Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is quite a famous and traditional herbal remedy used for a multitude of purposes. Commonly applied to the skin, the leaves and bark of the Witch Hazel plant are the essential ingredients used to create many different drops and ointments. Also, the plant extract or ground powder can be used in supplements to be taken orally.

So let’s read some more about the many health benefits of this popular natural remedy, Witch Hazel.

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch Hazel is a flowering shrub native to North America.

The leaves are broad and oval-shaped, with smooth or wavy margins and its flowers are slender petals that are yellow, red or orange in colour.

Typically blooming from September to November, the alternative name of Witch Hazel is ‘Winter Bloom.’

What are the Health Benefits of Witch Hazel?

As drops, topical ointment or an oral supplement, there are many health benefits to taking Witch Hazel, so here’s just some of them:

Reducing Inflammation

Witch Hazel contains gallic acid and tannins that possess properties that fight inflammation, which may help in the prevention and development of certain severe diseases. In addition, antioxidants in the herb’s composition may prevent widespread inflammation.¹The antioxidants in Witch Hazel are effective in the neutralisation of free radicals that may cause disease complications and can be responsible for the development of chronic health problems and age-related changes.¹Since some skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis are inflammatory-related, Witch Hazel may be helpful in their treatment too.¹ Some studies found Witch Hazel alcohol extract is effective against insect bites, burns, minor injuries, skin irritation and bruises.²

Sunburn Relief

Did you know that Witch Hazel can be considered an effective natural sunburn remedy. Some researchers insist on using Witch Hazel to treat damaged skin because of its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, which may provide instant relief.³According to a 2002 study published in journal Dermatologya, Witch Hazel lotion reduces skin inflammation, after exposure to UV rays, better than other lotions.⁴ Some findings show that Witch Hazel may even help shield the skin from damage induced by sun exposure.¹

Other Skin Problems

Some studies in pediatrics found that Witch Hazel is safe and well-tolerated by children up to the age of 11 years. That means it may help with some skin problems in children like minor skin injuries, diaper rash or localised skin inflammation. Witch Hazel has also been proven to be as effective as dexpanthenol for many skin issues.⁵

Treatment of Haemorrhoids and Varicose Veins

Hemorrhoids can be painful, cause swelling and irritation that needs treatment. Witch Hazel is often used as a herbal remedy, to provide relief from haemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory, astringent, vasoconstrictive, and hemostatic properties.⁶It may be its astringency that can help patients suffering from bleeding hemorrhoids.⁶Tannins are one of the main active compounds of Witch Hazel, acting as vasoconstrictors, and therefore the herb may help constrict tiny spider veins under the skins surface.⁷

Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects

Witch Hazel possesses significant antimicrobial activity. During some trials, it demonstrated inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Some researchers found Witch Hazel contributed to the treatment of atopic dermatitis when added to antiseptics.⁸More studies have found Witch Hazel may help against some viral infections, including influenza A, human papillomavirus,⁹ and herpes simplex.¹⁰

Is Witch Hazel Safe?

Yes, Witch Hazel is usually safe, with a minimal risk of adverse side effects.

Some people may experience allergic skin reactions like irritation after applying Witch Hazel products, so a patch test is always advised first.

If taken orally, don’t consume the herbal remedy in large amounts, as for some people it may cause unpleasant digestive symptoms like vomiting and nausea.

There is not enough data on the safety of Witch Hazel for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it’s not recommended for use in these conditions.

However, the many benefits of Witch Hazel outdo the potential for adverse effects. If you’re not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, consume Witch Hazel orally in moderation and, if unsure, conduct a patch test of the remedy on the skin, as it is time to reap the rewards of Witch Hazel.

Properties

Anti-Bacterial⁸
Anti-Inflammatory²
Anti-Parasitic⁸
Antioxidant³^,⁴
Antiviral⁹^,¹⁰
Astringant³
Bruises²
Cooling¹^,³^,⁴
Digestive Function²
Haemorrhoids⁶^,⁷
Immune Booster¹
Skin Issues¹^,⁵

References