Does magnesium help hemorrhoids?

Name: Does magnesium help hemorrhoids?
Published: 2026-10-05

In adults with symptomatic internal or external hemorrhoids, does oral magnesium supplementation or topical magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) soaking reduce symptom severity (pain, itching, bleeding) or speed healing compared with no treatment or usual care?

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

Bottom line

No study has isolated whether magnesium itself — taken by mouth or soaked on as Epsom salt — reduces hemorrhoid pain, swelling, or bleeding.

In the six studies found, magnesium sulfate (or a related magnesium salt) always appears mixed with something else, so its own effect can't be separated out: it was one ingredient in a control ointment combined with another treatment in one study, part of the standard background care given to both treatment groups in another, and one ingredient in an uncontrolled multi-ingredient gel in a third. The remaining studies looked at magnesium content in herbs, camel urine, or a mineral compound without testing any treatment on hemorrhoid patients at all. Because none of these designs can tell magnesium's own contribution apart from the other treatment it was combined or compared with, this specific question remains unanswered by current evidence.

How certain

Very low

The 3 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: 6studies found
randomised trials: 0randomised trials
people studied: 387people studied
years covered: 2002–2025years covered

What the research shows

Hemorrhoid symptom score (pain, itching, swelling)
One study compared a magnesium sulfate compress with a different herbal sitz-bath treatment and found the magnesium group had more swelling and lower comfort scores at 14 days — but this compares two treatments against each other, not magnesium versus no treatment. Another study used magnesium sulfate paste only as part of the standard care given to every patient, so its own contribution can't be seen.[1,2]
Insufficient evidence
Rectal bleeding frequency or amount
None of the studies found measured bleeding as an outcome.
Not studied
Time to symptom resolution or lesion healing
A small case series of 30 post-surgery patients reported normal wound healing with a gel containing magnesium biphosphate alongside other active ingredients, but there was no comparison group, so healing can't be credited to the magnesium.[1]
Insufficient evidence
Stool straining or constipation measures
No study isolated magnesium's effect on straining or constipation. The only mention of 'easier defecation' comes from a study where magnesium sulfate paste was combined with glycerin and other conventional treatments, so its individual contribution cannot be determined.[1]
Not studied
Recurrence at follow-up (e.g., 3-12 months)
No study followed participants long enough to report whether hemorrhoids came back.
Not studied
Adverse effects (diarrhea, skin irritation)
Two small studies reported no meaningful irritation or toxicity with magnesium-containing topical products, but magnesium was combined with other ingredients in both, so safety can't be credited to magnesium alone.[1,2]
Insufficient evidence

Important limitations

None of the 6 studies randomly assigned people to treatment. They include retrospective comparisons between groups (not random assignment), an uncontrolled case series, laboratory analyses of herbs and animal urine, and narrative reviews — all more prone to bias than a randomised trial.[1,2,3,4,5,6]
Wherever magnesium sulfate appears, it is combined with something else: in one study it was one part of a wet compress paired with a separate ointment in only one of the two groups; in another it was one ingredient in a multi-component gel with no comparison group at all; and in a third it was part of the standard background care given alongside the treatment being tested, not the treatment itself. In none of these studies can magnesium's own effect be separated from the other treatments around it.[1,2,3]
Two of the six records are not clinical studies of people with hemorrhoids at all — one analyses mineral content of herbs, the other analyses camel urine composition — and neither reports a treatment outcome.[1,2]
One review mentions hemorrhoids only as one of many conditions mirabilite has historically been used for, without describing any specific trial, sample size, or outcome measure.[1]
Sample sizes are small (30 to 268 people). The studies that reported a timeframe followed people for only 10 to 14 days, too short to know whether hemorrhoid symptoms returned afterward.[1,2,3]

Why people try it

Warm Epsom salt soaks (sitz baths) feel immediately soothing on irritated skin, even if they aren't treating the hemorrhoid itself.
Magnesium sulfate and similar mineral salts have a long history of use in folk and traditional medicine for swelling and skin complaints.
Epsom salt is cheap, available without a prescription, and easy to try at home.
Magnesium is sometimes promoted as an anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing mineral, which sounds like it should help a swollen, painful area.

What the studies found

Found a benefit1 · 17%
Found no clear effect1 · 17%
Mixed or unclear4 · 67%

What kind of studies

Retrospective2 · 33%
Narrative review2 · 33%
Case series1 · 17%
Laboratory study1 · 17%

The studies that decided it

Wang et al. 2025
Effects of Tongyangxiao lotion bidet therapy combined with Ziyu ointment on postpartum hemorrhoidal pain, oedema, anxiety, and depression
Less effective than alternative herbal treatment.RetrospectiveLow qualityRelated question
268 people14 days
Hemorrhoid diameter and edema were significantly smaller, and comfort scores higher, in the Tongyangxiao group than in the magnesium sulfate group at 14 days, with no significant difference in adverse reactions.
Who was studied
women with hemorrhoids after childbirth
What they received
magnesium sulfate wet compress combined with Ziyu ointment
Compared with
Tongyangxiao lotion sitz bath therapy combined with Ziyu ointment
Main outcome
hemorrhoid pain, swelling, comfort, and psychological state after treatment
Quality
This is a retrospective, non-randomized study in a specific postpartum population where magnesium was only used as part of a comparator treatment, not tested alone.
Limitations
Retrospective design without randomization, magnesium sulfate used only as a comparator combined with another ointment, and population limited to postpartum women.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n n = 134 in each group
- population patients with hemorrhoids
- intervention control (wet compress with magnesium sulfate + Ziyu ointment)
- comparator observation (Tongyangxiao lotion sitz bath therapy + Ziyu ointment) groups
- primaryOutcome Degree of pain, comfort level, compliance behavior with medical care, psychological state, therapeutic effect, hemorrhoid edema score, incidence of adverse reactions, and hemorrhoid diameter were compared.
- result Hemorrhoid diameter and degree of edema were significantly smaller in the observation group than those in the control group 14 days post treatment.
World J Psychiatry · PMID 41357914 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Tao et al. 2023
The application of mirabilite in traditional Chinese medicine and its chemical constituents, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical research
No specific evidence reported for hemorrhoids.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2023
the abstract states mirabilite has been widely used in the clinical treatment of inflammation, edema, wound healing, digestive system diseases, infusion extravasation, hemorrhoids, skin diseases and other conditions, but no specific trial data or outcome measures for hemorrhoids are given
Who was studied
people with various conditions treated in traditional Chinese medicine, including hemorrhoids
What they received
mirabilite (a mineral mainly composed of sodium sulfate, with small amounts of magnesium sulfate and other salts)
Main outcome
not a specific outcome; review of chemical composition, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical use of mirabilite
Quality
this is a narrative review summarizing traditional uses and pharmacology rather than reporting original clinical trial data on hemorrhoids outcomes
Limitations
abstract does not describe study design, sample size, or specific outcome data for hemorrhoids; mirabilite is mostly sodium sulfate, with magnesium sulfate only a minor component
Taken word for word from the abstract
- intervention The main chemical component of mirabilite is sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na2SO4·10H2O), followed by small amounts of sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, and other inorganic salts.
- population mirabilite can be used for abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, intestinal carbuncle, external treatment of breast carbuncle, hemorrhoids, and other diseases
- result This mineral has been widely used in the clinical treatment of inflammation, edema, wound healing, digestive system diseases, infusion extravasation, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, breast accumulation, muscle paralysis, intestinal preparation before microscopic examination, and other diseases and symptoms.
- primaryOutcome This study reviews the use of mirabilite in traditional Chinese medicine and various preparations by describing its chemical composition, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical research progress.
Front Pharmacol · PMID 38239194 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Tharwat et al. 2023
Is camel's urine friend or enemy? Review of its role in human health or diseases
No real evidence found for hemorrhoids.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2023
camel urine had higher magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and zinc than bovine urine, but no actual treatment outcome for hemorrhoids was tested or reported
Who was studied
people with various illnesses historically treated with animal urine, including camels
What they received
camel urine (which contains magnesium among other minerals)
Compared with
bovine (cow) urine mineral content
Main outcome
mineral/chemical composition of camel urine and its reported health effects
Quality
This is a general review of historical and anecdotal uses and mineral content of camel urine, not a study testing magnesium or camel urine as a treatment for hemorrhoids.
Limitations
No clinical study, no control group, no measured outcome for hemorrhoids; hemorrhoids only mentioned as one of many conditions historically treated with animal urine.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Various pathologies, such as tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, ascites, increased size of the abdomen, gas colic, anemia, and abdominal tumors, were treated with animal urine, including camels, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, elephants, and buffalo.
- intervention sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium are higher in levels in camel urine
- comparator the inorganic elements are almost similar, except sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium are higher in levels in camel urine, while chromium is high in bovine urine
- primaryOutcome 28 important elements were analyzed in the urine of both camel and bovine
- result sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium are higher in levels in camel urine, while chromium is high in bovine urine
Open Vet J · PMID 38027399 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Gaj et al. 2009
[Proctological surgery: use of a salsobromoiodic gel solution in the post-operative period]
Gel seemed to help wound healing.Case seriesVery low qualityRelated question
30 peopleat least 10 days
all treated patients showed prevention of infective complications and normal tissue healing, with no irritation or toxicity
Who was studied
patients after surgery for severe (grade III-IV) hemorrhoids or chronic anal fissure
What they received
a topical gel solution (salsobromoiodic gel) containing salicylic acid and magnesium biphosphate applied to the wound after surgery
Compared with
none; all patients received the gel, no comparison group
Main outcome
prevention of infection and healing/re-epithelialization of the surgical wound
Quality
This was a small, uncontrolled case series with no comparison group, so it cannot show whether the gel (or its magnesium component) actually caused the healing seen.
Limitations
No control group, small sample size, and the magnesium is only one of several active ingredients in a combination product, making it impossible to isolate its effect.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n A total of 30 patients, 15 with clinico-instrumental diagnosis of III-IV degree haemorrhoids and 15 with diagnosis of chronic anal fissure
- population 15 with clinico-instrumental diagnosis of III-IV degree haemorrhoids and 15 with diagnosis of chronic anal fissure entered in a clinical follow-up after an out-patient setting or surgery for the respective pathologies
- intervention The gel formulation is realized as a salsobromoiodic solution containing salicylic acid and magnesium biphosphate making a strong bactericide and fungicide action applicable on human skin for tissues reparation and their re-epithelization.
- comparator The Authors have tested the salsobromoiodic gel solution (Fertomcidina U) in a consecutive series of patients referred to 5 coloproctological centers
- primaryOutcome In 100% of the treated patients, the used gel has determined the prevention of infective complications, favouring a normal re-epithelization of tissue submitted to surgery or affected by previous anal mucosal lesions.
- result In 100% of the treated patients, the used gel has determined the prevention of infective complications, favouring a normal re-epithelization of tissue submitted to surgery or affected by previous anal mucosal lesions. The use of gel has not caused irritation and skin damage. No symptom and sign of toxicity were observed.
- followUp The experimental treatment was performed on the duration of at least 10 days, with two topic applications.
Clin Ter · PMID 19452098 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Gulec et al. 2009
Investigation of vasoactive ion content of herbs used in hemorrhoid treatment in Turkey
No direct evidence magnesium helps.Laboratory studyVery low qualityRelated question
size not given2009
Herbs contained more vasoconstrictor ions than vasodilator ions; magnesium levels were slightly higher in locally used herbs but differences were not statistically significant
Who was studied
herbal remedies used in Turkey for hemorrhoid treatment (not human patients)
What they received
measuring ion content (including magnesium) of herbs used for hemorrhoids
Compared with
systemically used herbs vs locally used herbs
Main outcome
concentration of vasoactive (vasoconstrictor vs vasodilator) ions in herb samples
Quality
This is a chemical analysis of herb samples in a lab, not a study of people with hemorrhoids, so it cannot show whether magnesium actually helps.
Limitations
No human subjects or clinical outcomes were studied; only ion concentrations in herb extracts were measured, and most differences were not statistically significant.
Taken word for word from the abstract
- population Herbs used in the treatment of hemorrhoid were determined by the way of literature search.
- intervention analyzed for their ion concentrations by using ion chromatography
- comparator The difference between ion levels between systemic and locally used herbs, was not statistically significant (p>0.05).
- primaryOutcome It was shown that the concentration of vasoconstrictor effective ions was higher than the concentration of vasodilator effective ions (p<0.001).
- result Cation levels (except magnesium) of systemically used herbs were slightly higher than locally used herbs (p>0.05).
Pak J Pharm Sci · PMID 19339231 · Read it on PubMed ↗
Gupta 2002
Use of enzyme and heparin paste in acute haemorrhoids
Tested enzyme-heparin paste, not magnesium aloneRetrospectiveLow qualityRelated question
89 people2002
the group given the added heparin-enzyme paste had significantly less pain, easier defecation, less itching, and significantly reduced pile size, swelling and tenderness compared with conventional treatment alone
Who was studied
patients with acutely inflamed hemorrhoids (piles)
What they received
heparin-enzyme (trypsin and chymotrypsin) paste applied directly to the piles, in addition to standard conservative care
Compared with
conventional conservative treatment alone (bed rest, stool softeners, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, Sitz baths, and glycerin-magnesium sulphate paste)
Main outcome
reduction in pain, swelling, tenderness and pile size, and overall healing of inflamed hemorrhoids
Quality
this was a small, non-randomized comparison of two patient groups without blinding, so it can't reliably isolate the effect of magnesium itself.
Limitations
not randomized, no blinding described, and magnesium sulphate paste was only one component of the background conventional treatment used in both groups rather than the tested intervention
Taken word for word from the abstract
- n In all, 67 received this in patient treatment with an average hospital stay of 2 days.
- n similarly placed 22 patients who were treated with the conventional method only
- population acutely inflammed piles
- intervention This paste was applied to the inflammed pile mass.
- comparator local application of glycerin and magnesium sulphate paste
- primaryOutcome Local signs observed in the form of the size of the piles, perianal edema, and tenderness, were also found to be significantly reduced.
- result local pain was reduced to a great extent, the defecation was comfortable, there was negligible local pruritus, and the routine body movements of the patient were painless
Rom J Gastroenterol · PMID 12368938 · Read it on PubMed ↗

What actually helps, on this site

More about the condition:

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: ("Hemorrhoids"[Mesh] OR hemorrhoid*[tiab] OR piles[tiab]) AND ("Magnesium"[Mesh] OR "Magnesium Sulfate"[Mesh] OR magnesium[tiab] OR "epsom salt"[tiab] OR "epsom salts"[tiab]); PubMed expanded that to: ("Hemorrhoids"[MeSH Terms] OR "hemorrhoid*"[Title/Abstract] OR "piles"[Title/Abstract]) AND ("Magnesium"[MeSH Terms] OR "Magnesium Sulfate"[MeSH Terms] OR "Magnesium"[Title/Abstract] OR "epsom salt"[Title/Abstract] OR "epsom salts"[Title/Abstract])
What came back: 18 records found · 18 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.

18records came back from the search
18were read
6actually answered the question

Risks and safetyReported side effects and who should be careful.

Adverse reactions were measured in this study comparing a magnesium sulfate compress with a comparison herbal bath treatment, but the abstract does not report the actual results, so whether one caused more or fewer side effects is unclear.
A topical gel containing magnesium biphosphate, combined with other ingredients, caused no reported irritation or toxicity in a small group of post-surgery patients.

Common questionsShort answers, drawn from the same studies.

Should I stop soaking in Epsom salt baths for my hemorrhoids?: There's no evidence it treats the hemorrhoid itself, but the studies found didn't report serious harm from magnesium-containing soaks or gels either. If a warm soak feels soothing, there's nothing in the evidence saying to stop — just don't expect it to shrink or heal the hemorrhoid on its own.
Does taking magnesium supplements by mouth help hemorrhoids?: No study in this review tested oral magnesium supplements for hemorrhoids at all. All six studies looked at magnesium sulfate used topically, as a compress, paste, or gel, or as a trace component of other products.
Why do some articles mention magnesium for hemorrhoids if it isn't proven?: Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) has a long history in sitz baths and traditional remedies, and it often shows up as one ingredient in combination treatments. That's different from it being tested on its own and shown to work.
Is it safe to use a magnesium-containing product someone recommended to me?: The small studies found reported no significant irritation or toxicity from magnesium-containing topical products, but these products always contained other active ingredients too, so magnesium's own safety wasn't tested in isolation. If you have ongoing bleeding or severe pain, see a doctor rather than relying on a home remedy.
What should I do instead, if magnesium isn't proven to help?: This review only looked at magnesium, so it can't tell you what else works. If hemorrhoid symptoms are bothering you or you notice bleeding, it's worth getting checked by a doctor, who can confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment suited to your situation.

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.