Hernia: Causes, symptoms and home remedies to get relief from hernia

A hernia is a condition when the size of an organ enlarges through a soft or weak spot in the body. Generally, one is affected by a hernia in the abdomen, but it can also occur in the groin, upper thigh and belly button. Once formed, it appears as a lump and usually affects people over 50-years-old. Hernias in most cases are not immediately life-threatening but do require treatment. There are some home remedies that will help you get relief from a hernia but before that let’s understand its causes and symptoms.

A combination of muscle weakness and strain trigger hernia. Muscle weakness can happen due to age, chronic coughing, injury or surgery-related injury, abdominal wall failing to close properly in the womb.

Different types of strains that play a major role in causing hernia are pregnancy, constipation, persistent coughing/sneezing, sudden increase of weight, heavy weightlifting, fluid in the abdomen, incorrect posture and severe stress.

The most common symptom of a hernia is a lump or bulge generated in the affected part of the body. If you are suffering from an inguinal hernia, there will be a lump in the pubic bone where groin and thigh meet.

You can also feel hernia through touch when you are standing up, coughing, bending, etc. If a newborn or a baby is having a hernia, the bulge can be felt while they are crying. The bulge is the only symptom of an umbilical hernia.

Some common symptoms of hiatal hernia include:

chest pain
difficulty while swallowing
acid reflux

Some symptoms of inguinal hernia are:

Feeling heaviness, weakness, or pressure in the affected part
Pain or discomfort in the affected area (generally lower abdomen), especially when one is bending, coughing or lifting
Sensation of burning, aching at the affected area

One should also know that in many cases hernia does not show any symptoms unless it is diagnosed through a medical examination.

Table of Contents

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It acts as a natural pain reliever when one is suffering from a hernia. For effective results, drink a glass of aloe vera juice. It can be drunk empty stomach in the morning. Aloe vera is also good for treating hernia if it is consumed between meals. The liquid of aloe vera can also be applied to the affected part.

2. Taking short and light meals

Changes in diet are good for getting relief from hiatal hernia. This will not make the hernia go away but will reduce its severity. So if you are facing hiatal hernia, take short and light meals. Don’t lie down, bend over after eating and keep your weight in the healthy range.

3. Castor seed oil

Over the years, castor seed oil has been used for treating stomach-related illness as it prevents inflammation and indigestion. You can make a castor seed oil pack and apply it on the stomach to get some relief from the pain of hernia.

4. Ice pack

In case of hernia in the abdomen or groin, there can be redness, inflammation and pain. And ice will help reduce it. Applying ice pack on the affected area will reduce contraction, pain and inflammation.

5. Vegetable juice

One of the effective ways to treat hernia is drinking a glass of vegetable juice. Vegetable juice with a combination of carrots, broccoli, spinach, onions and kale can be effective to provide much-needed respite in a hernia. Some salt can also be included in the juice for added benefits. The nutrients and anti-inflammatory substances present in vegetables can soothe the pain and burning symptoms of a hernia.

A hernia occurs usually as the muscles are not strong enough to hold back organs and there are some exercises that one can do at home to strengthen his/ her muscles and prevent hernia. A word of caution will be avoiding heavy lifting, pushing and pulling exercises as they can create an opposite impact.

1. Cycling excercise

Step 1: Lie on your back on a mat
Step 2: Bend your knees and keep them in an elevated position
Step 3: Now using both legs, start the cycling motion

Once, you feel the burn in the abdomen, stop the exercise.

2. Pool exercises for light resistance

To perform exercise in the water adds resistance and balance in one’s body. It also helps in strengthening the abdomen area. One can do the following things after entering into the pool.

Simply walking inside the pool completing 4-5 laps
Perform 30 movements of half-squats

3. Walk for 30 minutes

Walk for about 30 minutes a day briskly. It will strengthen your lower and upper abdomen.

4. Yoga

Yoga can always be helpful for preventing hernia but it should only be done if one can comfortably do the strenuous asanas otherwise a professional’s advice must be sought before trying these poses. The asanas focus on strengthening abdominal muscles, compress the inguinal canal and relieve the abdominal pressure.

Some aasanas that can be tried are:

Matsyasana (fish pose)
Vajrasana (diamond pose)
Utthanpadasana (raised legs pose)
Paschimottanasana (forward bend)
Sarvangasana (supported shoulder stand)
Pawanmuktasana (wind-relieving pose)

If the hernia is left untreated, the pain might become severe. A portion of your intestine can also get trapped in the abdominal wall. This can cause severe pain, nausea and constipation. An untreated hernia can also put excessive pressure in surrounding tissues. If the trapped area of intestines doesn’t get enough blood, strangulation might be caused. This can be life-threatening and therefore a doctor’s help must be sought.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Newborn umbilical hernia, use plants to help treat it from the website www.nature-and-garden.com for the keyword umbilical hernia natural remedy.

A conventional ailment that is often without any dire consequences, an umbilical hernia in a newborn child is like a small marble that appears around the belly button a few days after birth.

Usually, over the first eighteen months of the newborn’s life, this sometimes voluminous swelling tends to disappear.

Statistically, umbilical hernia primarily impacts black-skinned boys, newborns and especially prematurely born children.

Newborn umbilical hernia key facts to know

Definition of umbilical hernia

A hernia is defined as being a “partial or complete displacement of an organ outside of its natural cavity through a naturally-occurring opening”.

As for an umbilical hernia, it’s often discovered as a small pocket of variable size located at the point of passage of the peritoneum. Portions of the intestines or fatty tissues exit around the navel. These organs normally are contained inside the abdomen.

The navel itself is the scar that remains of the umbilical cord.

Symptoms of umbilical hernia

Seen with the naked eye, an umbilical hernia looks like a “little marble” that is set near the navel. The size increases after an effort, for example when the newborn cries.

During routine check-ups, your doctor will notice it for certain.

What causes umbilical hernia

A swelling that appears near the navel, an umbilical hernia is often caused by an inherited weakness of the linea alba on the abdomen.
A painless configuration, an umbilical hernia may grow to about an inch across, and generally dwindles over the first 18 to 36 months of the child’s life. At that age, abdominal muscles tend to grow stronger thanks to motor skill development.

An umbilical hernia may appear and worsen in case of breathing deficiency or cirrhosis, especially for adult patients who suffer from cancer or heart deficiency.

Also for adults, an umbilical hernia may appear following pregnancy, obesity, chronic cough or the fact of often handling heavy loads.
These factors all increase pressure inside the abdomen, and, consequently, tend to weaken abdominal tissues.

Are there any risks of complications?

Cases of complications for umbilical hernia in children are extremely rare.

When they do appear, they’re usually the result of a malformation or a metabolic anomaly.

However, what has been occasionally reported around the swelling is a “strangling” of blood vessels and tissues. This may lead to an intestinal occlusion. This type of trauma has the following symptoms: swelling of the entire abdomen and vomiting.

However, if the umbilical hernia hasn’t subsided naturally within the first 3 years of life, doctors recommend surgery for aesthetic purposes, but also because it may cause complications once the patient is an adult: constipation, nausea, jabbing pain, vomiting…

Natural treatment for umbilical hernia

Most often, only surgery is recommended to do away with umbilical hernia.

However, there seem to be some plants whose health benefits and therapeutic properties would help treat it naturally. Which are these? How should these plants be prepared? What dosages must be applied?

These herbs can usually be purchased in pharmacies. For each herb, the packaging provides detailed instructions for use.

Often recommended are:

– Hawthornia – This isn’t a single plant, it’s a name for a blend or mix of citrus seeds, hawthorn, litchi and fennel.
Very common and often used in China, this mixture helps repair and reinforce the weakened abdominal wall. Hawthornia, when used as soon as the very first symptoms have been recognized, will slow and stop umbilical hernia growth.

– Sheperd’s purse is a plant that has medicinal properties known to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Reduced to a paste, applying it directly to the hernia externally is recommended to alleviate the symptoms. This medicinal herb can also be used internally to strengthen the abdominal wall.

– Chamomile (in the form of herbal tea) – this herb has benefits that soothe the mucus in the digestive tract, reducing production of gastric acid.

Since an umbilical hernia occurs exactly in this location, it sometimes triggers acid reflux. This can be very uncomfortable for the patient.

The following are also recommended in cases of pain:

– a decoction prepared from smartweed, lady’s mantle and walnut to soothe pain. Apply on the painful area, cover with a bandage: the patient won’t suffer anymore.

Internally, also recommended is 1 quart (1 liter) infusion steeped from 1 oz (30 g) oak leaves, common yarrow, cypress, lady’s mantle and walnut.

The dosage for this is to drink 1 cup, three times a day. You’ll be amazed by the result!

Treatments should take effect within a week for newborns and twice as long for adults, according to traditional Chinese medicine.

Good to know about umbilical hernias

There is a folkloric remedy called “contention technique“. It uses bands of cloth with a coin wedged in the folds to cover the umbilical hernia. This reduces the volume but doesn’t cause it to disappear entirely.
Although this is often prescribed for children, it won’t have any effect on adults, so no point trying.

However, in case of doubt, it is always recommended to follow through with a medical consultation on this topic.

Credits for images shared to Nature & Garden (all edits by Gaspard Lorthiois):
Mortar with herbs by Katherine Hanlon under Unsplash license

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article The Best Home Remedies For Hernia from the website pharmeasy.in for the keyword umbilical hernia natural remedy.

Hernia is a condition that occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or region in the covering muscle or tissue that is supposed to contain it. For example, one of the most common types of hernias is when the intestines (internal organ) push through the lower abdomen muscle wall (surrounding tissue). This produces a bulge in the lower abdominal area.

A hernia may not be serious immediately, but many hernias tend to worsen with time and will require surgical intervention. Anybody can get a hernia regardless of age or gender, although it may be more common in older adults and those who are overweight. Most hernias occur within the abdominal cavity, between the chest and the hip.

It produces a noticeable lump or bulge that can be pushed back in or that can disappear when lying down. Laughing, crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement or physical activity may make the lump reappear after it has been pushed in. Speak with a doctor immediately for an appropriate diagnosis.

What causes a hernia

A hernia can be caused due to several reasons. The weakening of the enveloping tissues or other muscles due to ageing, strain, obesity or birth defects can make it easier for internal organs to push through.

Risk factors for hernia may also include pregnancy, being overweight, straining when going to the toilet, forceful and regular coughing or giving birth. Additionally, some hernias may be caused after a surgical procedure, while other hernias like Hiatal hernias do not have causes that are fully understood. There are many places you can get a hernia; here is a list of some of the most common types:

Inguinal hernia – This is the most common hernia. The inguinal canal goes from the abdominal region to the lower groin. The weakening of tissues in this region may cause the intestines or tissue from inside to push through and create a bulge at the top of the inner thigh.

Femoral hernia – A femoral hernia is a rare type of hernia in the groin region that occurs over the femoral canal in the upper thighs. This type of hernia is more likely in older women.

Umbilical hernia – When the tissues or muscles near the belly button (navel) become weakened, the internal tissue can push through and make a bump in that area. This is known as Umbilical Hernia. If the hernia is detected above the navel but below the breastbone, it is known as an epigastric hernia. This hernia may be noticed more often in young children.

Hiatal hernia – Inside your body, your digestive organs, like the intestines, are kept separated from the upper chest cavity due to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle within your chest that keeps the organs separate and organised, but sometimes the diaphragm can become weakened, damaged or have defects from birth. This leads to parts of the stomach pushing through and entering your chest region and is known as a hiatal hernia. In some people with severe defects, not only the stomach but multiple organs from the tummy region are free to push into the chest area. This is called a diaphragmatic hernia.
Incisional hernia – Incisional hernias occur at the site of an incision or cut due, usually made for surgical purposes. After the surgery, the body may not heal the muscle tissue properly, which may lead to a weak point developing. This makes it easier for a bulge to form and the internal organs to push through. Some types of incisional hernias are called ventral hernias.

Symptoms of hernia

A hernia can be easily noticed since they typically occur in common places and have similar symptoms. In most cases, you will need to speak with your doctor immediately after finding a hernia. Here are a few key signs to watch for:

A swelling, bulge, bump, raised or inflamed area in your upper groin, belly, lower chest, inner groin or belly button.
Pain at the site of the bulge.
Pain when moving or using the concerned muscles (especially when lifting objects).
Aching in the region, increased pain when bending.
The bulge or bump grows larger with time.
Some hernias may get smaller or disappear when you lay flat.
Feeling that your bowels are restricted.
Vomiting, constipation and blood in the stools.
Difficulty swallowing, heartburn, weakness in the groin area.

Home remedies for Hernia home remedies do not cure hernia. These may help reduce the risk of hernia in some people. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment of hernia.

Do not try any exercise or home remedies without your doctor’s consent –

1. Say no to strenuous exercises

One of the main causes of hernia is strenuous exercise or overexertion. If you are engaged in heavy exercises, cut back and perform easy workouts. People who have suffered from hernia before should refrain from lifting heavyweights. Some of the following exercises can help reduce the hernia-

Try walking in a pool, completing 4-5 laps
Lie on a mat and cycle your legs
Go for brisk walks for at least 30 mins every day

2. Cycling

Light cycling may be considered safe for people with smaller hernias and may also strengthen your muscles. If cycling is causing you more pain, then it should be avoided completely.

3. Walking

Walking is one of the most beneficial and simple exercises to perform and comes with many health benefits. Walking will generally not put additional strain on your hernia (depending on where the hernia is).

4. Swimming

Swimming can relieve a lot of pressure, strain and pain due to the buoyancy of the water. Speak with your doctor and find out whether this exercise is appropriate for you. You will need to avoid strenuous laps and focus on gentle pool wading to get any benefit from this exercise.

5. Yoga

Yoga may also support abdominal muscle strength, similar to the previously mentioned abdominal exercises. Avoid any yoga poses that increase your pain and discomfort and this may worsen your hernia.

6. Small and light meals

Smaller meals can be effective for decreasing the symptoms associated with hernias that involve the intestines. The less pressure you put on your stomach internally, the easier it is for you to digest your food. This will ensure that your digestive system is not under stress which may benefit you by limiting your hernia pain.

7. Ice pack

An ice pack on the hernia will act as a quick inflammation reliever when your hernia is causing too much discomfort. Always cover the ice with a soft cloth and do not leave it on for long periods.

8. High-fibre diet

With more fibre, your stools will be easier to pass and you won’t need to strain. Softer stools can also decrease the risk of constipation.

9. Weight loss

Obesity and being overweight may increase your risk of a hernia or worsen your condition if you already have one. The more you weigh, the more pressure is placed against your muscle walls. Speak with your doctor about safe ways to lose weight.

When to seek professional help for a hernia

If your hernia is not causing you any symptoms like pain or bowel issues, your doctor may not immediately recommend surgery. However, in most cases, a hernia will be accompanied by several serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Consult a doctor if you notice the following:

A bulge or swelling in the abdominal region or groin.
Nausea, fever, accompanied by vomiting. Difficulty in swallowing food.
Sudden shooting pain that gets worse with time.
The swelling or hernia bump increases in size.
The bump turns red, purple or darker.

Hernias usually become larger and more severe with time. A strangulated hernia is when the hernia bulge cannot be pushed back inside and becomes trapped within the muscles. This is a dangerous complication. Most hernias are surgically fixed by putting the internal organ back in its place and then strengthening the weak or damaged muscle tissue. Do not delay treatment.

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Conclusion

If you suspect that you might have a hernia, speak with your doctor immediately. Even if you do not yet have any symptoms, your doctor will need to monitor your situation and plan for your future. Hernias can be extremely painful to manage and live with and luckily there are several surgical options available. Be sure to check with your doctor what instructions you need to follow to manage your hernia before and after surgery.

FAQs

Q1. What is the main cause of hernia?

Ans. Most hernias occur due to a combination of two factors occurring at the same time – internal pressure of the organs and tissues + the weakening or opening of muscles or other tissue. This leads to the internal tissue pushing through the outer protective layers and creating a bulge that is easily visible.

Q2. What are the first signs of a hernia?

Ans. The first signs of a hernia are usually a bulge, swelling or bump in the belly, upper and inner thighs or upper groin that is accompanied by sharp pain Or can be painless too.

Q3. How serious is a hernia?

Ans. A hernia is usually a serious issue unless it is small. Even small hernias eventually turn into serious medical conditions; however, larger ones typically require urgent medical attention and will have more painful symptoms.

Q4. Do hernias go away on their own?

Ans. No, most hernias do not go away on their own and will require some kind of medical attention eventually.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

— Update: 13-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article 10 Natural Remedies to Treat Hernia Without Surgery from the website www.pristyncare.com for the keyword umbilical hernia natural remedy.

A hernia is defined as a bulging organ or fatty tissue through a soft or weak spot in the abdomen. Some facts about hernia which you must know.

A hernia doesn’t cause any signs and symptoms initially. With time, the individual is likely to experience nausea, chest pain, unable to swallow food, acid reflux, etc.
Both males and females can develop a hernia. However, men are prone to developing a hernia, especially an inguinal hernia.
When the individual stands up, coughs, or bends, the bulge can be felt in the affected area.
Delaying the treatment of hernia can lead to complications that can be life-threatening.
Doctors diagnose a hernia simply by feeling or looking at the bulge in the affected area.

After a hernia is diagnosed, medical attention is always advised. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies as well as some lifestyle changes that can provide relief from symptoms of hernia without any surgery.

Top 10 natural remedies to treat hernia without surgery

If someone is diagnosed with a hernia, following natural remedies can help in getting relief from the symptoms of hernia:

1. Castor seed oil

This particular oil addresses stomach problems. Castor oil helps to inhibit inflammation inside the stomach and promote proper digestion. Hence, prepare a castor seed oil pack and place it on the stomach to soothe out the pain as well as swelling near the affected area.

2. Aloe vera juice

This is beneficial for easing out some of the symptoms of hernia due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing abilities. Even on a regular basis, people consume aloe vera juice for health benefits. Moreover, to lower the risk of developing a hernia, you can consume this juice before every meal.

3. Ice packs

When you suffer from a hernia, there can be inflammation and pain in the abdomen. Ice packs trigger contraction when applied to the affected area and reduce inflammation inside the body. In addition to this, these often gives relief from the pain and bloating.

4. Ginger root

Consume concentrated ginger juice or raw ginger to sort relief from the pain and discomfort in your stomach. It boosts your health system at the same time. It restricts the stomach from producing gastric juices which generally occurs during hiatal hernia.

5. Black pepper

Black pepper is more than just an added flavor. It stimulates healing in those parts of the body which have been compromised when the organ began to push through the cavity wall. It can also suppress acid reflux which can help to cure the swollen region of a hernia.

6. Lose weight

Obese people are at a higher risk of suffering from a hernia. Obesity is one of the factors that can slow down the healing process. Losing weight helps to improve body posture and puts the body under less physical strain. Therefore when diagnosed with a hernia, start taking small meals and the symptoms may disappear naturally.

7. Diet alert

Spicy food, acidic food, and food difficult to digest should be avoided strictly. The main reason being that this food can further inflame the stomach lining, making it more difficult to heal.

List of food items to eat when suffering from a hernia-

Cabbage juice
Carrot juice
Yogurt
Almonds and chia seeds
Soy milk
Almond milk
Artichokes
Carrots and peas
Sweet potatoes
Green beans
High fiber foods such as oatmeal, whole grains, beans and legumes
Non-citrus foods such as apples, pears, various melons and berries
Green tea
Lean protein

8. Try yoga to reduce stress

Another major factor that contributes to the formation of hernia is stress. Excessive stress can put more strain on your metabolism as a whole. Some stress-reducing activities include yoga, meditation, massage and use of essential oils and aromatherapy. Evidently, the following yoga asanas can provide relief-

Uttanpadasana
Uddiyana Bandha
Vajrasana
Sarvangasana
Pawanmuktasana
Matsyasana
Pascimottanasana

9. Say no to strenuous exercises

Try walking in a pool completing 4-5 laps
Lie on a mat and cycle your legs
Go for brisk walks for at least 30 mins every day

10. Vegetable juice

One of the most effective natural remedies is a glass of vegetable juice – carrot, spinach, onions, broccoli, and kale. The nutrients and anti-inflammatory nature of vegetables help to soothe the burning and discomforting symptoms caused due to hernia.

Can umbilical hernia be treated with natural remedies?

There are different types of hernia –

Inguinal (inner groin)
Femoral (outer groin)
Umbilical (belly button)
Incisional (resulting from an incision)
Hiatal (upper stomach) hernia

Out of all these types, umbilical hernia is the most common and typically harmless. Although these are easily treatable, these can become severe on rare occasions.

In adults, overweight people or women who had multiple pregnancies are more likely to develop hernias. A hernia does not cure away on its own. Only surgery can repair a hernia.

Natural remedies can only help in easing umbilical hernia conditions in adults. Infants and newborns are not liable for these natural remedies. Therefore, the last resort to treat umbilical hernia is surgery, either open or laparoscopic surgery.

Hernia in adults

Open surgery: In open surgery, the surgeon cuts open the site and repairs the hernia using mesh and stitching the weakened muscles together. As the incision made is large, it takes longer for the patient to recover.

Laparoscopic surgery: The surgeon makes small incisions using a camera-mounted device known as a laparoscope, so that mesh and sutures can pass through them. After a laparoscopic surgery for a hernia, the patient can go home within 24 hours of the surgery after staying under the doctor’s observation.

Your doctor may ask you to wait and observe if your hernia is small and doesn’t bother you. If you strain yourself and feel the sudden onset of hernia pain, it is advisable to see a medical professional as early as possible.

Also Read: Possible treatments for Hernia

FAQ’s

Q. How does a hernia belt work?

A. A hernia belt works by reducing the protrusion that occurs during a hernia. Moreover, the hernia belt keeps to the bulge in its place. Although, this is not a permanent solution for treating a hernia.

Q. What to do in case natural remedies don’t work for curing hernia?

A. In case the above-mentioned natural remedies don’t prove to be very effective, you should opt for laparoscopic surgery. In this procedure, the doctor makes small incisions through which a laparoscope is inserted. With the help of this device, the doctor navigates inside the abdomen.

Q. How to take care of an infant after hernia surgery?

A. The child might be kept overnight for observation. At home, here are some tips that need to be followed – special care might be taken while dressing the wounds; painkillers should be taken; bathing should be continued after 2 days of surgery.

Q. What is the best exercise for curing hernia?

A. The best exercise for curing hernia is head lifting, abdominal pumping, half shoulder stand, etc.

Q. What food to eat for treating hernia?

A. Consume whole grains, green leafy vegetables, lean proteins, whole nuts, non-citrus fruits, lean proteins, beans, and peas.