Holistic Health Herbal Medicine The Health Benefits of Witch Hazel This astringent is used to treat a variety of skin ailments By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Emily Dashiell, ND on July 23, 2020 facebook linkedin Emily Dashiell, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor who has worked in group and private practice settings over the last 15 years. She is in private practice in Santa Monica, California. Learn about our Medical Review Board Emily Dashiell, ND on July 23, 2020 Print Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Table of Contents View All Health Benefits Health Benefits Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparations What to Look For Witch hazel is a natural remedy made from the bark and leaves of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana. Long used in traditional medicine, witch hazel is usually applied topically in order to treat certain skin conditions. Witch hazel contains tannins, a type of natural compound with astringent effects. By acting as an astringent, witch hazel helps to constrict skin tissue. Proponents claim that witch hazel can heal a wide range of skin troubles, such as acne, bruises, burns, hemorrhoids, inflammation, insect bites, itching, pain, and varicose veins. In addition, some people use witch hazel as a toner (a type of skin-care product said to cleanse the skin and tighten pores). While some proponents recommend internal use of witch hazel for some conditions (such as diarrhea, colds, and even cancer), there is no evidence that consuming witch hazel can enhance your health. Furthermore, oral intake of witch hazel may trigger a number of adverse effects. Health Benefits To date, few scientific studies have tested the health effects of witch hazel. The available research includes several laboratory studies showing that certain compounds found in witch hazel may produce antioxidant effects. Here's a look at some other key study findings. Sunburn Witch hazel may help treat sunburn when applied topically, according to a 2010 report published in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology. The report's authors also state that witch hazel may help shield the skin from damage induced by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Skin Problems in Children For a 2007 study from the European Journal of Pediatrics, researchers tested the effects of witch hazel on 309 children with minor skin injuries, diaper rash, or localized skin inflammation. Seventy-eight of the study participants were treated with dexpanthenol ointment (a medication commonly used for skin disorders), while the other 231 children underwent treatment with witch hazel. Study results revealed that both dexpanthenol ointment and witch hazel were similarly effective and well tolerated by the subjects. Possible Side Effects Witch hazel is generally considered safe when applied topically. Internal use is not recommended, due to concerns that ingestion of witch hazel may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, liver damage, and other adverse effects. Dosage and Preparations Witch hazel and witch hazel pads are often used liberally. However, some preparations contain alcohol, which can dry out and irritate skin. Even alcohol-free varieties may be irritating in large quantities, so keep an eye on your skin and how it reacts to witch hazel. Some people can tolerate multiple applications a day, while others should use witch hazel less frequently or only occasionally. What to Look For Witch hazel can be found in most drugstores, grocery stores, and natural-food stores. In addition, witch hazel is widely available for purchase online. Look for alcohol-free formulas that are more gentle on skin. Although witch hazel is typically sold in distilled liquid form, this remedy is also available in ointments and medicated pads. Other Questions Is witch hazel safe to ingest? Though not fatal, ingesting witch hazel is potentially dangerous due to the tannins in the commercial product. If you or your child ingests witch hazel, contact poison control. How can I use witch hazel to treat hemorrhoids? Witch hazel comes in liquid form and as medicated pads and wipes that can be used to relieve the pain and itching of external hemorrhoids. If using liquid witch hazel, apply to a cloth or cotton ball and wipe on the area. You can also use pads or wipes, and let them rest on the affected area for up to 3 minutes at a time. Can I make witch hazel extract at home? Yes! To make your own witch hazel, soak 1 tablespoon of witch hazel bark in 1 cup of distilled water for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil in a covered pot, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, keeping the lid on. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Once cool, strain it and store it in a bottle. A Word From Verywell It may be possible to relieve minor skin problems (such as insect bites or mild sunburn) by applying witch hazel topically. If you're considering the use of witch hazel for a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician first. Avoiding or delaying standard care and self-treating a chronic condition with witch hazel (or any other form of alternative medicine) may have serious health consequences. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Chevallier, A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments. New York, NY: DK Publishing; 2016. Wolff HH, Kieser M. Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study. Eur J Pediatr. 2007;166(9):943-8. doi:10.1007/s00431-006-0363-1 Li, CS. Medicinal Plants: Culture, Utilization and Phytopharmacology. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis; 2000. Hayes, E, McCuiston, LE, Kee, J. Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2014. Balch, PA. Prescription for Herbal Healing. New York, NY: Avery Publishing; 2002. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety Assessment of Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Washington, DC: Cosmetic Ingredient Review; 2017. Additional Reading Choi HR, Choi JS, Han YN, et al. Peroxynitrite Scavenging Activity of Herb Extracts. Phytother Res. 2002;16(4):364-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.904 Lizárraga D, Touriño S, Reyes-Zurita FJ, et al. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Fractions and the Importance of Gallate Moieties—Electron Transfer Capacities in Their Antitumoral Properties. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(24):11675-82. doi: 10.1021/jf802345x. Reuter J, Wölfle U, Korting HC, Schempp C. Which Plant for Which Skin Disease? Part 2: Dermatophytes, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Photoprotection, Actinic Keratoses, Vitiligo, Hair Loss, Cosmetic Indications. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010;8(11):866-73. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2010.07472.x. Touriño S, Lizárraga D, Carreras A, et al. Highly Galloylated Tannin Fractions From Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Bark: Electron Transfer Capacity, in Vitro Antioxidant Activity, and Effects on Skin-Related Cells. Chem Res Toxicol. 2008;21(3):696-704. Wang H, Provan GJ, Helliwell K. Determination of Hamamelitannin, Catechins and Gallic Acid in Witch Hazel Bark, Twig and Leaf by HPLC. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2003;33(4):539-44. Wolff HH, Kieser M. Hamamelis in Children With Skin Disorders and Skin Injuries: Results of an Observational Study. Eur J Pediatr. 2007;166(9):943-8. doi: 10.1007/s00431-006-0363-1