Witch Hazel

Scientific Name(s): Hamamelis virginiana L.
Common Name(s): Cortex Hamamelis, Folium Hamamelis, Hamamelis, Hamamelis water, Magician's rod, Snapping hazel, Spotted alder, Tobacco wood, White hazel, Winter bloom, Witch hazel

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 30, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

Hamamelis preparations are commonly used for dermatological conditions, including diaper-related dermatitis; however, clinical studies supporting these uses are generally lacking. Witch hazel has been evaluated for uses including analgesic, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antitumor activity.

Dosing

Topical — Steam distillates of Hamamelis are used diluted (1:3 with water) or undiluted, and in semisolid preparations at 5% to 10% of crude drug. Rectal — Suppositories containing witch hazel contain from 0.1 to 1 g/dose. Oral — Not recommended.

Contraindications

Internal use of extracts is not recommended because of the tannin content.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported from topical applications.

Toxicology

Although extracts of witch hazel are available commercially, it is not recommended that they be taken internally because the toxicity of the tannins has not been well defined.

Scientific Family

• Hamamelidaceae (witch hazel)

Botany

Witch hazel grows as a highly branched deciduous bush or small tree, often reaching approximately 6 m in height. The plant is indigenous to the Atlantic coast and found in damp woods throughout most of North America. Its broad, toothed leaves are ovate, and the threadlike golden-yellow flowers bloom in the fall. Brown fruit capsules appear after the flowers and, when ripe, eject 2 seeds away from the tree. The dried leaves, bark, and twigs are used traditionally.1, 2 A synonym is Hamamelis macrophylla.

History

Witch hazel is a widely known plant with a long history of use in the Americas. The plant, including the crude leaf and bark, is used in a variety of forms; fluid extracts, poultice, and commonly as witch hazel water. The latter, also known as Hamamelis water or distilled witch hazel extract, is obtained from recently cut, partially dormant twigs. This plant material is soaked in warm water, followed by distillation and the addition of alcohol to the distillate. Witch hazel water is the most commonly found commercial preparation, usually kept in most homes as a topical cooling agent or astringent.

Traditionally, witch hazel was known to native North American people as a treatment for tumors and eye inflammations. It was used internally for hemorrhage. Other uses include treatment of hemorrhoids, burns, cancers, tuberculosis, colds, and fever. Preparations have been used topically for symptomatic treatment of itching and other skin inflammation, and in ophthalmic preparations for irritation.2, 3, 4, 5

Chemistry

H. virginiana bark primarily contains polyphenols, including tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. At least 27 phenolic constituents have been identified using high-pressure liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometric methods. Methods for quantifying gallic acid, hamamelitannin (approximately 1.5% in leaves and up to 65% in bark), and the proanthocyanidins have been described. The gallotannins are heat labile.2,