Home Remedies for Hernia, Top 7 Remedies for Hernia

Home Remedies for Hernia

A hernia occurs when part of an internal body organ protrudes through weak muscles. Usually the intestine or fatty tissue in the abdomen bulges out through the abdominal wall that surrounds the muscles. Hernias often lead to no symptoms. In some cases, there may be mild to severe pain. There is a risk of hernias becoming strangulated and restrict blood supply, because the area through which they protrude may exert pressure on the blood vessels and constrict them. Once blood supply is cut off, immediate medical care is required as the tissue needs oxygen to survive. There are different types of hernia such as inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, umbilical hernias and incisional hernias.

Symptoms of Hernia
Hernias are classified according to the part of the body in which they occur. Some hernias are more common than others. In most cases, hernias lead to bulging and pain in the affected area. There may also be certain symptoms which are specific to the location of the hernia. The common symptoms of hernia include:

Inguinal Hernia: 
These hernias occur as a bulge in the groin area. They may develop on either side of the pubic bone and are more common in men. The protrusion increases when you change positions, cough or perform any physical activity. Straining while urinating or during bowel movements can also lead to a more pronounced bulge in the affected area. These hernias often lead to a heavy sensation which is more prominent when lifting something or while bending. Inguinal hernias can lead to swelling and pain in the testicles in men because the bulging portion of the intestine may descend into the scrotum.

Femoral Hernia: 
These hernias occur when a portion of the intestine bulges out through a weak area in the abdominal wall near the thigh. The bulge may be detected in the upper region of the thigh, under the groin. The femoral artery and vein pass through this region. Physical activities which exert strain on the groin or thigh area can lead to pain.

Umbilical Hernia: 
These hernias are seen as protruded areas near the navel. They are common in babies. Umbilical hernias occur when the abdominal muscles fail to close properly around the belly button while the baby is inside the womb. This causes the intestine to bulge through the weak area. These hernias may also occur due to certain rare diseases. They usually do not cause any pain, but the protrusion may become more pronounced during movement. Babies with umbilical hernias may not manifest any symptoms in the early years of life, but may do so later on.

Incisional Hernias: 
These hernias develop after abdominal surgery. They occur in a scar and are seen as a prominent bulge. Medical conditions that exert pressure on the abdominal wall and strenuous physical activities may also lead to an incisional hernia.

Remedies for Hernia

1.Ginger root
Ginger root is known to help in protecting the esophagus and stomach from damage due to buildup of gastric acids and bile. But keep in mind that in some cases, ginger root may lead to a stomach upset.

2.Slippery Elm
This herb is another effective remedy for a hiatal hernia. It helps reduce stomach acidity and alleviate heartburn. In addition, slippery elm has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Mix 1 tablespoon of powdered slippery elm bark in 1 cup of hot water.
Let it steep for about 10 minutes.
Drink it twice a day, especially after eating your meals.

3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the best natural treatments for digestive problems caused by a hiatal hernia. It soothes the inner lining of the intestines and reduces abdomen pain. It also controls heartburn by reducing inflammation.
Drink ¼ cup of aloe vera juice about 20 minutes before eating a meal.

4.Cinnamon
This popular spice helps calm and soothe the stomach. It can relieve abdominal pain and bloating, especially after eating a meal. It also works as a natural antacid.

Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of hot water.
Cover and steep for a few minutes.
Drink this tea while it is still warm, 2 or 3 times a day.
In addition, include cinnamon in your cooking.

5.Yoga
Yoga poses like the Chair Pose help strengthen the diaphragm and stomach muscles.

Stand with your back straight and arms perpendicular to the ground. Keep your feet about a hip’s width apart.
Raise your arms straight above your head.
Bend your body forward to a 45-degree angle, bringing your chest toward your thighs. Keep your arms out straight, aligned with your back, and turn your palms to face the floor.
Gently bend your knees as if you were about to sit in a chair.
Press your weight toward the floor and look forward. Hold the position for a few seconds, taking several deep breaths.
Press your shoulder blades to your back, lower your tailbone toward the floor and draw in your abdomen. Hold this position for at least 30 seconds and focus on your breathing.
Straighten up slowly.
Repeat the cycle a few times more.

6.Self Massage
Abdominal self-massage mainly targets the uppermost portion of your abdominal cavity. It helps reduce the discomforts and symptoms of hiatal hernia. It also helps strengthen the stomach muscles.

Lie on your back and relax.
Put your fingers just below the breast bones (sternum) where you can find your rib cage.
Next, apply downward pressure and slowly move towards your belly button.
Repeat for 5 minutes.
Do this twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

7. The Warm Water Fix
Drinking warm water first thing in the morning and then performing the following exercise is a good way to help bring down the hernia from the opening in the diaphragm.

Just after waking up, while you are still in the bed, drink a glass of room temperature or slightly warm water. It will help relax the stomach muscles and diaphragm and put some weight in the stomach.
Then, stand up, lift your arms straight out from your sides and bend your elbows so your hands touch your chest. This will help stretch the diaphragm and open up the hiatus.
Next, rise up on your toes as high as possible and quickly drop down onto your heels. Do this several times in a row. This will help the weight of the water to pull the stomach down.
Then, while standing with your arms up, take a few short and quick breaths with your mouth open for about 15 seconds. The panting will help tighten the diaphragm back up and close the hole.