Herbs & Supplements

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Uses

Note: The witch hazel plant contains varying amounts of tannins, which have been known to cause stomach upset when taken by mouth. In large doses, tannins have produced kidney and liver damage. Even though witch hazel water may have little or no tannin content, taking any form of witch hazel by mouth is not recommended.

Frequently labeled as "witch hazel water", witch hazel is most commonly used topically to relieve itchy or irritated skin. Chemicals in witch hazel cause skin proteins to tighten and make a protective layer over the damaged tissue. Due to this "astringent" effect, witch hazel is often used to stop minor bleeding. Therefore, it may be included in after-shave lotions that lessen razor burn and control bleeding from nicks. It may also relieve other minor skin surface irritations such as cold sores, diaper rash, insect bites, scrapes, and sunburn.

Traditionally, witch hazel water has been applied to varicose veins as a way to constrict them and help them regain firmness. It is also moderately effective as a poultice, an enema, or suppositories to shrink and soothe hemorrhoids. A poultice is usually a soft cloth that has been soaked in a medication, possibly heated, and applied to an aching or injured area of skin surface. The German E Commission, the German governmental agency that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of herbal products, has approved witch hazel for treating hemorrhoids, minor skin injuries, and varicose veins. The United States does not have a comparable agency to evaluate herbal products. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved witch hazel for non-prescription use in astringent skin protective products.

Witch hazel may have other, less well-documented uses. As a rub, it may be useful in treating bruises and sprains. Occasionally, it is included in commercially-prepared eye drops. However, witch hazel water should never be put into the eyes because it generally contains alcohol, which could sting or irritate the eyes. Due to the likelihood of contamination with bacteria or other infective agents, home-brewed witch hazel tea also should not be used in the eyes. As a mouthwash or gargle, witch hazel water may soothe sore gums, mouth, throat, and tongue. It may help relieve teething pain when rubbed on a baby's gums. Swallowing large amounts of witch hazel can be harmful, so care should be taken to spit it out and rinse the mouth with plain water after using witch hazel as a gargle or mouthwash. Laboratory studies suggest that witch hazel may have some mild anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but these possible effects have not been studied extensively.