Witch Hazel: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Witches' Hazel
Scientific name(s)
Hamamelis virginiana
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Tannins
Flavonoids
Rutin
Quercetin
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Topical application of a witch hazel cream relieves slight skin irritation. In children, using a witch hazel ointment seems to improve symptoms associated with skin lesions or dermatitis as effectively as a dexpanthenol ointment. EMA recommends witch hazel to relieve minor skin inflammations and skin dryness. ESCOP states that witch hazel water is used externally for treatment of bruises, skin irritations, sunburns, insect bites, and more generally for minor inflammatory conditions of the skin and mucous membranes.
Posologie
Cutaneous: leaf
1 - weeks
Children, Adults, Seniors
lotion, liquid extract
Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study.
COMMUNITY HERBAL MONOGRAPH ON HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., FOLIUM
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Anti-inflammatory Effect of Hamamelis Lotion in a UVB Erythema Test
Hemorrhoids ✪✪✪✪✪
Topical application of witch hazel water can help temporarily relieve itching, discomfort, irritations, and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Suppositories corresponding to 0.1-1 g of leaf and bark or 400 mg liquid extract 1 to 3 times a day have been used. Witch hazel water, up to six times a day or after each bowel movement, might also be beneficial for relieving hemorrhoid-related inflammations. ESCOP indicates that witch hazel water is used externally in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Posologie
Cutaneous: leaf
400 - 1200 mg
2 - weeks
Adults, Seniors
lotion, liquid extract
Stomatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Witch hazel is used as a mouthwash, gargle, or orally to relieve minor inflammations of oral cavity mucous membranes (EMA, ESCOP).
Posologie
Buccal, Oral: leaf, bark
2 - 4 mL
1 - weeks
Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
lotion, liquid extract
Skin healing ✪✪✪✪✪
Related to its microcirculatory properties, witch hazel is recommended in cases of capillary fragility associated with slow skin healing.
Posologie
Cutaneous, Oral: leaf
2 - 10 g
mother tincture, liquid extract
Heavy legs ✪✪✪✪✪
Related to its microcirculatory properties, witch hazel is recommended for venous disorders and its complications: heavy legs, restless leg syndrome, post-phlebitic syndrome, varicose ulcers, edema, trophic disorders, delayed skin healing.
Posologie
Cutaneous, Oral: leaf, bark
2 - 10 g
mother tincture, liquid extract
Varicose veins ✪✪✪✪✪
Related to its microcirculatory properties, witch hazel is recommended in cases of capillary fragility: varicosities, rosacea, bruises.
Posologie
Cutaneous, Oral: leaf, bark
2 - 10 g
mother tincture, liquid extract
Properties
Astringent
Witch hazel is used as a treatment for circulatory disorders to tone blood vessel walls. In vivo studies have shown that witch hazel inhibits the activity of α-glucosidase and human leukocyte elastase, enzymes contributing to the degradation of connective tissue. Thus, witch hazel may help preserve vascular integrity, conferring an astringent action. The astringent action of tannins on the intestinal mucosa may bestow anti-diarrheal properties by slowing intestinal peristalsis.
Usages associés
Microcirculatory Effect
Fluid extract of witch hazel is the most active galenic form from a vasoconstrictive perspective. Official tinctures appear less active. A study has demonstrated that the vasoconstrictive action is mainly due to the proanthocyanidins found in the leaves. Other studies have shown that tannins, when applied locally to the skin or damaged mucous membranes, cause protein precipitation. They tighten superficial cell layers and shrink colloidal structures, thereby constricting capillaries.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The leaf and bark of witch hazel possess anti-inflammatory properties in animal models. Laboratory research has shown that constituents like hamamelitannin and galled proanthocyanidins inhibit 5-lipoxygenase activity. Additionally, tannins, when applied locally to damaged skin or mucous membranes, induce protein precipitation. They tighten superficial cell layers and shrink colloidal structures, constricting capillaries. The reduction of vascular permeability is similar to an anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-inflammatory effects of witch hazel could explain its anti-hemorrhoidal and skin-protective effects.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
The leaf and bark of witch hazel possess astringent properties. The antibacterial effects of witch hazel extract have been demonstrated through laboratory studies. The astringent activity of tannins causes an indirect antibacterial effect.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 2 g - 10 g (aqueous decoction)
- In liquid extract: with 20% witch hazel extract, several times a day. - In tincture: with 5-10% witch hazel extract, several times a day. - In decoction to impregnate a bandage: 5 to 10 g of extract for 250 ml, up to 3 times a day.
Precautions
Child up to 6 years: avoid
The use of witch hazel in children under 6 years is not recommended.
Pregnant woman: avoid
Due to a lack of sufficient information: avoid use.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Due to a lack of sufficient information: avoid use.
Child 6 to 18 years: use with caution
Use in children over 6 years and adolescents has not been established.
