witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Reported Uses

• NOTE: see Herb & Supplement Effectiveness Rating Definitions table
• acne [Insufficient Evidence]
• atopic dermatitis (eczema) [Possibly Ineffective]
• bruising [Insufficient Evidence]
• burns [Insufficient Evidence]
• cancer [Insufficient Evidence]
• hemorrhoids [Possibly Effective]
• insect bite [Insufficient Evidence]
• minor external bleeding [Insufficient Evidence]
• postmenopausal conditions [Insufficient Evidence]
• skin irritation [Insufficient Evidence]
• sunburn [Insufficient Evidence]
• varicose veins [Insufficient Evidence]

Reported Doses

Safety/efficacy may not be established; reported doses may be derived from limited or potentially inadequate studies with variable regimens, multi-ingredient products, or where concentration of active ingredients may vary widely

Special Note

[formulation clarification]

Info: for brand OTC products see witch hazel topical; other preparations may be non-proprietary herbal extracts

Effectiveness Ratings

[see Herb & Supplement Effectiveness Rating Definitions table]

hemorrhoids

[Possibly Effective]

Dose: apply witch hazel water to rectal area 1-6x/day prn or after each bowel movement

postmenopausal conditions

[Insufficient Evidence]

Dose: apply 2.5 g witch hazel distillate cream PV qd x7 days

skin irritation, peds patients

[Insufficient Evidence]

Dose: apply witch hazel ointment topically several times daily; Info: for patients 2-11 yo

sunburn

[Insufficient Evidence]

Dose: apply 10% witch hazel distillate lotion topically x1; Alt: apply witch hazel distillate cream (0.64 mg/2.56 mg hamamelis ketone per 100 g) topically x1; Info: applied after UV exposure