Wise Mind Herbs

The information on this page has been prepared with reference to published scientific literature, not by a medically qualified expert. It is not medical advice. Any decision to use a supplement or herb-based product is your responsibility. Consult a suitably qualified medical professional, especially if you have underlying conditions. Remember, nothing is for everyone, and not everything sold is what it claims to be. Some things work for some people, some of the time.

Witch hazel - Hamemalis sp.

Witch hazel (primarily Hamamelis virginiana) is a flowering plant native to North America and parts of Asia that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern scientific research has investigated various extracts from the bark, leaves, and twigs for their potential therapeutic properties.

Botanical Classification and Common Names

The genus Hamamelis belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae. The most commonly studied species include:

• Hamamelis virginiana L. (Common witch hazel, American witch hazel, Winter bloom)
• Hamamelis mollis (Chinese witch hazel)
• Hamamelis japonica (Japanese witch hazel)
• Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark witch hazel, Spring witch hazel)

Plants sometimes confused with witch hazel include Corylopsis species (winter hazel, which belongs to the same family but is a different genus) and Fothergilla (witch alder, also in the Hamamelidaceae family).

Active Compounds

Witch hazel contains numerous bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties:

• Tannins (hamamelitannins, gallotannins, proanthocyanidins): 8-12% in bark, 3-8% in leaves
• Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin derivatives)
• Volatile oils including eugenol, safrole, and carvacrol
• Proanthocyanidins and gallic acid
• Essential oils (0.01-0.5%)

Evidence-Based Health Benefits

Research has demonstrated several potential therapeutic applications for witch hazel extracts:

Skin Conditions

• Inflammation and Irritation: Multiple clinical studies show efficacy in reducing skin inflammation due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Atopic Dermatitis: Topical application of 10% witch hazel preparation has shown moderate improvement in symptoms.
• Minor Skin Injuries: Accelerated healing of minor cuts and abrasions in controlled trials.
• UV Damage Protection: Polyphenols in witch hazel demonstrate photoprotective effects against UV-induced erythema.

Vascular Applications

• Hemorrhoids: Some evidence for symptom relief of hemorrhoids when used as topical preparations at 5-10% concentration.
• Varicose Veins: Moderate evidence for reducing symptoms when applied topically in 2% hamamelitannin-standardized preparations.

Other Potential Applications

• Oral Health: In vitro studies demonstrate antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens.
• Antioxidant Effects: Laboratory studies show free radical scavenging properties.
• Anti-viral Properties: Preliminary in vitro research indicates potential against certain viral pathogens.

Recommended Dosages and Formulations

Dosages vary by preparation method and application:

• Topical Distilled Extract: 5-100% solutions (most commercial preparations contain 14-15% alcohol-based witch hazel extract)
• Standardized Creams/Ointments: Typically standardized to 5-10% witch hazel extract or 1-2% hamamelitannin content
• Oral Preparations: Limited clinical data; traditional dosing suggests 2-3g of dried leaf or bark per cup of tea, 2-3 times daily
• Tinctures: 2-4 mL (1:1 in 45% alcohol) up to three times daily

It's important to note that most research has focused on topical rather than internal applications, with stronger evidence supporting external use.

Safety Profile and Side Effects

Witch hazel is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for topical application, but several considerations exist:

• Topical Side Effects: Mild skin irritation, contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals (reported in approximately 2-5% of users)
• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to plants in the Hamamelidaceae family
• Drug Interactions: Limited data on potential interactions with medications
• Internal Use Concerns: The tannin content may cause digestive upset, including nausea and constipation, when taken orally
• Pregnancy/Lactation: Insufficient safety data for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Dosage Ceiling Studies

Research on high-dose applications is limited. Current evidence indicates:

• For topical applications, concentrations above 15% have not demonstrated significantly improved efficacy but may increase skin irritation
• Significant research gaps exist regarding maximum effective and safety thresholds for oral administration
• No formal toxicity studies on very high concentrations have been published in the peer-reviewed literature

The therapeutic window appears to peak at the concentrations indicated in the standard dosage section, with diminishing returns at higher concentrations.

Knowledge Gaps and Research Limitations

Despite its widespread use, several important research gaps exist:

• Limited high-quality clinical trials with adequate sample sizes
• Lack of standardization in preparations used across studies
• Insufficient pharmacokinetic data on active compounds
• Limited exploration of mechanisms of action
• Few comparative studies against conventional pharmaceutical interventions

Conclusion

Witch hazel shows promising effects for topical applications, particularly for inflammatory skin conditions, minor wounds, and hemorrhoids. The strongest evidence supports its use as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent for external application. Internal use has less substantiated evidence and requires further investigation. While generally safe for topical use, standardization of preparations remains a challenge for consistent therapeutic outcomes.

References

Amêndola, I., Viegas, D. D. J., Freitas, E. T., OLIVEIRA, J. R., SANTOS, J. G., OLIVEIRA, F. E., ... & Back-Brito, G. N. (2024). Hamamelis virginiana L. extract presents antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects, absence of cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory action, and potential to fight infections through the nitric oxide production by macrophages. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 96, e20200031.

Cheesman, M. J., Alcorn, S., Verma, V., & Cock, I. E. (2021). An assessment of the growth inhibition profiles of Hamamelis virginiana L. extracts against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus spp. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 11(5), 457-465.

Choi, J., Yang, D., Moon, M. Y., Han, G. Y., Chang, M. S., & Cha, J. (2021). The protective effect of Hamamelis virginiana stem and leaf extract on fine dust-induced damage on human keratinocytes. Cosmetics, 8(4), 119.

MacKay, D. (2001). Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options. Alternative medicine review, 6(2), 126-126.

Nguyen, C., & Cock, I. E. (2024). Hamamelis virginiana L. Leaf Extracts Inhibit Some Bacterial Triggers of Selected Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases. Pharmacognosy Communications, 14(4), 175-184.

Piazza, S., Martinelli, G., Magnavacca, A., Fumagalli, M., Pozzoli, C., Terno, M., ... & Sangiovanni, E. (2022). Unveiling the ability of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) bark extract to impair keratinocyte inflammatory cascade typical of atopic eczema. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(16), 9279.

Piazza, S., Martinelli, G., Vrhovsek, U., Masuero, D., Fumagalli, M., Magnavacca, A., ... & Sangiovanni, E. (2022). Anti-inflammatory and anti-acne effects of Hamamelis virginiana bark in human keratinocytes. Antioxidants, 11(6), 1119.