Key takeaways
- Witch hazel is an astringent made from the leaves and bark of Hamamelis virginiana that contains anti-inflammatory compounds like tannins and gallic acid. These may help reduce inflammation and soothe skin when applied topically.
- Research suggests witch hazel may help with conditions like acne, scalp sensitivity, and hemorrhoids, though evidence is limited.
- Witch hazel is generally safe for topical use, though some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Doing an initial skin patch test on a small portion of your skin can help prevent unwanted side effects and skin reactions.
Witch hazel is a plant with powerful medicinal properties that can be used in a variety of ways.
There are many species of witch hazel, but Hamamelis virginiana — a type of shrub native to North America — is most commonly used in folk medicine in the US. The leaves and bark are made into teas and ointments.
Most often applied to the skin and scalp, witch hazel is widely known for its ability to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.
Here are the top benefits and uses of witch hazel.
Inflammation is a regular immune response designed to protect your body against injury and infection. However, chronic inflammation is
Witch hazel contains many compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties, including gallic acid and tannins.
It also contains antioxidants that help prevent widespread inflammation and neutralize free radicals, which are disease-causing compounds that can build up in your body.
Therefore, witch hazel could have far-reaching benefits and may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory-related issues, such as acne, eczema or psoriasis.
Studies show that topically applied witch hazel may effectively reduce inflammation and help soothe your skin.
Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, some research suggests that witch hazel could be useful in the treatment of acne.
It can be applied directly to your face after cleansing or steaming for maximum effectiveness. It acts as an astringent, causing your tissues to contract to help shrink pores, while also soothing your skin and relieving inflammation.
This may prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting your skin. For this reason, witch hazel is commonly added to many over-the-counter acne products and is especially useful for individuals with oily skin.
Still, studies on the effects of witch hazel on acne are limited and further research is needed to determine its efficacy.
Scalp sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from cosmetic hair treatments to dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.
Applying a bit of witch hazel to your scalp before washing your hair may help treat scalp sensitivity and provide relief from symptoms, such as itching and tenderness.
According to an older 2014 study in 1,373 people, using a shampoo containing witch hazel extract was effective in reducing scalp irritation.
However, additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of witch hazel in the treatment of these conditions.
Hemorrhoids are caused by the swelling and inflammation of the veins in your rectum and anus, resulting in symptoms, such as itchiness and bleeding.
Witch hazel is often used as a natural remedy to provide relief from the discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
It’s typically added to a cloth or cotton ball and applied directly to the affected area to soothe the skin.
Though research is limited, witch hazel is believed to help treat the itching, redness, pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
However,
Most people can use witch hazel safely with minimal risk of adverse side effects.
Ointments and extracts can be applied directly to your skin several times per day and safely administered for the treatment of hemorrhoids after each bowel movement.
Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions after applying witch hazel topically.
Doing an initial skin patch test on a small portion of your skin can help prevent unwanted side effects and skin reactions.
Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy.
It contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may be useful in treating a variety of conditions ranging from acne and inflammation to hemorrhoids.
Still, more research is needed to unearth the entire spectrum of potential benefits that this powerful plant has to offer.