Effective home remedies for inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia is defined as a soft tissue protrusion through a weak point in the abdominal muscles. The soft tissue which pushes through the muscles typically consists of a membrane lining the abdominal cavity or a small section of the intestines.

The outcome of this protrusion is a minor to more severe bulge, which can be painful, typically when the affected individual lifts a heavy object, bends, or coughs.

There are some inguinal hernias that do not cause symptoms, and they can only be discovered by a routine medical exam. This condition is often recognized as a present bulge in the abdomen, which can be seen and felt. This bulge is more apparent when the affected person strains, coughs, or stands upright.

The most common symptoms of inguinal hernia are occasional pain or swelling around the testicles; weakness or pressure in the groin; a heavy or dragging feeling in the groin; pain or discomfort in the groin; a burning or aching sensation at the bulge; a bulge in the area or either side of the public bone.

In some cases, the inguinal hernia does not have an apparent cause. In other cases, it can be a result of several different factors, such as a combination of pressure and weak spot; pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall; increased pressure in the abdomen; straining during bowel movements; excess weight; chronic coughing or sneezing; fluid in the abdomen; heavy lifting; pregnancy and straining during bowel movements or urination. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from an inguinal hernia before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies for this condition.

15 home remedies for inguinal hernia

Vegetable juice helps treatment for inguinal hernia

A glass of vegetable juice is one of the best, simplest, and most effective home remedies for inguinal hernia. It should be made with kale, broccoli, onions, spinach, and carrots.

These vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties and dense nutrients, which can soothe the burning and painful symptoms of inguinal hernia and speed up the healing process in the abdominal cavity [1]. You can add a bit of salt to this vegetable juice because, in this way, you will improve its benefits.

Cut back on exercise

Overexertion while lifting weights or strenuous exercise is one of the main causes of inguinal hernia. If you had an inguinal hernia in the past or you are commonly engaged in heavy exercises, then you should cut back and perform easier workouts while you are in the recovery process or as a preventative measure [2].

The strain involved in the exercise is similar to the straining during bowel movements, which could also lead to an inguinal hernia. You should be sure that you are drinking enough fluid and you eat enough fiber because it will ensure smooth bowel movements.

Relieve stress

Stress and anxiety are some of the biggest causes of inguinal hernia. When you have excess stress hormones in your body, then this can weaken your body’s organs, and it will put more strain on your whole metabolism.

Also, acid reflux and stomach issues can be affected by stress, and this can increase or exacerbate your risk of inguinal hernia [3].

Some of the best activities which can help you to reduce stress are massage, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. Also, you can use essential oils and aromatherapy.

Black pepper powder is very helpful for inguinal hernia

This home remedy is very helpful for inguinal hernia, and even you may think it can just be used for flavoring food. This natural cure is associated with soothing stomach issues and reducing gut inflammation [4].

Also, it can suppress acid reflux and stimulate healing in those parts of the body that may have been compromised when the organ began to push through the cavity wall.

Alter your diet

If you want to treat inguinal hernia or to prevent this condition, then you should avoid certain foods. If you already have an inguinal hernia or are prone to it, then you should avoid spicy and acidic foods and those that are difficult to digest.

These foods can inflame the stomach lining, which makes it more difficult for the healing process. [5]

Lose weight

We know that obesity is a big risk factor for people to have inguinal hernia [5]. Also, it can slow down the healing process. If you lose weight, your symptoms can disappear naturally, your posture will improve, and your body will be less under physical strain.

You need to eat smaller meals because this will put less pressure on your stomach and sphincter.

Licorice root

The inguinal hernia can cause damage to the esophagus and stomach lining. The licorice root for long periods is known as a healing stimulant for these parts of the body.

You should consume licorice root tea because it can quickly stimulate the re-growth of damaged tissues.

Also, it has analgesic properties which can give you relief from pain and inflammation. [6]

Ginger root

Ginger root is a natural cure that can reduce abdominal pain and soothe inflammatory conditions [7].

You can consume this natural cure in a liquid form, such as ginger juice, or you can eat it in a raw form because it will boost your body and reduce the pain to a great extent. This natural cure can protect the esophagus and stomach from the build-up of gastric juices, which can happen when someone suffers from an inguinal hernia.

Ice pack

When someone suffers from an inguinal hernia, there can be pain, redness, and inflammation in the groin or abdomen. This is not the most comfortable home remedy, but when you apply an ice pack to the affected area, it can cause contraction and reduce the inflammation in the body, often relieving the bloating and pain associated with it.

Aloe Vera juice is very helpful for inguinal hernia

Aloe Vera is a soothing and anti-inflammatory agent often recommended as a natural treatment for people who struggle with the pain caused by inguinal hernia [8].

You can consume Aloe Vera juice every morning. You can eat it before every meal because, in this way, you will have the best results, which can lower your chances of developing an inguinal hernia.

Castor seed oil

Castor seed oil has been used for many different health concerns throughout history because it can coat the stomach with a thin lining, and also it can prevent inflammation, and it will encourage proper digestion. You can make a castor seed oil pack and put it on the stomach to relieve the painful symptoms of an inguinal hernia.

Stop smoking

It is known that smoking can cause further deterioration of your muscles and other tissues in your body. You should stop smoking for the inguinal hernia. You should try switching to a nicotine patch or gums to reduce cravings.

Cinnamon tea

This natural cure has some amazing qualities. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [9].

Cinnamon tea‘s cure is a calming and soothing agent on the stomach’s inner lining. It can help to prevent stomach bloating, and it will give you relief from the intense pain caused by an inguinal hernia.

Also, it can give you relief from the pain caused after eating a meal. If your swelling and pain are severe, you should talk with your doctor before using them.

You should boil one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in one cup of water. You should allow it to steep for ten minutes. You should strain it and then add a teaspoon of honey to it. You should drink this home remedy two times per day for a period of a month.

Walk

It is known that walking strengthens the upper and lower abdomen and the pelvic floor. You should walk at least 45 minutes per day at a brisk pace, and it does not have to be all at once. Even when you are walking for 10 minutes, it can be effective and relaxing. You should make small adjustments, such as taking your lunch to the park and walking around to work an appetite, taking the dog for an extra walk in the morning, and parking further away from an entrance.

Apple cider vinegar

This natural cure has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is recommended as a natural treatment for many different diseases and can be used as a natural treatment for inguinal hernias.

You must mix 2 teaspoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar in one glass of warm water. You should add a teaspoon of pure and organic honey. You should drink it on an empty stomach on a daily basis. You should drink it as much as needed.

References:

[1] Zhu F, Du B, Xu B. Anti-inflammatory effects of phytochemicals from fruits, vegetables, and food legumes: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2018;58(8):1260-70.

[2] Karahan AY, Sevinc B, Demirgul R, et al. Effects of inguinal hernia repair on trunk muscle strength, quality of life, and neuropathic pain. Isokinetics and Exercise Science. 2019;27(2):89-95.

[3] Rabasa C, Dickson SL. Impact of stress on metabolism and energy balance. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences. 2016;9:71-7.

[4] Ravindran PN, Kallupurackal JA. Black pepper. In Handbook of Herbs and Spices (2nd ed.). 2012;1.

[5] Sauerland S, Korenkov M, Kleinen T, et al. Obesity is a risk factor for recurrence after incisional hernia repair. 2004;8(1):42-6.

[6] Wang L, Yang R, Yuan B, et al. The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2015;5(4):310-5.

[7] Rahnama P, Montazeri A, Huseini HF, et al. Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;12:92.

[8] Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2008;53(4):163-6.

[9] Rao PV, Gan SH. Cinnamon: A multifaceted medicinal plant. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;2014:642942.