Witch Hazel: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a winter-flowering and sweet-smelling medicinal plant that originated in Asia and is now grown mainly in the United States. Witch hazel, better known to us as witch hazel, is used in numerous medicines and cosmetics.

Occurrence and cultivation of witch hazel

Witch hazel, better known to us as witch hazel, is used in numerous medicines and cosmetics. Witch hazel belongs to the witch hazel family, of which only five species are known worldwide, three of which are in North America and two in East Asia. All witch hazel species are deciduous and grow as shrubs or small trees. Unlike most other plants, witch hazel blooms in winter, and Virginian witch hazel, which is used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, also blooms in autumn. The scent of witch hazel is usually intense and pleasantly cinnamon, the flowers are rather inconspicuous yellow-orange and arranged in a band. The witch hazel forms woody capsule fruits, each containing only two seeds. After ripening, the capsules open abruptly and hurl the seeds up to ten meters away. In addition to its use as an ornamental plant, witch hazel is primarily used in pharmaceutical research and cosmetics. Namely, the bark and leaves of witch hazel contain germicidal and anti-inflammatory tannins, essential oil and flavonoids.

Effect and application

Virgin witch hazel is related to the hazelnut. Applied are mostly extracts from the branches, leaves and bark of the shrub. The flavonoids, tannins and essential oils relieve itching and inflammation of the skin. The tannins of witch hazel have an astringent effect and cause the upper layers of tissue to contract. This makes human skin more resistant to germs and bacteria. The astringent effect is also used to stop bleeding and stimulate wound healing. Extracts of witch hazel have vein-strengthening and anti-inflammatory effects, so they are also used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The areas of application of witch hazel thus range from irritations and mild inflammations of the skin to skin injuries and venous diseases. Insect bites and itchy skin rashes can also be relieved with witch hazel extracts, with ointments, solutions or suppositories predominantly being used. The ingredients of witch hazel exert a protective effect on mucous membranes, and inflammations of the mouth and throat, for example aphthae, can be effectively combated with rinses. Very often witch hazel additives are used in cosmetic creams to soothe dry or cracked skin. Witch hazel tea can be used internally to treat diarrhea because the extracts have a soothing and decongestant effect on the stomach and intestines. Witch hazel extracts are usually well tolerated. When used internally, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is rarely expected; externally, isolated hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Witch hazel preparations should not be taken over a long period of time and in high doses because the tannic acid they contain can damage the liver in the long term. Witch hazel extracts should not be used internally at the same time as other medications because the tannins impair the absorption of other active ingredients. Witch hazel has antipruritic, wound-healing, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. At the microscopic level, the witch hazel tannins form a compound with the proteins of the skin, which reduces blood flow to the small vessels and thus reduces inflammatory skin reactions. In the cell metabolism, inflammatory reactions are inhibited, the proanthocyanidins of witch hazel promote cell division and reduce water loss. It has been proven that UVA- and UVB-related DNA damage to cells is reduced by witch hazel, which can weaken sunburn. The bark water of witch hazel no longer has any significant tannins and is therefore particularly suitable for use. In emulsions, witch hazel extracts are preferably processed together with lipodermines because the anti-inflammatory effect of witch hazel is thereby enhanced. An antimicrobial effect of witch hazel distillate together with urea, which is present in many cosmetics, has been demonstrated, especially against the fungus Candida albicans and the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Witch hazel is available in the form of homeopathic preparations, which are used for the treatment of varicose veins, for example. Witch hazel is ideal for the prevention and treatment of venous disorders and hemorrhoids. Creams and ointments are used to treat dry skin, eczema and neurodermatitis. Compresses can be soaked with extracts of witch hazel and applied to the inflamed skin area, soothing of the skin takes place within a very short time. Witch hazel should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, sensitive patients should consult their doctor before using it. Diluted witch hazel tea can be used for partial baths, immersing the inflamed skin areas in the bath for about 20 minutes. Hemorrhoids are effectively controlled when sitz baths are performed with witch hazel extracts. A witch hazel tincture is prepared by pouring double grain or spirit of wine over witch hazel leaves or rings in a screw-top jar until all parts of the plant are covered. This mixture is then left for 2-6 weeks and then strained. The tincture can be stored in a dark bottle for months. Internally, take 10-50 drops 1-3 times a day; externally, a few drops diluted with a little water are sufficient. Witch hazel water is a hydrolate and is often offered as a cream ingredient for the ointment kitchen. This water can be used to make an ointment yourself, the effect is much milder and weaker than that of a tincture. A witch hazel cream is made by using the tincture as the water phase – which cream forms the base ingredient is irrelevant. Overall, then, witch hazel is versatile and generally well tolerated.