Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

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• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a flowering shrub, native to Eastern North America although other related species exist in North America, Asia, and Europe. Witch hazel has traditionally been used as a facial cleanser/toner and for the treatment of skin irritations, bruises, hemmorrhoids, and to stop bleeding.
• Early research has shown that the leaves, stems, and bark of witch hazel contain compounds which may have astringent, anti-irritant, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties.
• Although witch hazel is widely available and has been used for a variety of medical conditions, there is currently little human evidence supporting how effective witch hazel is in treatment of many of these conditions.

• Abnormal menstrual bleeding, acne, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anxiety, athlete’s foot, bruising, burns, cancer prevention, circulatory disorders, colds, colitis, cosmetic uses, dermatitis, diarrhea, edema, eye disorders, fevers, headache, hemmorhage, herpes simplex virus, high blood sugar/glucose intolerance, itching, pain, gum disease, poison ivy, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, skin rash, tuberculosis, vaginal dryness, venereal disease, vomiting, wrinkle prevention.

• Witch hazel has been used on the skin as an astringent, for first aid, facial cleansing, and inflammatory topical conditions in the following forms: compress, steam distillate (undiluted or diluted with water), poultice, gargle or mouthwash, salve, tincture, and fluid extract. Witch hazel suppositories, prepared with leaves or bark of witch hazel in combination with cocoa butter, have been used rectally or vaginally. Witch hazel can also be applied to toilet paper to wipe the anal area.
• For the treatment of moderately severe atopic eczema, 5.35 grams of hamamelis distillate with 0.64 milligrams of ketone per 100 grams was used for 14 days.
• For the treatment of ultraviolet light skin damage protection, the following single doses were used: 0.64 milligrams or 2.56 milligrams of witch hazel with ketone per 100 grams; pH5 Eucerin( Aftersun Lotion with 10% witch hazel; and 10% witch hazel distillate.

Children (under 18 years old)

• For minor skin injuries/irritation, an oil based witch hazel preparation was applied to the skin in a thin layer several times daily.

• Avoid with a known allergy or sensitivity to witch hazel.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Witch hazel is recommended for use on the skin only. If redness or burning of the skin after use of witch hazel occurs, it is recommended to dilute with water. A healthcare provider should be contacted if symptoms of diarrhea or constipation persist while using witch hazel.
• Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disorders as witch hazel may potentially cause damage to these organs when taken by mouth in large doses.
• Witch hazel may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.
• Use with caution in children, due to limited evidence of safety. In a study of children 27 months to 11 years of age with minor skin irritations, treatment with an oil based witch hazel preparation was well tolerated.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, due to a lack of safety evidence.

• Witch hazel may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
• Witch hazel may add to the effects of antibiotic, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antiviral, and antiulcer drugs.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Witch hazel may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
• Witch hazel may add to the effects of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, antiulcer, or tannin containing herbs and supplements.

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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