volatile"[MeSH Terms] OR "essential oil*"[Title/Abstract] OR "aromatherapy"[Title/Abstract] OR "Coconut Oil"[Title/Abstract] OR "Olive Oil"[Title/Abstract] OR "Castor Oil"[Title/Abstract])
What came back: 67 records found · 67 read · 18 answered the question
Included: Human, animal or laboratory studies reporting an outcome relevant to the question
Excluded: Records about a different condition or intervention
Records reporting no outcome
Retracted publications, which are listed but excluded from every count
Limits: Details were read from abstracts, not full papers, so anything reported only in a paper's methods section is not captured here.
Fields were read from abstracts, not full text, so detail reported only in a paper's methods section is not captured.
Evidence strength is adapted from the GRADE framework. It is not a GRADE assessment and was not produced by a GRADE panel.

67records came back from the search
67were read
18actually answered the question

Risks and safetyReported side effects and who should be careful.

None of the included studies reported serious harm from applying these oils or oil-containing products to the anal area; a few tracked itching, irritation, or redness as outcomes and did not find worsening, but these were small studies not designed mainly to test safety.

Why people try thisThe reasoning behind the question — not a claim that it works.

These oils are cheap, already in the kitchen, and feel soothing when applied to sore skin.
Hemorrhoid creams can feel like 'chemicals,' so natural oils seem like a gentler option.
Wellness websites and social media often repeat traditional folk remedies as if they were proven cures.
Applying something feels like taking action while waiting for symptoms to settle on their own.

Common questionsShort answers, drawn from the same studies.

Does coconut oil help hemorrhoids?: No study in this review tested coconut oil on hemorrhoids, in animals or in people. There is no research evidence either for or against it — it simply hasn't been studied.
Does castor oil help hemorrhoid relief?: The only study involving castor oil gave it to everyone before hemorrhoid surgery as a laxative to clear the bowel, not as a treatment applied to hemorrhoids. No study has tested castor oil as a hemorrhoid remedy.
What's the best oil for hemorrhoids?: No trial has compared different natural oils against each other for hemorrhoids, so there's no evidence to say one is 'best.' The closest evidence is small trials of myrtle essential oil and a tea tree oil gel, which reported less itching, pain, or bleeding than placebo or standard cream.
Can essential oils shrink hemorrhoids?: No study has measured whether essential oils change the size or grade of a hemorrhoid. Small trials only looked at symptoms like itching and bleeding, not whether the hemorrhoid itself got smaller.
Does oil pulling cure piles?: Oil pulling (swishing oil in the mouth) was not studied in any of the research reviewed here, and there is no plausible link described between a mouth rinse and hemorrhoid tissue in the anus. No evidence supports this claim.

This is information, not advice

This page summarises published research. It cannot tell you what is happening in your own body, and evidence changes. If something is bleeding, painful, or new, it is worth being looked at — that is a different question from the one on this page, and a better one to bring to a consultation.

Contact the office

Automated evidence review — PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Crossref. Search strategy, grading rules and the checks that must pass before anything publishes were written by Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS, colon & rectal surgery, Beverly Hills. The pages themselves are compiled by software running that method and are not read one by one before publication — saying otherwise would be the one claim here that could not be checked.

Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS · 435 N. Bedford Dr., Suite 308, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · 424.279.8222

Educational information — not medical advice.