Witch Hazel: Uses and Risks

Native Americans have long used the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant as a folk remedy.

As it turns out, witch hazel contains tannins, oils, and other substances that appear to:

• Lessen inflammation
• Draw tissue together
• Slow bleeding

Why do people take witch hazel?

Today, you can find witch hazel in your local drugstore. People often use it as an astringent, which draws tissue together and constricts blood vessels.

People apply witch hazel to the skin for a variety of problems, such as:

• Itching
• Inflammation
• Injury
• Insect bites
• Bruises and minor burns
• Varicose veins
• Hemorrhoids

Applying witch hazel to the skin is the most common way it is used -- and the safest.

People sometimes take witch hazel by mouth. When taken that way it is used to try to treat conditions as varied as:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting or coughing up blood
• Colitis
• Colds and fevers
• Tuberculosis
• Tumors
• Cancer

There is no proof that taking witch hazel by mouth helps with these or any other conditions.

Witch hazel may bring some relief from hemorrhoids or skin irritations and lessen minor bleeding. Witch hazel extracts contain antioxidant compounds that may protect against sunburn and aging from the sun.

But the evidence is thin on its use for other conditions. Researchers have more work to do to demonstrate its effectiveness.

These are typical dosages of witch hazel:

• On the skin: 5 to 10 grams of leaf and bark simmered in 250 milliliters of water or undiluted
• As an alcohol extract (commonly available in pharmacies): Saturate a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area.
• Rectal area. By suppository,use 0.1 to 1 gram leaf and bark applied one to three times daily. When applied to anal area, witch hazel water may be applied up to six times a day or after bowel movements.

What are the risks of taking witch hazel?

Witch hazel is relatively safe.

Side effects. Stomach upset may result from taking witch hazel by mouth. When you apply it to skin, it may, rarely, cause inflammation (contact dermatitis). But even children tend to tolerate it well on the skin.

Risks. If you use witch hazel in appropriate amounts, your risks are relatively minor. But if you take high doses by mouth, it may cause kidney or liver damage.

Although witch hazel contains a known cancer-causing ingredient, there's likely no need for concern unless you regularly use high concentrations. The amounts are very small.

Because studies are limited, avoid using witch hazel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions. There aren't any known interactions with drugs, foods, or other herbs and supplements.

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements. They can let you know if the supplement might raise your risks.

Read more on: vitamins and supplements