A long time ago, the appendix played an essential role in the daily functioning of the body. It used to house bacteria that helped in the digestion of cellulose. But, as humans evolved from herbivores to omnivores, this function became obsolete, rendering it an organ with no purpose. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms, and natural remedies you can try to get post-surgery relief.
Home Remedies For Pain After Appendicitis Surgery
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. The acid possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (1). The topical application of this oil may alleviate the pain.
2 tablespoons castor oil A flannel cloth
Note: Castor oil may also be ingested to relieve constipation and the appendix pain it is causing. Do this 2 times a day.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is anti-inflammatory (2). This may tone down the pain one experiences post-surgery.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar A glass of warm water
Add the vinegar to the water and sip on it. Start drinking this as soon as you experience pain.
3. Buttermilk
Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking fluids like buttermilk may be beneficial for appendicitis. It helps to stimulate digestion and provides a wonderful concoction of probiotics that may deal with any infection. 1 liter buttermilk You can also make mocktails with buttermilk. Make a mocktail with buttermilk, grated cucumber, ginger, mint, and coriander. You can also make a light smoothie with buttermilk and a fruit of your choice. Do this once a day.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it may soothe the digestive system and reduce the pain due to appendicitis. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim.
1 teaspoon baking soda A glass of water
Mix the baking soda powder in water and drink it immediately. Do this whenever you experience pain.
5. Garlic
Garlic possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (3). The anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce the pain. The antimicrobial compounds may get rid of harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. 1-2 garlic cloves Crush the cloves and ingest them with water. Do this when you experience any pain.
6. Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds (4). This may alleviate the pain to a great extent.
1 green tea bag A cup of hot water Honey (to taste)
Do this 2 times a day
7. Ginseng Tea
Ginseng is a Chinese herb. It contains saponins, which exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties (5). This may be beneficial for reducing inflammation and pain.
1-2 teaspoons ginseng A cup of boiling water
Do this 2 times a day.
8. Green Gram
Green gram or mung beans are highly nutritive and contain anti-inflammatory compounds (6). Hence, they may help in reducing pain caused due to appendicitis. Green gram or mung beans Do this when your abdomen hurts.
9. Vitamins
Research has shown that vitamin deficiency may cause an inflammation of appendicitis (7). Hence, a healthy diet rich in vitamins B, C, and E may be beneficial. Note: Consult a doctor before taking additional vitamin supplements.
10. Honey And Lemon Juice
Honey and lemon both possess strong anti-inflammatory properties (8), (9). Hence, these may be good for reducing pain due to appendicitis.
1 tablespoon organic honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mix the two ingredients and drink the mixture. As the mixture has a really strong taste, if you want, you may mellow it down with warm water. Do this once a day.
11. Mint
Mint exhibits strong antioxidant properties and regulates digestive processes (10). This may be beneficial to appendicitis patients.
4-5 fresh mint leaves A cup of boiling water 1/2-1 teaspoon honey
Do this when you experience symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty in passing gas.
12. Juice
Carrot juice is helpful in alleviating pain and fighting infection (11). Beetroot is helpful for detox (12). Drinking small amounts of vegetable or fruit juice may help combat the pain after appendicitis surgery. Carrot juice OR beet and cucumber juice OR cranberry juice Extract some fresh juice using the mentioned vegetables and fruits and drink it. Do this on a regular basis.
13. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain a wide range of antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds (13). These compounds may help in combating the pain and preventing further infection.
2 teaspoons fenugreek seeds A cup of water
Do this once a day.
14. Ginger And Turmeric Mix
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties (14). Ginger also possesses anti-inflammatory properties (15). Thus, these two may help in combating appendicitis surgery pain.
1/2 inch ginger piece A pinch of turmeric 1 teaspoon honey
Do this when you experience nausea and pain.
15. Basil Leaves
Basil has various therapeutic effects (16). This may prove beneficial as it relieves indigestion and constipation.
5 basil leaves 1/4 teaspoon rock salt A pinch of black pepper powder 2-3 tablespoons plain yogurt
Do this 2 times a day.
16. Whole Wheat
Whole wheat flour contains dietary fiber that aids the swift movement of feces in the body (17). It is available in supermarkets and may be used to bake bread. The sterilized bran obtained from wheat may be added to refined flour to make healthier, more roughage containing bread. Brown bread is made from whole wheat flour, so switch to it instead of white bread.
17. Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, medicinally known as Centella asiatica, is a Chinese herb. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that accelerate healing (18). This may help in reducing pain caused due to appendicitis.
1 teaspoon dried gotu kola herb A cup of hot water
Do this 2-3 times a day.
18. Dandelion
Dandelion has antioxidant properties (19). This may help in reducing pain. It is also a mild laxative and may clear up constipation.
1 dandelion herb capsule 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice A cup of warm water
Do this 2 times a day. Note: People with diabetes, kidney disorders, and gallbladder diseases should not consume this herb. Also, do not use this remedy if you are taking any blood pressure or blood-thinning medications.
19. Agrimony
Agrimony is a Chinese herb that possesses antioxidant properties (20). This may be beneficial to the digestive system.
1 teaspoon agrimony herb A cup of water
Do this 2 times a day. Note: This remedy is not recommended for people with diabetes, kidney disorders, and gallbladder diseases. Apart from the above-mentioned remedies, the best way to deal with appendicitis surgery pain is to take preventive measures. A few tips are listed below.
Prevention Tips
Follow a diet containing a healthy amount of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is important to supply enough fiber to the body so that the digestive process is smooth and does not lead to complications like appendicitis. Eat fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, split peas, lentils, black beans, lima beans, peas, artichokes, and okra. Drink 10-12 glasses of water every day. Apart from water, you may also have fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Probiotics, such as yogurt, buttermilk, and kefir, supply healthy bacteria to the gut and regulate digestion. Exercise regularly so that the body functions optimally in general. It may also help in fighting constipation.
Diet is one of the keys to staying healthy. Below is the recommended diet to prevent appendicitis.
Diet For Appendicitis
Appendicitis is caused due to backing up of waste matter in the body. A great way to flush that out is by drinking lots of water. A cleanse diet is often recommended for appendicitis, where you just drink water and fruit and vegetable juices for a couple of days. Apart from these recommendations, here are a few items you should avoid:
Processed meat and canned food Spicy and fried food Fatty meat Bakery items made from refined flour Flatulence inducing food items like beans and broccoli Sugary foods High-fat food items and oils Alcohol Caffeinated and carbonated drinks
One of the main causes of blockage of the appendix is feces or a foreign object. Some of the other causes of the inflammation are listed below.
What Causes Appendicitis?
Gastrointestinal infection or infection in any other part of the body, causing enlargement of the tissue inside the appendix Inflammatory bowel disease Parasites Tumor Trauma to the abdomen Constipation
Some of the symptoms of this condition are mentioned below.
Signs And Symptoms Of Appendicitis
Pain in the abdomen that starts at the belly button and moves to the lower right region (This pain starts suddenly and gets worse with time.) Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Diarrhea or constipation Low fever Difficulty in passing gas Abdominal swelling
Types Of Appendicitis
(b) Chronic Appendicitis – Constituting only 1.5% of the total appendicitis cases reported, this type of appendicitis may last for a longer period. The symptoms may recur at intervals as the inflammation of the appendix organ goes back and forth. Comparatively, chronic appendicitis is more difficult to diagnose, but nonetheless, both types have surgery as their leading treatment option. Given below are some of the risk factors associated with appendicitis.
Appendicitis Risk Factors
Right lower quadrant pain for more than six months. Patients with diarrhea, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, and anorexia. Delay in the admission into a hospital after the onset of symptoms. Older age Existing cystic fibrosis condition.
What does appendicitis feel like? Appendicitis starts off with a dull pain around and below the navel, which then moves towards the left side of the lower abdomen. This pain starts to build up, and then, the other symptoms like nausea and vomiting present themselves. How long does it take to recover after you have your appendix out? For laparoscopic surgery, it takes 1-3 weeks for recovery. For a normal open procedure, it takes 2-4 weeks. What side is the appendix? The appendix is present on the lower right-hand side of the abdomen. Is appendicitis hereditary? Appendicitis is not a genetic condition to be passed on from generation to generation. How do you know your appendix is about to burst? The pain, nausea, and vomiting get worse, and a fever develops. If not treated immediately, the appendix may also burst. Can the pain from appendicitis come and go? Initially, the pain may come and go, but later, it becomes constant. If the pain is inconsistent over weeks, you may be suffering from chronic appendicitis. Consult a doctor immediately in such a case. How should I sleep after appendicitis surgery? It is advisable to sleep straight on your back rather than your side or stomach after your appendicitis surgery. Is egg good for appendicitis? Yes, eggs that have been boiled, poached, or scrambled are easier to digest and are recommended for people after appendicitis surgery.
