Witch hazel: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Witch hazel
Scientific name(s)
Hamamelis virginiana
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Tannins
Flavonoids
Rutin
Quercetin
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Topical application of a witch hazel cream relieves mild skin irritation. In children, the use of a witch hazel ointment appears to improve symptoms associated with skin lesions or dermatitis as effectively as a dexpanthenol ointment. The EMA recommends witch hazel to relieve minor skin inflammations and dry skin. ESCOP indicates that witch hazel water is used externally in the treatment of bruises, skin irritations, sunburn, insect bites, and, more generally, minor inflammatory conditions of the skin and mucous membranes.
Posologie
Topical use: leaf
1 - weeks
Children, Adults, Seniors
lotion, liquid extract
Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study.
COMMUNITY HERBAL MONOGRAPH ON HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., FOLIUM
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Anti-inflammatory Effect of Hamamelis Lotion in a UVB Erythema Test
Hemorrhoids ✪✪✪✪✪
Topical application of witch-hazel water may help temporarily relieve itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Suppositories equivalent to 0.1-1 g of leaf and bark or to 400 mg of liquid extract, taken 1 to 3 times per day, have been used. Witch-hazel water, up to six times a day or after each bowel movement, may also be useful to relieve inflammation associated with hemorrhoids. ESCOP states that witch-hazel water is used externally in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Posologie
Topical: leaf
400 - 1200 mg
2 - weeks
Adults, Seniors
lotion, liquid extract
Stomatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Witch-hazel is used as a mouthwash, gargle, or orally to relieve minor inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity (EMA, ESCOP).
Posologie
Oral: leaf, bark
2 - 4 mL
1 - weeks
Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
lotion, liquid extract
Skin healing ✪✪✪✪✪
In relation to its microcirculatory properties, witch hazel is recommended in cases of capillary fragility associated with delayed skin healing.
Posologie
Topical, oral: leaf
2 - 10 g
Mother tincture, liquid extract
Heavy legs ✪✪✪✪✪
In relation to its microcirculatory properties, witch hazel is recommended for venous disorders and their complications: heavy legs, restless legs syndrome, post-phlebitic syndrome, varicose ulcers, edema, trophic disorders, delayed skin healing.
Posologie
Topical, oral: leaf, bark
2 - 10 g
Mother tincture, liquid extract
Varicose veins ✪✪✪✪✪
In relation to its microcirculatory properties, witch hazel is recommended in cases of capillary fragility: spider veins, couperose (facial redness), bruises
Posologie
Topical, oral: leaf, bark
2 - 10 g
Mother tincture, liquid extract
Properties
Astringent
Witch hazel is used as a treatment for circulatory disorders to tone the walls of blood vessels. It has been shown in vivo that witch hazel inhibits the activity of α-glucosidase and human leukocyte elastase, enzymes that contribute to the degradation of connective tissue. Thus, witch hazel would help preserve vascular integrity, thereby conferring an astringent action. The astringent action of tannins on the intestinal mucosa may give it antidiarrheal properties by slowing intestinal peristalsis.
Usages associés
Microcirculatory effect
The witch hazel fluid extract is the galenic form most active in terms of vasoconstrictive activity. Official tinctures appear less active. One study demonstrated that the vasoconstrictive action is essentially due to the proanthocyanidins found in the leaves. Other studies have shown that tannins, when applied locally to damaged skin or mucous membranes, cause protein precipitation. They tighten the superficial cellular layers and shrink colloidal structures, thereby causing capillary constriction.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
The leaf and bark of witch hazel have anti-inflammatory properties in animal models. Laboratory research has shown that constituents such as hamamelitannin and galloylated proanthocyanidins inhibit 5-lipoxygenase activity. In addition, tannins applied locally to damaged skin or mucous membranes induce protein precipitation. They tighten the superficial cell layers and reduce colloidal structures, thereby causing constriction of capillaries. The reduction in vascular permeability is similar to an anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-inflammatory effects of witch hazel could explain its anti-hemorrhoidal and skin-protective effects.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
The leaf and bark of witch hazel possess astringent properties. The antibacterial effects of witch hazel extract have been demonstrated by laboratory research. The astringent activity of the tannins produces an indirect antibacterial effect.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 2 g - 10 g (aqueous decoction)
- In liquid extract: with 20% witch hazel extract, several times a day. - In tincture: with 5-10% witch hazel extract, several times a day. - In decoction to soak a dressing: 5 to 10 g of extract for 250 ml, up to 3 times a day.
Precautions
Children up to 6 years: avoid
The use of witch hazel in children under 6 years is not recommended.
Pregnant women: avoid
Due to insufficient information: avoid use.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Due to insufficient information: avoid use.
Children 6 to 18 years: use with caution
Use in children over 6 years of age and in adolescents has not been established.
