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Botanical illustration of Witch Hazel
MedicinalSourced entry

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

A North American shrub whose leaves are recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for minor skin inflammation, itchy piles and mouth inflammation.

Safety at a glance

Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.

What is Witch Hazel?

Plant family
Hamamelidaceae, the witch hazel family
Parts used
The leaves, as creams, liquids, dressings, suppositories and gargles
Genus
Hamamelis
Species
virginiana

Also called

Hamamelis, Hamamelis virginiana

Traditionally used for

  • Minor skin inflammation (traditional)
  • Piles (traditional)
  • Mouth gargle (traditional)

Traditionally described as

    Health topics

    Where Witch Hazel appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.

    • Eczema

      Witch hazel creams helped atopic eczema in some trials, but a mild hydrocortisone cream worked better in another.

    • Skin Irritation, Rashes and Itching

      Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for minor skin inflammation and dry skin.

    • Sore Throat

      Recognized in Europe as a traditional mouthwash and gargle for minor inflammation in the mouth.

    Traditions that use it

    • European Folk Medicine

      Recognized in Europe as a traditional herbal medicine for minor skin inflammation, itchy piles and mouth inflammation.

    How it's prepared

    Common ways Witch Hazel is prepared or sold. This isn't advice on how to take it; see Safety below.

    • Decoction

      The dried, cut leaves are simmered in water to make a liquid for the skin or for rinsing the mouth.[1]Health agency

    • Salve

      Creams, ointments and gels made with witch hazel leaf are used on the skin and around the anus, for example for hemorrhoids.[1]Health agency

    Safety

    Who should avoid it

    • If you have bleeding from the back passage, see a doctor. See a doctor too if symptoms get worse or don't go away. Some witch hazel liquids contain alcohol.[1]Health agency

    Allergies

    • Allergic skin rashes (contact dermatitis) have been reported. How often isn't known. Don't use it if you're allergic to witch hazel.[1]Health agency

    Pregnancy

    • Its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established.[1]Health agency

    What does the research say?

    Traditional use

    These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.

    • Based on long-standing use, the European Medicines Agency recognizes witch hazel leaf as a traditional herbal medicine:

      • On the skin, for minor skin inflammation and dry skin (age 6 and up)
      • For itching and burning from piles (haemorrhoids), as creams, dressings or suppositories (adults only)
      • As a mouthwash or gargle for minor inflammation inside the mouth (age 12 and up)

      This rests on long-standing use, not on proof from clinical trials.[1]Health agency

    • Native American nations have used witch hazel in several ways:

      • The Iroquois drink a tea of the dried leaves for sore throats, colds and diarrhea
      • The Osage make medicine from the bark for skin sores and ulcers (probably from the related Ozark witch hazel)
      • The Potawatomi use it in sweat lodges

      The Mohegan are believed to have shown European settlers how to use forked witch hazel branches for dowsing (searching for underground water).[2]General reference

    • In Appalachian folk medicine, witch hazel is one of the most widely used remedies. It's put on the skin for poison ivy rash, burns, sunburn, acne, eczema, sore gums, tired muscles, bruises, sprains, insect bites, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Herbalists also use it in shallow sitz baths for hemorrhoids and soreness after childbirth. These uses come from herbal practice and haven't been tested in clinical trials.[2]General reference

    • Drugstore witch hazel is made by steam-distilling the twigs and adding alcohol. According to the Chestnut School, it's much weaker than a homemade tea or tincture of the bark, twigs, leaves and buds. Most uses are on the skin, and the authors keep witch hazel tea for use on the outside of the body.[3]General reference

    Research in people

    • A 2013 review describes clinical studies of witch hazel creams for eczema, with mixed results:

      • Creams with witch hazel leaf extract were reported effective for atopic eczema in children and other eczemas
      • In 72 people with severe atopic eczema, a cream with witch hazel distillate worked about as well as a non-steroid anti-itch cream (bufexamac)
      • But a mild steroid cream (0.5% hydrocortisone) worked better than a witch hazel distillate cream for moderately severe atopic eczema

      In people, a lotion with 10% witch hazel water also reduced sunburn redness.[4]Study

    In short

    Can cause allergic skin rashes. See a doctor about any rectal bleeding.

    Sources

    1. [1] Community herbal monograph on Hamamelis virginiana L., folium (EMA/HMPC/114586/2008) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
    2. [2] The Folklore and Medicine of Witch Hazel — Chestnut School of Herbal MedicineGeneral reference
    3. [3] Witch Hazel Wonders: Cultivation and Herbal Uses — Chestnut School of Herbal MedicineGeneral reference
    4. [4] Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases — Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii · DOI: 10.5114/pdia.2013.35620Peer-reviewed study

    This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.