Witch hazel's therapeutic uses
Witch hazel is a natural plant product derived from the bark, leaves, and twigs of the witch hazel shrub, known for its potential therapeutic uses. Historically, Indigenous peoples of North America utilized witch hazel for a variety of ailments, treating conditions such as skin wounds, insect bites, and digestive issues. Today, it is commonly used topically to relieve pain, control itching, and address various skin issues, including acne, bruising, and rashes. Witch hazel is also applied in the form of pads or ointments for hemorrhoids and has been used to promote healing after childbirth.
While there is some evidence supporting its effectiveness for certain conditions, such as acne and postpartum care, comprehensive studies validating its use for many other claims are limited. In Europe, witch hazel is also employed for treating gum inflammation and varicose veins. Despite its widespread use, safety studies remain incomplete, and potential allergic reactions or digestive upset have been noted. Therefore, caution is advised, particularly for pregnant or nursing women, young children, and individuals with severe health conditions. Overall, witch hazel presents a blend of traditional use and contemporary interest, inviting further exploration into its therapeutic benefits.
Witch hazel's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Many skin conditions, hemorrhoids
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Canker sores, cold sores, diarrhea, gum inflammation, minor wounds, varicose veins, insect bites, rashes
Overview
The witch hazel shrub's bark, leaves, and twigs were widely used as medicinal treatments by Indigenous peoples of North America. Witch hazel was applied topically to treat conditions such 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 businessperson named Theron Pond marketed an extract of witch hazel as Golden Treasure.
The most common witch hazel product available in the United States is made from the whole twigs of the shrub. Extracts of the bark alone are used in Europe.
Therapeutic Dosages
Witch hazel preparations should be used according to label instructions.
Therapeutic Uses
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. Witch hazel is believed to treat various skin conditions, including acne, bruising, minor wounds, swelling, sunburns, rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy. Pads, ointments, and witch hazel suppositories are used to treat hemorrhoids. The bark and leaf extract are used in Europe to treat diarrhea, inflammation of the gums, canker sores, and varicose veins. Witch hazel may also be used for scalp irritation, postpartum care, and sore throats. However, only limited meaningful evidence exists that witch hazel is 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 from 2015 compared topical witch hazel ointment to the drug bufexamac and found them equally effective. However, bufexamac itself has not been shown effective for the treatment of eczema, and so this study proves little. Subsequent studies failed to find witch hazel more effective than a placebo treatment for eczema, but some success was found for those with acne.
One 2012 study found that witch hazel helped to promote perineal healing following childbirth. Witch hazel reduced inflammation and pain in equal amounts to ice packs, and the study confirmed witch hazel was a safe and effective postpartum care option. Other double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have been performed on the effectiveness of witch hazel for skin conditions, such as diaper rash, razor burn, and varicose veins. Although the results of these studies showed promise, more research was needed.
Extremely preliminary evidence hints that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, and even weaker evidence suggests that witch hazel may increase the contractility of veins, potentially making it useful in varicose veins. However, this evidence is far too weak to support using witch hazel for any of these conditions. In Germany, witch hazel was approved as an ingredient in mouth gargle to treat gum and mucus membrane issues, but in the US, the product was not endorsed by the FDA for treatment of illnesses.
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, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
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deLeeuw, Anne. "Witch Hazel for Acne: How It Works and How to Use It." Medical News Today, 14 Feb. 2023, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/witch-hazel-for-acne. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.
Edwards, Sarah E., et al. "Witch Hazel." Phytopharmacy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Herbal Medical Products, 2015, pp. 396-400.
Hughes-Formella, B. J., et al. "Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Hamamelis Lotion in a UVB Erythema Test." Dermatology, vol. 196, 1998, pp. 316-322.
Korting, H. C., et al. "Comparative Efficacy of Hamamelis Distallate and Hydrocortisone Cream in Atopic Eczema." European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 48, 1995, pp. 461-465.
Whitworth, Gerhard. "Witch Hazel: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects." Medical News Today, 23 June 2023, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323628. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.