While the real cause of hernia is not known, weakening of the supporting tissues could be one of the important factors. There are other causes like sudden, extreme pressure on the stomach muscles, changes that come due to aging and or having an unusually large hiatus at birth. Lifting objects that are too heavy, obesity, wrong posture while sitting for long hours at a desk, and severe stress could also be causes.
Causes of Hernia
- Lifting heavy objects and straining too much (source: Drugwatcher)
- Sitting with a wrong posture for long hours
- Continuous Diarrhea or constipation
- Bouts of persistent coughing and/or sneezing
- Sudden pressure on the stomach muscles
Symptoms of Hernia
- An unusual bulge in the groin
- Pain and burning sensation in the bulge
- Pain in the groin while coughing or lifting objects
- Most symptoms are not noticeable
See a doctor immediately if:
- The swelling is severe and the pain unbearable
- Severe cases of Hernia may require hospitalization and surgery
10 Best Home Remedies For Hernia
However, if one changes the lifestyle habits and dietary habits and also uses some simple and easy home remedies, managing hernia will be easy. Here are some great natural hernia treatment methods.
10. Cinnamon Tea
Procedure:
- Boil 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon Powder in a cup of water.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of honey.
- Drink twice daily for a month or so.
How does this work?
Cinnamon is a wonderful spice that has some amazing qualities. It is a natural antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. It acts with a soothing and calming effect on the inner linings of the stomach. It prevents the stomach from bloating and relieves the intense abdominal pain caused by Hernia. It also helps in relieving the pain caused after eating a meal, and functions as a natural anti-flatulent and antacid. Cinnamon Tea is one of the best natural home remedies for Hernia.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, if the pain and swelling are severe, consult your physician.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Procedure:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water.
- Add a teaspoon of pure, organic honey. Drink it on an empty stomach daily.
- Continue the process for as long as required.
How does this work?
Apple cider vinegar also known as ACV is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been recommended for treating various maladies and is also effective as a home remedy for Hernia.
It acts on symptoms like heartburn and acidity and gives relief from the burning sensation. Although ACV has acidic properties the effect it has on the body is alkaline, hence neutralizing the acidity caused by Hernia. Apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for Hernia.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, if the pain and swelling are severe, consult your physician.
8. Chamomile Tea
Procedure:
- Boil one teaspoon of dried Chamomile Powder in a glass of water.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink while it is warm.
- Drink twice daily for a month or more if required.
How does this work?
Chamomile is one of the best home remedies for Hernia. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an excellent antioxidant and has a soothing effect on the stomach that is inflamed and painful. It is great for treating heartburn caused by Hernia and helps by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile tea is one of the best home remedies for Hernia pain.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, if the pain and swelling are severe, consult your physician.
7. Warm Water Treatment
Procedure:
- Drink a glass of warm right after getting out of bed.
- Stand and stretch your hands outwards and across the chest.
- Stand on your toes and stretch up. Raise your arms up and hyperventilate (short fast breaths).
- Do this daily for a week or 10 days.
How does this work?
Drinking a glass of warm water early in the morning soon after waking up is good for treating Hernia as the warm water has a soothing effect on the stomach muscles and adds weight to the stomach and pushes it down.
Stretching the arms forwards and upwards helps in stretching the diaphragm and also opens up the hiatus. It is better to avoid drinking beverages like tea or coffee in the mornings while continuing this warm water treatment until the Hernia is cured. Warm water treatment is one of the best home remedies for a Hernia.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, if the pain and swelling are severe, consult your physician.
6. Massaging
Procedure:
- Wear only shorts and lie supine on your back.
- Place your fingers on the sternum (rib cage) on either side.
- Apply pressure and move your fingers downwards.
- Repeat this soft massage for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Repeat the process twice daily for as long as required.
How does this work?
Abdominal massage in the area surrounding the upper part of the abdominal cavity helps gain relief from the pain caused by Hernia. Apart from easing the discomfort and pain caused by Hernia, massaging helps in strengthening the stomach muscles, making it one of the best home remedies for Hernia.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, if the pain and swelling are severe, consult your physician.
5. Yoga Asanas
Procedure:
- Yoga Asanas are good for treating Hernia
- Pavanmuktasana or the wind releasing pose
- Pada Uthana asana or the raised leg pose
- Savasana or the corpse pose
How does this work?
Yoga Asanas have been advocated for the well being and healthy living of people. Regular practice of Yoga Asanas helps keep out body and mind fit and healthy, and keeps us calm and composed at all times. Pavanmuktasana or the wind releasing pose is good for treating and curing Hernia. Similarly, Pada Uthana asana or raised leg pose helps strengthen the stomach muscles and prevents reoccurrence of Hernia. Savasana or the corpse pose is good for general health, and helps calm the nerves and relax. Hence, Yoga Asanas make a great home remedy for Hernia.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, you need to learn Yoga Asanas from a trained instructor or from reliable tutorials.
4. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Procedure:
- Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in a glass of warm water.
- Drink the mixture once daily. Continue the process for as long as required.
How does this work?
Baking soda has been used topically and internally for treating a plethora of ailments. It is one of the best natural antacids. It can give almost instant relief from heartburn and other gastric disorders. Hence consuming baking soda is one of the easiest home remedies for Hernia.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, people who are hypertensive should refrain from consuming baking soda as it can trigger the blood pressure and cause it to rise.
3. Aloe Vera Juice
Procedure:
- Cut two thick leaves of Aloe Vera. Wash and remove the prickly thorns on either side.
- Remove the skin on the rounded side. Scrape off the colorless gel found inside.
- Juice it in a mixer-blender. Drink half a cup once daily on an empty stomach.
- Repeat the process for as long as required.
How does this work?
Aloe Vera is a wonder herb that has some amazing medicinal properties. Apart from being an effective antioxidant, it has excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Moreover, it is soft on the stomach and creates a protective lining and helps cure acidity and heartburn, which are the main symptoms of Hernia. Hence Aloe Vera juice is a great home remedy for Hernia.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, excessive consumption of Aloe Vera juice can cause diarrhea.
2. Dietary Changes
Procedure:
- Avoid consuming foods that trigger heartburn.
- Foods like chocolate, caffeine, garlic, onions, deep-fried foods.
- Consume more of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Eat salads made from cucumber and celery.
- Consume whole grain foods in your diet.
How does this work?
Diet plays a very important role in our lives hence the saying “you are what you eat”. Sticking to a friendly diet that does not aggravate and cause heartburn helps prevent the occurrence of Hernia. Especially, foods that trigger Hernia need to be avoided completely. Eating fresh salads and fruits and green leafy vegetables helps contain Hernia and leads to a permanent cure. Hence, dietary changes are very important as home remedies for Hernia pain.
The Remedy is not Good if:
There is no reason why this remedy should not be good.
1. Breathing Techniques
Procedure:
- Breathing and breath control are very important. Practicing Pranayama regularly helps a lot.
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing. Lie down flat on your back with both knees bent.
- Place both hands on the abdomen and breathe in pushing up.
- Breathe out slowly in a relaxed manner.
- Practice this everyday on an empty stomach.
How does this work?
Correct breathing is important for healthy living. Usually we breathe very shallowly and fill only 20% of our lung capacity. When we practice Pranayama we breathe in deeply and slowly, and exhale slowly, thus oxygenating all the cells in the body. Better breathing techniques help cure Hernia. Hence Breathing Techniques form a great natural home remedy for Hernia.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no reason why this remedy should not be good. However, do learn the technique from a trained instructor or through reliable tutorials.
Important tips:
- Smoking can cause Hernia, hence it is time to kick the habit.
- Do not lift weights beyond your capacity as this can cause Hernia, or worsen the condition.
- Being overweight can cause Hernia, eat wisely and keep your weight under control.
- Avoid wearing very tight clothes as they restrict movement and increase the pressure on the abdomen.
- Avoid using pillows while sleeping as this increases the pressure on the abdomen.
- Avoid bending down after a heavy meal as this causes reflux and can put pressure on the abdomen.
- Do not strain too much while passing stools and try to prevent constipation.
- Ensure that there is extra fiber content in your diet.
