Does putting honey on hemorrhoids help?

Name: Does putting honey on hemorrhoids help?
Published: 2026-10-05

In adults with symptomatic hemorrhoids, does topical application of honey reduce pain, bleeding, itching, or healing time compared with no treatment or standard care?

Compiled 2026-10-05 · checked 2026-10-05 · next 2026-11-05 · automated review, how it works

Bottom line

One tiny, uncontrolled study found a honey mixture eased bleeding and itching in hemorrhoid patients, but the evidence is too weak to call this proven.

The only direct evidence comes from 15 people who used a honey, olive oil, and beeswax ointment, compared to their own symptoms before treatment — there was no separate comparison group. No trial has tested honey alone, and no study has compared honey against standard hemorrhoid treatments or against doing nothing in a controlled way.

How certain

Very low

The only direct evidence is 1 small or uncontrolled study.

What it shows

Possible benefit

The evidence points to a benefit, but it is not strong enough to be confident.

studies found: 6studies found
randomised trials: 0randomised trials
people studied: 30people studied
years covered: 2006–2026years covered

What the research shows

Pain score reduction
Pain scores were measured, but the significant drop reported was in patients with anal fissure, not in the hemorrhoid patients specifically. It isn't clear from this study whether hemorrhoid pain improved.[1]
Insufficient evidence
Rectal bleeding frequency or amount
In 15 people with hemorrhoids, bleeding was reported as significantly reduced after using a honey, olive oil, and beeswax ointment, compared with their symptoms before treatment. There was no control group, so it's unclear how much of this was due to the ointment itself.[1]
Possible improvement
Itching or irritation severity
The same small study found less itching after treatment in hemorrhoid patients, again without a comparison group to rule out natural improvement over time.[1]
Possible improvement
Time to symptom resolution
No study measured how long it took for symptoms to go away with or without honey.
Not studied
Healing time of hemorrhoidal tissue
No study measured actual tissue healing time in hemorrhoid patients.
Not studied
Recurrence of symptoms
No study followed patients to see if hemorrhoid symptoms came back after treatment stopped.
Not studied

What it may help with

In a small, uncontrolled study of 15 people, a honey-based ointment (mixed with olive oil and beeswax) was linked to less bleeding and itching in hemorrhoid patients after treatment.[1]

Important limitations

The only study on actual hemorrhoid patients had no control group — everyone received the ointment, and their symptoms were simply compared to before treatment, which can't rule out natural improvement over time.[1]
That study tested honey mixed with olive oil and beeswax, not honey by itself, so it can't tell us whether honey alone would do the same thing.[1]
The sample was very small, just 15 people, and there was no comparison group — symptoms were only compared before and after treatment in the same patients.[1]
Most of the other available sources are general reviews or traditional-use reports that mention honey for piles (hemorrhoids) without any patient data, outcome measurement, or study design.[1,2,3]
One source describes traditional healers in Ethiopia using honey mixed with other substances, but it only reports healers' own confidence, not measured patient results.[1]
Lab and animal studies showing honey kills bacteria were done in mice and test tubes, not in people with hemorrhoids, so they don't tell us whether honey helps hemorrhoid symptoms in humans.[1]

What the studies found

Found a benefit2 · 33%
Mixed or unclear4 · 67%

What kind of studies

Narrative review3 · 50%
Case series2 · 33%
Laboratory study1 · 17%

The studies that decided it

Alula et al. 2026
Assessment of the perceptions and practices of traditional hemorrhoid healers in the North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
Healers believe it helps, unprovenCase seriesVery low qualityRelated question
15 people2026
Healers reported strong confidence in effectiveness for early-stage hemorrhoids but limited effectiveness in severe cases; no measured patient outcomes were reported
Who was studied
Traditional hemorrhoid healers in a rural area of Ethiopia
What they received
Topical application of medicinal plants combined with butter or honey, herbal fumigation, or sitz baths for hemorrhoids
Compared with
No comparator group or treatment
Main outcome
Healers' own reported diagnostic methods, treatments, and perceived effectiveness of their treatments
Quality
This is a qualitative interview study of healers' self-reported beliefs, not a controlled test of whether honey actually treats hemorrhoids in patients.
Limitations
Qualitative design based on healer self-report, no biomedical diagnostic confirmation, no patient outcome measurement, no control group, small purposive sample of healers rather than patients.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 purposively selected traditional healers.
- population traditional hemorrhoid healers in the North Gondar Zone
- intervention Treatments mainly involved locally sourced medicinal plants, often combined with substances such as butter or honey, and administered through topical applications, herbal fumigation, or sitz baths.
- comparator A qualitative cross-sectional study design was employed.
- primaryOutcome This study aimed to explore the diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, perceived effectiveness, and sustainability challenges of traditional hemorrhoid healers
- result Participants reported strong confidence in the effectiveness of these treatments for early-stage hemorrhoids, while acknowledging limited effectiveness in severe cases.
BMC Complement Med Ther · PMID 42163169 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Lin et al. 2022
The in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of uniflorous honey from a medicinal plant, Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl., and characterization of its chemical profile with UPLC-MS/MS
Antibacterial honey, not tested on hemorrhoidsLaboratory studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2022
figwort honey killed bacteria strongly, similar to manuka honey, and reduced bacterial load and inflammation markers in infected mice
Who was studied
mice with skin or systemic bacterial infections, and bacteria in test tubes
What they received
honey from the medicinal plant Scrophularia ningpoensis (figwort honey)
Compared with
other medicinal plant honeys and manuka honey
Main outcome
antibacterial activity against infection-causing bacteria
Quality
This is lab and animal research on bacterial infections generally, not a human study of hemorrhoids, so it cannot show whether honey helps hemorrhoid symptoms.
Limitations
Study used in vitro bacterial assays and mouse models of skin/systemic infection, not humans or hemorrhoid patients; no mention of hemorrhoids being tested.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population the systemically infected mouse model and the acute skin infection model
- intervention Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. (figwort) honey (S. ningpoensis honey)
- comparator comparable to manuka honey
- primaryOutcome Their antimicrobial activities were evaluated in vitro, and then in vivo
- result the sera level of TNF-α in the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa-infected mice decreased by 45.38% and 51.75%, respectively, after the treatment of S. ningpoensis honey
- result S. ningpoensis honey significantly decreased the bacterial load of the muscles under the acute MRSA-infected skin wounds
J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 35752262 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Samarghandian et al. 2017
Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research
No evidence given for hemorrhoids.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2017
the abstract only lists piles (hemorrhoids) once among many traditional uses of honey, with no data, trial, or outcome reported for this condition specifically
Who was studied
general review of honey use in various health conditions, not specific to hemorrhoid patients
What they received
honey used traditionally and in modern research for many conditions
Compared with
not stated
Main outcome
no specific outcome measured for hemorrhoids; review broadly discusses honey's effects across many diseases
Quality
this is a general narrative review that only mentions hemorrhoids as one item in a list of traditional uses, without any study design, data, or outcome specific to hemorrhoids.
Limitations
no systematic methodology described, no specific evidence or study cited for hemorrhoid treatment, broad review covering many unrelated conditions
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to humankind since ancient times.
- intervention Traditionally, honey is used in the treatment of eye diseases, bronchial asthma, throat infections, tuberculosis, thirst, hiccups, fatigue, dizziness, hepatitis, constipation, worm infestation, piles, eczema, healing of ulcers, and wounds and used as a nutritious supplement.
- comparator UNLABELLED: Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to humankind since ancient times.
- primaryOutcome The aim of this review is to emphasize the ability of honey and its multitude in medicinal aspects.
- result Traditionally, honey is used in the treatment of eye diseases, bronchial asthma, throat infections, tuberculosis, thirst, hiccups, fatigue, dizziness, hepatitis, constipation, worm infestation, piles, eczema, healing of ulcers, and wounds and used as a nutritious supplement.
Pharmacognosy Res · PMID 28539734 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Burlando et al. 2013
Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review
No evidence reported here.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2013
honey is mentioned as having been used in treatments for hemorrhoids, but no outcome data are given
Who was studied
people with skin conditions including hemorrhoids
What they received
honey
Compared with
not stated
Main outcome
not stated specifically for hemorrhoids
Quality
this is a broad narrative review that only lists hemorrhoids among many skin conditions honey has been used for, without presenting any study data or outcomes for it
Limitations
abstract gives no study design, patient numbers, or results specific to hemorrhoid treatment with honey
Taken word for word from the abstract
- intervention Honey is a bee-derived, supersaturated solution composed mainly of fructose and glucose
- result has also been included in treatments against pityriasis, tinea, seborrhea, dandruff, diaper dermatitis, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, and anal fissure
- population has also been included in treatments against pityriasis, tinea, seborrhea, dandruff, diaper dermatitis, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, and anal fissure
- primaryOutcome has also been included in treatments against pityriasis, tinea, seborrhea, dandruff, diaper dermatitis, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, and anal fissure
- comparator has also been included in treatments against pityriasis, tinea, seborrhea, dandruff, diaper dermatitis, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, and anal fissure
J Cosmet Dermatol · PMID 24305429 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Ediriweera et al. 2012
Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee's Honey - A review
Traditional use only, no evidence givenNarrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2012
Honey is listed among traditional uses for piles, with no specific outcome data given
Who was studied
People with various ailments, including piles (hemorrhoids)
What they received
Fresh bee's honey
Main outcome
General traditional/medicinal uses including treatment of piles
Quality
This is a narrative review of traditional and anecdotal uses gathered from texts and interviews, not a controlled study, so it cannot show whether honey actually helps hemorrhoids.
Limitations
No study design, no data, no comparator, information based on traditional texts and interviews rather than clinical evidence
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Fresh bee's honey is used in treatment of eye diseases, throat infections, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, hiccups, thirst, dizziness, fatigue, hepatitis, worm infestation, constipation, piles, eczema, healing of wounds, ulcers and used as a nutritious, easily digestible food for weak people.
- intervention Fresh bee's honey is used in treatment of eye diseases, throat infections, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, hiccups, thirst, dizziness, fatigue, hepatitis, worm infestation, constipation, piles, eczema, healing of wounds, ulcers and used as a nutritious, easily digestible food for weak people.
- result Fresh bee's honey is used in treatment of eye diseases, throat infections, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, hiccups, thirst, dizziness, fatigue, hepatitis, worm infestation, constipation, piles, eczema, healing of wounds, ulcers and used as a nutritious, easily digestible food for weak people.
- primaryOutcome The aim of this survey is to emphasize the importance of bee's honey and its multitude of medicinal, cosmetic and general values.
Ayu · PMID 23559786 · 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 reported.Case seriesVery low quality
15 people4 weeks
significant reduction in bleeding and itching in hemorrhoid patients; significant reduction in pain, bleeding, and itching in fissure patients
Who was studied
patients with anal fissure or hemorrhoids
What they received
topical mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax applied for 12 hours
Compared with
symptoms before treatment (no control group)
Main outcome
bleeding, itching, swelling, redness, and pain scores
Quality
This was a small uncontrolled pilot study with only 15 patients and no comparison group, so the improvement could be due to other factors.
Limitations
Pilot study design with no control group, small sample size, and the authors themselves call for further randomized double-blind studies.
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), were 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).
- population patients with anal fissure or 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
- 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 ↗

What actually helps, on this site

More about the condition:

Hemorrhoids

All 6 studiesEvery study that answered the question, with its design, size and result.

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 2026-10-05
The exact search — paste this into PubMed to repeat it: ("Honey"[Mesh] OR honey[tiab]) AND ("Hemorrhoids"[Mesh] OR hemorrhoid*[tiab] OR piles[tiab]); PubMed expanded that to: ("Honey"[MeSH Terms] OR "Honey"[Title/Abstract]) AND ("Hemorrhoids"[MeSH Terms] OR "hemorrhoid*"[Title/Abstract] OR "piles"[Title/Abstract])
What came back: 9 records found · 9 read · 6 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.

9records came back from the search
9were read
6actually answered the question

Risks and safetyReported side effects and who should be careful.

The one small, uncontrolled study of a honey-olive oil-beeswax mixture in hemorrhoid and fissure patients tracked bleeding, itching, swelling, and redness, and found these symptoms improved after treatment; it did not separately report on adverse reactions or side effects, so whether the mixture itself causes any reaction beyond these measured symptoms is not established by this evidence.
That same small study applied a honey-based mixture directly onto irritated skin (hemorrhoids and anal fissures) and measured swelling and redness, finding these decreased rather than worsened; but because there was no control group and no specific reporting on infection, it cannot rule out that honey's sugary, sticky texture might occasionally cause local irritation or infection in some people.

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

Honey is cheap, easy to find at home, and feels like a gentle, natural option compared with medicated creams.
It has a long history of folk and traditional use for hemorrhoids and skin complaints, which makes it feel trustworthy.
People know honey has antibacterial properties and reason it might help calm irritated or broken skin.
Applying something soothing can feel like doing something proactive when symptoms are uncomfortable and embarrassing to discuss with a doctor.

Common questionsShort answers, drawn from the same studies.

Should I stop using honey on my hemorrhoids?: There's no evidence that topical honey causes harm, so using it is unlikely to hurt you. But don't rely on it alone — if you have ongoing bleeding, pain, or symptoms that aren't improving, see a doctor rather than waiting on home remedies.
Is this study saying honey works for hemorrhoids?: Not really. It's one small, uncontrolled study of 15 people using a honey-olive oil-beeswax mixture, not honey by itself. It hints at a possible benefit, but it can't prove honey caused the improvement.
Does it matter what kind of honey I use?: The only human hemorrhoid study used a specific mixture, not raw honey alone. Lab studies looking at honey's germ-killing effects used manuka and figwort honey in bacteria and mice, not in people with hemorrhoids, so there's no evidence about which type works best for this purpose.
What treatments have better evidence for hemorrhoids?: These particular studies didn't test or compare other treatments, so this review can't say what works better. A doctor can point you toward options that have been tested more rigorously for hemorrhoid symptoms.

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.