Witch Hazel
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Although native to North America, witch hazel now also grows in Europe. The leaves and bark of the tree are used in herbal medicine.
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For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
2 Stars Cold Sores Apply a cream containing 2% extract six times daily for three to eight days | Witch hazel has been shown in one study to reduce the size of cold sores and the spread of inflammation. The proanthocyanidins in have been shown to exert significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex 1 in the test tube. In a double-blind trial, people with acute cold sore outbreaks applied a topical cream containing 2% witch hazel bark extract or placebo six times a day for three to eight days. By the end of the eighth day, those using the witch-hazel cream had a pronounced and statistically significant reduction in the size and spread of the inflammation when compared to the placebo group. |
2 Stars Eczema Apply 10 to 20% herbal extract two to three times per day | A cream prepared with witch hazel and phosphatidylcholine has been shown to be effective in the topical management of eczema. A cream prepared with and phosphatidylcholine has been reported to be as effective as 1% hydrocortisone in the topical management of eczema, according to one double-blind trial. |
2 Stars Hemorrhoids Follow label instructions | Frequently applying a product that contains witch hazel, an astringent herb, may help reduce symptoms. Topically applied astringent herbs have been used traditionally as a treatment for hemorrhoids. A leading astringent herb for topical use is , which is typically applied to hemorrhoids three or four times per day in an ointment base. |
1 Star Canker Sores Refer to label instructions | Witch hazel is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores. The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of canker sores. These herbs usually contain tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used as a mouth rinse and then are spit out. None of these herbs has been studied in modern times. Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill, tormentil, oak, periwinkle, and . Witch hazel is approved by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth, presumably a condition that includes canker sores. |
1 Star Crohn’s Disease Refer to label instructions | Witch hazel is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. Tannin-containing herbs may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and have been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. A preliminary trial using isolated tannins in the course of usual drug therapy for Crohn’s disease found them to be more effective for reducing diarrhea than was no additional treatment. Tannin-containing herbs of potential benefit include agrimony (Agrimonia spp.), green tea, oak, , and cranesbill. Use of such herbs should be discontinued before the diarrhea is completely resolved; otherwise the disease may be aggravated. |
1 Star Menorrhagia Refer to label instructions | Astringent herbs such as witch hazel have been traditionally used for heavy menstruation. Cinnamon has been used historically for the treatment of various menstrual disorders, including heavy menstruation. This is also the case with shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). Other herbs known as astringents (tannin-containing plants that tend to decrease discharges), such as cranesbill, periwinkle, , and oak, were traditionally used for heavy menstruation. Human trials are lacking, so the usefulness of these herbs is unknown. Black horehound was sometimes used traditionally for heavy periods, though this approach has not been investigated by modern research. |
1 Star Varicose Veins Refer to label instructions | Witch hazel may be applied topically to treat varicose veins. Although is known primarily for treating hemorrhoids, it may also be useful for varicose veins. Topical use of witch hazel to treat venous conditions is approved by the German Commission E, authorities on herbal medicine. Application of a witch hazel ointment three or more times per day for two or more weeks is necessary before results can be expected. |
1 Star Wound Healing Refer to label instructions | Witch hazel can be used topically to decrease inflammation and to stop bleeding. Comfrey has anti-inflammatory properties that may decrease bruising when the herb is applied topically. Comfrey is also widely used in traditional medicine as a topical application to help heal wounds. can also be used topically to decrease inflammation and to stop bleeding. Native Americans used poultices of witch hazel leaves and bark to treat wounds, insect bites, and ulcers.Horsetail can be used both internally and topically to decrease inflammation and promote wound healing. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Native Americans used poultices of witch hazel leaves and bark to treat hemorrhoids, wounds, painful tumors, insect bites, and skin ulcers.1
How It Works
How It Works
Tannins and volatile oils are the main active constituents in witch hazel. These constituents contribute to the strong astringent effect of witch hazel. Pharmacological studies have suggested that witch hazel strengthens veins and is anti-inflammatory.2, 3 Topical creams are currently used in Europe to treat inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema. One double-blind trial found that a topical witch hazel ointment (applied four times per day) was as effective as the topical anti-inflammatory drug bufexamac for people with eczema.4 However, another trial found that witch hazel was no better than a placebo when compared to hydrocortisone for people with eczema.5 Witch hazel is approved in Germany for relief of local mouth inflammations such as canker sores.
How to Use It
A tea of witch hazel can be made by steeping 2–3 grams of the leaves or bark in 150 ml of boiled water for 10 to 15 minutes.6 The tea can be drunk two to three times daily between meals. A tincture, 2–4 ml three times per day, is also occasionally used.
In combination with warm, moist compresses, witch hazel extracts can be applied liberally at least twice each day (in the morning and at bedtime) on hemorrhoids. For other skin problems, ointment or cream can be applied three or four times a day, or as needed.7
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Witch hazel should not be taken internally in combination with medications, supplements or herbs containing alkaloids, as the tannins in witch hazel may interfere with absorption.
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
Side Effects
With internal use, witch hazel may cause stomach irritation and cramping.8
There are no known restrictions to the internal use of witch hazel during pregnancy or breast-feeding.9
References
1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 221.
2. Bernard P, Balansard P, Balansard G, Bovis A. Venotonic pharmacodynamic value of galenic preparations with a base of hamamelis leaves. J Pharm Belg 1972;27:505-12.
3. Korting HC, Schafer-Korting M, Hart H, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1993;44:315-8.
4. Swoboda M, Meurer J. Treatment of atopic dermatitis with Hamamelis ointment. Br J Phytother 1991/2;2:128-32.
5. Korting HC, Schafer-Korting M, Klovekorn W, et al. Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1995;48:461-5.
6. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000, 413-8.
7. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 231.
8. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 105.
9. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 59-60.
Last Review: 04-28-2015
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