Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a clear, pungent liquid extract of the bushy herb. It is a standard home remedy for cuts, bruises, hemorrhoids, and other minor skin conditions. More than 1 million gallons of witch hazel are sold each year in the United States, making it one of the nation’s most widely used healing herbs.

The “hazel” in the herb’s name comes from its similarity to the common hazelnut. As for the “witch”, it means pliant or flexible in old English. Witch hazel was highly valued in Native American medicine. Many tribes rubbed a decoction of the herb on cuts, bruises, insect bites, aching joints, sore muscles, and sore backs. They also drank witch hazel tea to stop internal bleeding, prevent miscarriage, and treat colds, fevers, sore throats, and menstrual pain.

Early witch hazel water was simply a strained decoction of the shrub’s leaves and twigs that contained tannins, which made the extract extremely astringent. But, today witch hazel can be found on the shelves of every pharmacy. Most herbalists only recommend the decoction of witch hazel bark, which contains the tannins. They are unanimous in their praise of the herb’s cooling, astringent action when used externally for cuts, burns, scalds, bruises, inflammation, and hemorrhoids. They also recommend it as a gargle for sore throat and sores in the mouth and to treat diarrhea.

Witch Hazel Uses

Commercial witch hazel water may not have tannins, but it contains other compounds with reported antiseptic, anesthetic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory action. Witch hazel water is an ingredient in Fleet Medicated Wipes for hemorrhoids, Tucks Pads, and several other over-the-counter treatments for poison ivy, oak, and sumac.

Witch hazel has been shown to reduce redness in sunburned people. In fact, it is almost as effective as hydrocortisone and worked much better than chamomile lotion.

Witch Hazel Recommended Dosages

It’s most convenient to use commercial witch hazel water, which is available in most pharmacies. But, if you’d like to make witch hazel infusion, boil 1 teaspoon of powdered leaves or twigs per cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and cool. Apply the liquid directly or mix it into a skin lotion.

Witch Hazel Safety

There are no reports of harm from witch hazel in topical applications or gargling. But, it is not recommended to ingest witch hazel in any form.

For a natural treatment to almost any skin irritation or hemorrhoids, turn to witch hazel for effective relief. Do not be deceived into thinking this clear, water-like liquid isn’t potent. It has great healing capabilities and is very safe.