What is witch hazel

Witch hazel is a natural remedy made from a plant, Hamamelis virginiana. Native Americans used it to soothe skin problems. It's one of the few plants the Food and Drug Administration FDA has approved as an ingredient for over-the-counter medicines. Read on to learn more about this medicinal plant with a magical-sounding name, how to use it, and possible side effects.

Inside witch hazel's leaves, bark, and twigs, there are medicinal chemicals called tannins. If you rub these chemicals on your skin, they reduce swelling and fight bacteria. That's why people have used witch hazel for centuries to soothe chapped, scraped, and irritated skin. It can help treat many kinds of minor skin problems, including:. Some beauty experts suggest using witch hazel as an inexpensive way to reduce under-eye puffiness. Many cosmetic companies use witch hazel to make beauty aids like facial toners and wipes, acne treatments, pore reducers, shampoos, and aftershave.

The FDA has only approved witch hazel for topical use applying it to your skin. However, people have claimed that drinking teas made with the plant's bark and leaves can cure diarrhea , dysentery, symptoms such as coughing or vomiting blood, even cancer.

There are no studies that prove this works or is safe. Here's a look at key findings from studies that have been done. According to a study published in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology, witch hazel may be helpful in treating sunburn.

Researchers reviewed clinical trials of plant extracts used to treat skin conditions. The authors concluded that applying witch hazel to sunburned skin eases inflammation because it contains antioxidant polyphenols.

Polyphenols are compounds you can also get from eating fruit, vegetables, dark chocolate, or drinking tea or wine.

Polyphenols protect against oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet UV radiation from sunlight. In a study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics , researchers tested witch hazel on children. The kids had minor skin problems like diaper rash, itching, redness, and swelling. The researchers treated 78 of the children with dexpanthenol, an ingredient in many moisturizers. They used witch hazel to treat the other kids. Doctors and parents rated how well the products worked on the children and how well the kids tolerated the treatments.

The study found the children tolerated them well and both treatments were very effective. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins of your anus and lower rectum become swollen or inflamed. This can cause itching, burning, pain, and bleeding. The condition is common. Witch hazel is a well-known folk remedy used to treat the condition. While there is very little evidence to prove it works, many doctors still advise patients with minor hemorrhoid problems to try witch hazel. Directions on the labels of witch hazel products advise you to rinse after each bowel movement.

Gently pat yourself dry with toilet paper or a soft cloth. Razor bumps arise when your skin becomes irritated and inflamed, so the soothing effect of the tannins in witch hazel helps keep them from developing.

But be careful to pick out a witch hazel product with no ethyl alcohol, as this can dry out and further irritate damaged skin. How to use it: To prevent razor bumps, apply witch hazel extract or lotion to your skin immediately after shaving to calm any irritation. While witch hazel can help manage some skin conditions, it may not be ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin as it may enhance dryness or cause irritation. Your skin barrier is essential to keep out harmful microbes like bacteria and seal in moisture to keep your skin hydrated.

If your skin becomes irritated from using witch hazel, you can use a simple moisturizer with few ingredients to restore your skin's hydration, Zeichner says. Moisturizers without alcohol or fragrances work best, such as Eucerin or Cerave. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Women's Health. We include products we think are useful for our readers.

If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Witch hazel has a long history of medicinal use because of its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

Witch hazel is a small tree native to the east coast of North America. Many people use it as a decorative outdoor plant. In this article, learn about the possible benefits of witch hazel, as well as how to use it and whether there are any side effects.

Witch hazel is an astringent. People commonly use it topically, meaning they apply it directly to the skin. Witch hazel may help heal hemorrhoids , which are dilated veins in the anus or rectum.

Hemorrhoids can cause irritation, bleeding, and discomfort. While there is not enough evidence to prove it is effective, some people get relief by adding witch hazel to a bath.

This may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Many topical treatments for acne contain witch hazel. Its astringent properties make it a good option for people with oily skin.

According to some research , it may also have skin-soothing properties that might be beneficial for people with acne. Witch hazel may help soothe rashes on the skin, as it reduces inflammation.

For example, a forum on the use of witch hazel for acne is mostly positive, but some users claim excessive dryness and even worse breakouts. These include fine lines, wrinkles, and varicose veins. A final consideration is the type of witch hazel used. Pure formulas contain witch hazel, and nothing else. Many OTC formulas can also contain fragrances and alcohol, though.

These can aggravate your skin if you have inflammation, wounds, or have sensitive skin overall. Overall, witch hazel is proven as safe for the skin. The caveat is that witch hazel, like anything else applied to your skin, may not work for everyone.

Also, witch hazel may not be advisable for certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or extreme dryness. You may also want to use with caution if you have sensitive skin. Plus, some OTC formulas can contain added ingredients that may irritate your skin, such as alcohol. Finally, talk to your dermatologist for advice on handling any skin condition. They can determine which products are both effective and safe for you.

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