How To Use Aloe Vera Gel For Hemorrhoids?

Internal and external hemorrhoids refer to the network of arterial and venous vessels located at the level of the anus. In everyday language, people commonly talk about “hemorrhoids,” whereas in reality we should refer to hemorrhoidal disease when these blood vessels become irritated and swollen. This condition may manifest through pain, itching, tightness, burning sensations, bleeding, or even hemorrhoidal prolapse.

How to use Aloe Vera gel for hemorrhoids?

Traditionally, Aloe Vera is applied locally to soothe hemorrhoidal flare-ups thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. 

Aloe Vera is also beneficial after a hemorrhoidectomy, as the plant accelerates wound healing and reduces pain, especially after bowel movements.

(This article was updated on 06/11/2025.)

In Aloe Vera Gel Form

Before applying Aloe Vera gel, clean the anal area with an appropriate product and gently pat dry with a clean towel or very soft paper. You may also use a hairdryer to completely dry the area. If so, set the device to “low temperature” and keep it at a distance from the painful area.

Now, apply Aloe Vera gel locally to relieve hemorrhoid inflammation.

Precautions for use: do not use Aloe Vera gel when a steroid cream (including hydrocortisone) is already being applied.

In Oil Macerate Form

Ingredients:

-Aloe Vera pulp or Aloe Vera gel

-A vegetable oil (e.g., Calophyllum inophyllum oil)

Recipe:

Extract the Aloe Vera pulp, then mix it in a bowl with vegetable oil. Let it macerate for several minutes. Mash the Aloe Vera pulp with a fork. Aloe Vera gel can be used instead of pulp.

Directions for use:

After washing, preferably before bedtime, apply the oil macerate locally to the anal area. Repeat every evening until improvement. This macerate cannot be stored.

Precautions for use:

The use of Calophyllum inophyllum oil requires medical advice if you are taking anticoagulant treatment. For people with sensitive skin, it is advisable to perform an allergy test in the crook of the elbow before applying this oil to the anal area.

Do not use this macerate if a steroid cream (including hydrocortisone) is being applied.

Why Calophyllum inophyllum oil?

This vegetable oil is commonly used for hemorrhoidal disease. Its seeds contain calophyllolide (a neoflavonoid) with anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory properties and a protective effect on the circulatory system.

Why is Aloe Vera effective?

Hemorrhoids refer to the network of venous and arterial vessels located beneath the skin of the anal opening (external hemorrhoids) or deeper under the mucosa of the anal canal (internal hemorrhoids).

The term “hemorrhoid” is incorrectly used to describe hemorrhoidal disease. This disease can be acute (hemorrhoidal flare-up) or chronic. In the latter case, the disease continuously progresses and can become bothersome in daily life.

Even though constipation is the main triggering factor, oral consumption of Aloe Vera sap is strongly discouraged, as it irritates the intestines.

Symptoms vary but may include pain, bleeding, and itching. Aloe Vera has been traditionally used by healers or herbalists (e.g., in Nigeria or Tanzania) to soothe hemorrhoidal disease locally. 

Although no study proves its true effectiveness, Aloe Vera possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help relieve inflammation during hemorrhoidal flare-ups. It is also useful after hemorrhoidectomy.

Benefits After Hemorrhoidectomy

In some cases, hemorrhoidectomy is necessary when instrumental treatments (elastic ligation, sclerotherapy, cryotherapy) are insufficient, or when hemorrhoids are large.

After hemorrhoidectomy, topical application of Aloe Vera gel is an interesting option for promoting wound healing and reducing pain, especially after bowel movements.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of a cream containing 0.5% Aloe Vera gel powder on post-hemorrhoidectomy pain and healing.

Researchers observed:

a) Significant reduction in pain: a few hours after the first applications, lasting up to two weeks post-surgery;

a) Decrease in pain during bowel movements:  and a reduction in the use of analgesics compared with the placebo (first bowel movements are usually extremely painful and typically require painkillers);

accelerated wound healing, likely due to Aloe Vera polysaccharides (involved in skin repair) and glycoproteins (which stimulate cell proliferation).