Blog
Piles (Haemorrhoids): Causes, Home Remedies and When to See a Doctor
Piles (haemorrhoids) are swollen veins in and around the anus. They are extremely common, and most people will have them at some point. They can be itchy, sore and embarrassing, but in most cases they improve with simple changes at home.
Recommended for this guide
Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum with Melavoid for dark marks, pigmentation and uneven tone.
Symptoms of piles
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Pain or soreness, especially when sitting
- A lump near the anus
- Bright red blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement
- Feeling that your bowels are not fully empty
What causes piles?
- Constipation and straining on the toilet
- A low-fibre diet
- Sitting for long periods, including on the toilet
- Pregnancy
- Heavy lifting
- Being overweight
Shop the products in this guide
Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Brightening Face Serum | Infused with Melavoid & Squalene, Targeting Acne, Breakouts, & Pigmentation 30ml
✨ Key Benefits:
✔️ 🍊 Brightens skin & fades dark spots
✔️ 💥 Fights acne, pimples & breakouts
✔️ 💧 Deeply hydrates with Hyaluronic Acid
✔️ 🌱 Evens skin tone with Melavoid™
✔️ 🛡️ Strengthens skin barrier with Squalene
✔️ 👌 Lightweight, non-greasy & fast-absorbing
✔️ ✅ Perfect for all skin types — even sensitive
Authentic African Black Soap 100g – Brightens Skin Tone & Fades Dark Marks
Home remedies for piles
- Eat more fibre. Aim for 25 to 30g a day from oats, beans, lentils, fruit, vegetables and wholegrain bread. Increase it slowly.
- Drink plenty of water to keep stools soft.
- Don’t strain or sit on the toilet for long. Leave your phone outside.
- Take a warm sitz bath. Sit in a few centimetres of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times a day.
- Keep the area clean and dry. Use soft, unscented toilet paper or a damp cloth.
- Move more. Walking helps keep your bowels regular.
- Ask a pharmacist about creams that ease itching and swelling.
Herbal support for piles
Traditional African herbal tonics are popular for digestive comfort. Our Imvelo Piles & Haemorrhoid Herbal Tonic contains raspberry leaf, wormwood, coltsfoot, clivers, cumin seeds and African potato. It supports comfort and healthy bowel function as part of the routine above.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if:
- You notice bleeding for the first time, especially if you are over 40
- Your stools are dark or black, or the bleeding is heavy
- Your bowel habits change for more than a few weeks
- You have severe pain, or symptoms don’t improve after a week of home care
Bleeding from the bottom is usually from piles, but it can also be a sign of other bowel conditions, including bowel cancer. It is always worth getting checked.
We deliver across South Africa, with free delivery on orders over R600.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Herbal products are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a registered health professional. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or take chronic medication.
Shop for piles comfort
Free delivery on orders over R600. FREE Black Soap Paste on orders over R999.
Shop the routine
Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Brightening Face Serum | Infused with Melavoid & Squalene, Targeting Acne, Breakouts, & Pigmentation 30ml
✨ Key Benefits:
✔️ 🍊 Brightens skin & fades dark spots
✔️ 💥 Fights acne, pimples & breakouts
✔️ 💧 Deeply hydrates with Hyaluronic Acid
✔️ 🌱 Evens skin tone with Melavoid™
✔️ 🛡️ Strengthens skin barrier with Squalene
✔️ 👌 Lightweight, non-greasy & fast-absorbing
✔️ ✅ Perfect for all skin types — even sensitive
Authentic African Black Soap 100g – Brightens Skin Tone & Fades Dark Marks
Complete Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Brightening Face Kit | 4-Piece Set with Squalene & Melavoid for Acne, Breakouts, & Pigmentation Reduction
Organic Vitamin C & E SPF 30 Sunscreen with Squalene – Invisible Moisturizer for Melanin-Rich Skin, Prevents Dark Spots 50ml
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ 🛡️ Broad-spectrum SPF 30 – protects against UVA & UVB rays
✔️ 🧴 100% invisible – no white cast, no ghost face
✔️ 👁️ Eye-safe – won’t sting or cause irritation
✔️ 🌞 Perfect for brown & melanin-rich skin
✔️ 🍊 Brightens with Vitamin C, hydrates with Vitamin E
✔️ 💧 Lightweight, non-greasy & great under makeup
✔️ 🌿 Suitable for all skin types – even sensitive skin