Witch hazel is an astringent with anti-inflammatory and antiviral qualities. It may help ease inflammation, combat acne, and serve other therapeutic roles.
Witch hazel is a botanical with notable medicinal actions that can be used in a range of ways.
There are several species of witch hazel, but Hamamelis virginiana — a shrub native to North America — is the variety most commonly employed in traditional US remedies. The leaves and bark are prepared into teas and salves.
Most frequently used on the skin and scalp, witch hazel is widely recognized for its capacity to reduce inflammation and calm sensitive skin.
It can also be added to herbal brews and taken internally in modest quantities as a natural therapy for some conditions.
Below are the top eight benefits and uses of witch hazel.
1. Eases inflammation
Inflammation is a normal immune reaction meant to protect your body from injury and infection.
However, persistent inflammation is believed to contribute significantly to the development of certain diseases (1).
Witch hazel contains several constituents with strong anti-inflammatory activity, including gallic acid and tannins.
It also provides antioxidants that may help limit widespread inflammation and neutralize free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can accumulate in the body (2, 3).
Thus, witch hazel could offer broad benefits and might be helpful in managing inflammatory skin issues such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
Research indicates that topical witch hazel can effectively lessen inflammation and help soothe the skin (4, 5).
Summary: Witch hazel has several anti-inflammatory compounds that could provide extensive health benefits.
2. Reduces skin irritation
Sensitive skin, characterized by unusual sensory symptoms, is very common and may affect up to 45% of people in the US (6).
Some studies suggest that topical application of witch hazel may help treat inflamed, irritated, or compromised skin.
In fact, witch hazel has been reported to lower erythema — skin redness caused by injury or irritation — by as much as 27% (7).
One trial involving 40 participants found that a lotion containing just 10% witch hazel extract decreased skin inflammation and improved erythema (4).
Likewise, another small study showed that a topical formula with witch hazel provided relief for irritated or sensitive facial skin (8).
Summary: Witch hazel may lessen skin redness and offer relief for irritated, sensitive skin.
3. Aids hemorrhoid relief
Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the rectum and anus swell and become inflamed, causing symptoms such as itching and bleeding.
Witch hazel is frequently used as a natural remedy to relieve the discomfort and pain associated with hemorrhoids.
It’s commonly applied to a cloth or cotton pad and placed directly on the affected area to calm the skin.
Although research is limited, witch hazel is thought to ease itching, redness, pain, and swelling from hemorrhoids because of its anti-inflammatory effects (9).
In addition, it has hemostatic qualities, meaning it may help stop bleeding related to hemorrhoids (10).
Nonetheless, further human studies are required to confirm witch hazel’s effectiveness for hemorrhoids.
Summary: Witch hazel is commonly used to reduce itching, redness, pain, bleeding, and swelling from hemorrhoids, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
4. Helps fight acne
Due to its potent anti-inflammatory action, some evidence suggests witch hazel could be helpful in treating acne.
It can be applied to the face after cleansing or steaming for best results.
Witch hazel works as an astringent, causing tissues to contract which can reduce pore size, while also calming the skin and decreasing inflammation (5).
This may help prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting the skin. For this reason, witch hazel is often included in many over-the-counter acne formulas and is particularly beneficial for those with oily skin.
Still, research specifically exploring witch hazel’s effects on acne is limited and additional studies are warranted.
For more on topical uses, see witch hazel for face.
Summary: Witch hazel serves as an astringent to help tighten pores, soothe skin, and reduce inflammation. More research is necessary to fully determine its impact on acne.
5. Relieves scalp sensitivity
Scalp sensitivity can stem from many causes, from hair treatments to dermatologic issues like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.
Applying a small amount of witch hazel to the scalp before shampooing may help ease sensitivity and relieve symptoms such as itching and tenderness.
In one study of 1,373 people, a shampoo containing witch hazel extract was effective in reducing scalp irritation (11).
Witch hazel may also help lower inflammation, which could be useful for scalp sensitivity driven by conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
It is sometimes used as a home remedy to relieve other scalp problems, including dandruff and dryness.
However, more research is needed to properly assess witch hazel’s effectiveness for these conditions.
Summary: Witch hazel may reduce scalp irritation and inflammation and is sometimes used for dandruff and dryness, though further studies are required.
6. May soothe sore throats
Because it can reduce inflammation and act as an astringent, witch hazel is occasionally used to address sore throats.
Boiling one teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel in a cup (240 ml) of water for about 10 minutes, then gargling the cooled mixture, may offer relief.
This approach is thought to reduce swelling, lessen pain, and dry up excess mucus associated with a sore throat.
Even though witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory qualities are documented, its use for sore throats is primarily supported by anecdotal reports.
High-quality clinical trials are needed to determine witch hazel’s true benefits for throat ailments.
Additionally, consuming witch hazel can irritate the stomach because of its high tannin content, so caution is advised and you should consult your physician if concerned.
Many commercial witch hazel products contain isopropyl alcohol and are labeled “For External Use Only” — these should not be swallowed.
Those wishing to use witch hazel orally should seek formulations without isopropyl alcohol.
Summary: Witch hazel is sometimes used as a home remedy for sore throats, but more research is needed to confirm benefits and safety.
7. Shields against skin damage
Witch hazel is rich in tannins, plant compounds with strong antioxidant activity that may help protect skin from damage when applied topically.
An animal study found tannins can act as a protective barrier, keeping inflammation-inducing agents from penetrating skin cells (12).
Additionally, a test-tube study showed witch hazel neutralized harmful free radicals and inhibited the spread of skin cancer cells (13).
Similarly, another animal study revealed that tannins in witch hazel slowed skin tumor growth in mice exposed to radiation (14).
However, much of the evidence so far comes from laboratory and animal research. More human studies are necessary to confirm these effects.
Summary: Laboratory and animal studies suggest witch hazel and its constituents might inhibit skin cancer growth and protect against skin damage.
8. May help fight infections
Some studies indicate witch hazel may be useful in combating certain viral infections.
For example, a test-tube study found that tannins in witch hazel showed antiviral activity against influenza A and human papillomavirus (HPV) (15).
Another in vitro study showed witch hazel extract inhibited herpes simplex virus 1, a common cause of cold sores (16).
Therefore, witch hazel is often applied topically as a natural remedy to help combat cold sores and ease symptoms.
Although in vitro results are promising, studies in humans are still lacking.
Further research is necessary to evaluate witch hazel’s effects on viral infections in people.
Summary: Test-tube research suggests witch hazel may have antiviral properties and could be effective against certain viral infections.
How to use witch hazel safely
Most people can use witch hazel safely with a low risk of adverse effects (17).
Ointments and extracts can be applied to the skin multiple times daily and are often used safely for hemorrhoid care following bowel movements.
Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when using witch hazel topically.
Performing a patch test on a small skin area first can help prevent unwanted reactions.
While taking 3–4 teaspoons (15–20 ml) of witch hazel per day is generally regarded as safe, large amounts can cause stomach upset and vomiting due to tannins (18).
Therefore, limit oral use to small amounts and discuss any issues with your healthcare provider.
Anyone wishing to ingest witch hazel should choose products that do not contain isopropyl alcohol and are not labeled “For External Use Only”.
Summary: Witch hazel can be safely applied several times a day to the skin, and small oral amounts pose minimal risk when appropriate formulations are used.
The bottom line
Witch hazel is an astringent commonly used as a natural topical remedy.
It contains various compounds with strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, which may be helpful for a range of conditions from acne and scalp sensitivity to hemorrhoids.
Nevertheless, more research is necessary to fully understand the breadth of benefits this potent plant may offer.
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