What is a Sitz Bath?

Items That Are Needed for this Hemorrhoid Treatment

Before setting up a sitz bath there are a few items that you will need to use during the bath and after you are finished.

• Human Size Tub

The bathtub you use should be large enough for you sit down in and should allow enough leg room for you to extend your legs into the water.


• Hot Water

Your hot water system should be capable of providing water that is warm when you touch it with your finger but a little hotter to the touch when you sit in the water.


• Towel and Soft Wash Cloth

Make sure you use a towel and wash cloth that is free of any dyes and preferably made of white cotton.


• Salt and Witch Hazel

A dash of salt or witch hazel is sometimes applied to the bath water depending upon your hemorrhoid condition.

How to Prepare and Use a Sitz Bath

Fill the bathtub with water that feels lukewarm to your hand but is warmer to the rest of your body. Use enough warm water so that it is deep enough to sit in up to your hip.

If your doctor recommends it you can add a dash of witch hazel or salt to the water but not both ingredients at the same time. Witch hazel can have a soothing effect on your hemorrhoids and the salt can help to neutralize the water if it happens to have high mineral content.

Sit in the water for up to 20 minutes several times a day or as recommended by your physician.

When you are finished with the sitz bath gently pat the area that is affected with hemorrhoids with a warm moist wash cloth.

Use the dry towel to pat the affected area dry until it is completely free of any moisture. If you wish you can apply a mild baby powder to the area to ensure that it stays dry.

Continue to dress as usual and wear loose fitting cotton underwear.

Herbal Options

If you are pregnant and suffering from a hemorrhoid condition you can also opt to use an herbal recipe consisting of a combination of herbs that come prepackaged in your local drug store or health food retailer. Some hospitals also carry an herbal mix package for use with a the bath and send it home with you after you give birth to provide relief for the groin area after you give birth.

Some of the herbs that you can add to a sitz bath are natural astringents that provide soothing relief for irritation, pain, and itching. These types of natural herbs include rosemary, yarrow, golden seal, chamomile, calendula, and golden seal. When they are prepared as a mix and used in a the bath they can have a soothing and lasting effect on providing relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Keep in mind that if you pursue the option of an herbal mix it is best to buy it prepackaged to ensure you have the correct balance of herbs to provide relief for your hemorrhoid condition.

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