What is Witch hazel?

Witch hazel is a plant native to North America, which has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. It is an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent, known for its soothing and healing properties.

How does it work?

Witch hazel contains tannins, which are polyphenolic compounds that have astringent properties. This means that they help to tighten and strengthen tissues, making them less likely to become inflamed. Witch hazel also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and redness. It can be used topically to help soothe and heal skin irritations, such as burns, bruises, and insect bites.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The active ingredients in witch hazel are tannins and flavonoids. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that have astringent properties. Flavonoids are another type of polyphenol that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What forms does it come in?

Witch hazel is available in various forms, including as a liquid extract, cream, ointment, and medicated pads.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Witch hazel has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for centuries. It was later adopted by European settlers and has been used in traditional medicine since the 19th century.

What does Witch Hazel help with?

Witch hazel is a shrub that grows wild in North America. People have used its bark and leaves on the skin for hundreds of years. Today you can buy it as a liquid, a pad, a cream or a spray.

Most of the trust in witch hazel comes from long use, not from trials. Our files name no study, no dose and no journal for any use below. So the grades here are low, even for the uses you see on every shelf.

• Piles (hemorrhoids) that itch, burn or bleed
  Early evidence — FDA-accepted over-the-counter use; no trial size or dose on file. Witch hazel is the main active part of many hemorrhoid pads and creams. The FDA accepts it as a skin astringent for this use. An astringent makes sore tissue draw in, which may ease itching and light bleeding. Our files list no trial, no number of people and no dose.
  Evidence grade C
• Soreness and swelling down below after giving birth
  Not yet tested in people — wide use in midwife and hospital care; no human study on file. Witch hazel pads and sprays are common after a vaginal birth. Many midwives and birth doctors hand them out for swelling, bruising and soreness. The cool, drawing feel is well liked. But our files hold no trial, no group size and no dose.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Mild eczema with itch and redness
  Not yet tested in people — product reports only; no human trial on file. Put on the skin, witch hazel may calm the itch and red look of a mild flare. Creams and ointments hold more tannins than the liquid does. The alcohol-based liquid may dry the skin more, so it is a poor fit here. No trial size or dose is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Acne and oily skin
  Not yet tested in people — lab work on tannins plus wide cosmetic use; no human trial on file. Witch hazel lifts extra oil off the skin without stripping it bare. In lab work, its tannins slowed some germs and cooled swelling. That is why so many toners for spot-prone skin use it. No human trial, size or dose is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Bug bites and mild poison ivy rash
  Not yet tested in people — first-aid tradition and lab work only. Dabbing witch hazel on a bite is a classic first-aid step. The drawing and anti-swelling action may cut itch and puffiness fast. This use rests on habit, not on any trial we hold.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Sunburn and red, hot skin
  Not yet tested in people — lab work on anti-inflammatory compounds; no human trial on file. Witch hazel holds compounds that cooled swelling in lab work. Chilled witch hazel water may feel soothing on a burn. It may take the edge off how red the skin looks. No trial, size or dose is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Small cuts, scrapes and bruises
  Not yet tested in people — Indigenous first-aid tradition; no human study on file. The drawing action may slow light bleeding at the skin surface. It can also help clean a small graze. On a bump, it may cut swelling and bruising. This use goes back to Indigenous first aid, not to any trial we hold.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Itchy, flaky scalp and dandruff
  Not yet tested in people — tradition and product use; no human trial on file. Put on the scalp, witch hazel may ease itch, flaking and redness. That covers dandruff and mild seborrheic dermatitis, a scaly scalp rash. It also cuts extra oil, and it is gentler than a medicated shampoo. No trial size or dose is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Puffy eyes and dark circles
  Not yet tested in people — skincare habit only; no human study on file. Dabbed gently under the eye, witch hazel may make puffiness look smaller. Dark circles may look lighter too. Any change fades within hours. No trial, size or dose backs this up.
  Evidence grade insufficient

What Witch Hazel has not been shown to do

• Witch hazel has not been shown to treat varicose veins themselves; on file, topical use may only ease surface discomfort, heaviness and minor swelling for a short time.
• It has not been shown to remove dark circles or under-eye puffiness for good, since any change on file is short-lived.
• The alcohol-based liquid has not been shown to help dry, itchy skin, and it may dry the skin further.
• It has not been shown to cure piles or stop them coming back; the files cover comfort at the skin only.
• Nothing in our files supports taking witch hazel by mouth; every use here is on the skin.
• Nothing in our files shows it prevents sunburn or stands in for sunscreen.

How to read this:

The grades here rate the proof, not the plant. An A means many good human trials agree. B means one good human trial. C means small or early human work. D means the human proof is weak or clashes. Insufficient means no human study at all, just lab work, tradition or common use. Most witch hazel uses sit at insufficient, and that is an honest gap, not a verdict. This page lists options and what studies found. It is not medical advice, and it is not a plan for your care. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, above all if you bleed, have a wound that will not close, or are pregnant.

What does it help prevent?

Witch hazel has been shown to help prevent:

• Skin damage caused by sun exposure
• Acne breakouts
• Insect bites
• Varicose veins

Which foods are rich in it?

Witch hazel is not a food and is not typically consumed orally.

What are possible side effects?

Witch hazel is generally well-tolerated when used topically. However, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Ingesting witch hazel can be toxic and is not recommended.

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended dose of witch hazel depends on the form in which it is used. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label.

How many days does it take to work?

The time it takes for witch hazel to work varies depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms. It is important to use witch hazel as directed and to give it time to take effect.

What time of day is best to take it?

Witch hazel can be used at any time of day.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Witch hazel is typically used topically and should not be ingested. If using medicated pads or wipes, they can be used at any time and do not need to be taken with or without food.