Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel helps for minor bleeding, bruises and sprains, minor skin irritations. Some topical witch hazel products contain alcohol which may cause a slight stinging sensation when applied.

Witch Hazel Overview

Reviewed: August 13, 2014
Updated: 

Witch hazel is tall shrub or small tree.  The leaf, bark, and twigs are used in natural medicines. 

Witch hazel is used topically for minor bleeding, bruises and sprains, minor skin irritations, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.  

Witch hazel has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. When you have a cut, astringents slow bleeding and help form a clot. 

Some topical witch hazel products contain alcohol which may cause a slight stinging sensation when applied to the skin. 

Uses

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Witch hazel is used topically for minor bleeding, bruises and sprains, minor skin irritations, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.  

Witch hazel has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Witch hazel may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Witch Hazel

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Some topical witch hazel products contain alcohol, so a slight stinging sensation may occur when applied to the skin. 

Allergic contact dermatitis, a red itchy rash caused by a substance, may occur in individuals sensitive to witch hazel. 

This is not a complete list of witch hazel side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

 

 

Witch Hazel Interactions

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No drug interactions have been determined. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Witch Hazel Precautions

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Special precautions & warnings:

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using witch hazel if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant. 
  • Avoid contact with eyes. 
  • Oral use of witch hazel is not recommended.