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Hamamelis

Hamamelis, also known as witch hazel, virginian witch hazel, autumn-flowering witch hazel and virginian witch hazel, as well as by its Latin name Hamamelis virginiana, is a plant whose leaves, bark and twigs are used to make medicine. A product available under the name Witch Hazel Water or Hamamelis Water is a liquid distilled from the dried leaves of the bark and twigs of witch hazel. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans began using the leaves and bark of witch hazel as a folk remedy. As it turns out, witch hazel contains tannins, oils and other substances that can reduce inflammation, constrict tissue and slow bleeding.

What is witch hazel used for?

Witch hazel is often used as an astringent, which contracts the tissue and constricts the blood vessels. Witch hazel is applied to the skin for a range of problems such as itching, inflammation, injuries, insect bites and stings, bruising, minor burns, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Application to the skin is the most common way of using witch hazel and is also the safest. Sometimes witch hazel is also taken orally to treat conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, coughing up blood, colitis, colds, fevers, tuberculosis, tumors and cancer. Witch hazel can provide relief from hemorrhoids and skin irritations and reduce debilitating bleeding. Witch hazel contains antioxidant compounds that may protect against sunburn and aging of the skin due to sun exposure.

In industrial manufacturing, extracts from the leaves and bark of witch hazel are used as drying agents to tighten the skin. They are also added to certain medications to give these products the ability to soothe or stop bleeding. These medications are used to treat insect bites, hemorrhoids, itching, irritation and minor pain, as well as teething children. Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of witch hazel for other conditions is sparse and further scientific research is needed to make reliable statements.

How does witch hazel work?

Witch hazel contains chemicals called tannins. When witch hazel is applied to the skin, it can help reduce swelling, repair damaged skin and fight bacteria.

How effective is witch hazel?

Witch hazel is potentially effective for the following applications:

  • Stopping minor bleeding: Applying the bark and leaves of witch hazel to the skin appears to stop minor bleeding.
  • Hemorrhoids: Applying witch hazel to the skin appears to provide temporary relief from itching, irritation and burning due to hemorrhoids or other disorders of the anal area.
  • Reduction of skin irritation: Applying a cream of witch hazel appears to relieve mild skin irritation, but is not as effective as hydrocortisone in this regard.

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of witch hazel for diarrhea, vomiting blood, bloody cough, tuberculosis, colds, fever, inflammation of the eyes, bruising and varicose veins. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of witch hazel in these applications.

Dosages used

  • Orally: 2 grams of dried leaves three times a day or as a tea.
  • Applied to the skin: 5 to 10 grams of leaves and bark boiled in 250 ml of water or undiluted.
  • As an alcoholic extract: Soak a cloth with the extract and apply the extract with the cloth to the area to be treated.

Application in the rectal area:

  • 0.1 to 1 gram of leaves and bark as a suppository, one to three times a day
  • When applied to the anal area, witch hazel water can be used up to six times a day or after a bowel movement.

Can witch hazel be taken naturally through food?

Witch hazel does not occur naturally in food.

Safety and side effects

Witch hazel is safe and harmless for most adults when applied directly to the skin. In some people witch hazel may cause mild skin irritation. Witch hazel also appears to be safe and harmless for most adults when taken orally in small doses. In some people, witch hazel can cause stomach upset when taken orally. Large doses may cause liver problems. Witch hazel contains a carcinogenic chemical called safrole, but the amounts are too small to be a cause for concern.

Side effects

Taking witch hazel orally can cause stomach upset. If witch hazel is applied to the skin, it can cause inflammation in rare cases, but normally even children tolerate witch hazel applied to the skin quite well.

Risks

When witch hazel is used in appropriate amounts, the risks are quite low. However, taking large amounts orally can lead to liver and kidney damage. Even if witch hazel contains carcinogenic substances, there is probably no cause for concern as the quantities of these substances are very low. As the study situation is very poor, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid witch hazel. A possible exception is use on the skin in small amounts for a short period of time.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of witch hazel during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using it.

Interactions

There are no known interactions with medications, foods, medicinal herbs or supplements.