The bark, leaves, and twigs of the witch hazel shrub were widely used as medicinal treatments by native peoples of North America. Witch hazel was applied topically as a treatment for such conditions as skin wounds, insect bites, hemorrhoids, muscle aches, and back stiffness, and it was taken internally for colds, coughs, and digestive problems. It came into use among European colonists in the 1840s, when a businessman named Theron Pond marketed an extract of witch hazel under the name “Golden Treasure.”

The most common witch hazel product available in the U.S. is made from the whole twigs of the shrub. Extracts of the bark alone are used in Europe.

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What is Witch Hazel Used for Today?

Witch hazel is widely marketed for direct application to the skin to relieve pain, stop bleeding, control itching, reduce symptoms of eczema]]> , and treat muscle aches. Pads, ointments, and suppositories containing witch hazel are used for treatment of ]]>hemorrhoids]]> . Extracts of the bark and leaf are used in Europe to treat ]]>diarrhea]]> , inflammation of the gums, ]]>canker sores]]> , and ]]>varicose veins]]> . However, there is no meaningful evidence that witch hazel is actually effective for any of these conditions.

One small double-blind study is commonly cited as evidence that witch hazel is effective for treatment of ]]>eczema]]> . This study compared topical witch hazel ointment to the drug bufexamac, and found them equally effective. ]]>1]]> However, bufexamac itself has not been shown effective for the treatment of eczema, and so this study proves little. A subsequent study failed to find witch hazel more effective than a placebo treatment for eczema. ]]>2]]>

There are no other meaningful studies of witch hazel. Extremely preliminary evidence hints that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, ]]>3-5]]> and even weaker evidence suggests that witch hazel may increase the contractility of veins (potentially making it useful in ]]>varicose veins]]> ). ]]>6]]> However, this evidence is far too weak to support using witch hazel for any of these conditions.

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Dosage

Witch hazel preparations should be used according to label instructions.

Safety Issues

Witch hazel appears to be a relatively safe substance, but comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. When applied to the skin, it may cause allergic reactions. Witch hazel contains tannins, which can upset the stomach. Safety in pregnant or nursing women, young children, or people with severe liver or kidney disease is not established.