Witch hazel topically has also been used to treat eczema. However, research has shown that witch hazel topically may not be effective in treating this condition. Witch hazel has no known interactions with other drugs. You can buy witch hazel products at most pharmacies, health foods and grocery stores. Look for alcohol-free formulas that are gentler on the skin. Witch hazel is also sold as liquid or liquid soaked medical pads. The researchers treated 78 of the children with dexpanthenol, an ingredient in many moisturizers. They used witch hazel to treat the other 231 children. Doctors and parents evaluated the effectiveness of the products for children and the safety of treatments. The FDA has approved witch hazel only for topical application (application to your skin).
However, people have claimed that drinking teas made from the bark and leaves of the plant can cure diarrhea, dysentery, symptoms such as coughing or vomiting blood, and even cancer. There are no studies that prove that it works or is safe. Studies show that allergic reactions to witch hazel are rare. Health care providers consider witch hazel to be safe when applied to the skin, but not when swallowed. Taking witch hazel can cause problems such as nausea, vomiting and liver damage. Witch hazel topically is considered potentially safe when used on a child`s skin. Ask a doctor about the use of this medicine in a child. It depends on your skin. For most people, even those with sensitive skin, witch hazel is safe and gentle to apply to your face. However, if you have never used witch hazel before, you should test it on a patch on your arm before applying it to your face. Also note that some formulations contain alcohol, which can irritate the skin with prolonged use. Weber RW.
Allergen of the month – witch hazel. Ann allergy asthma immunol. 2012 Nov;109(5):A17. See the summary. This is why people have been using witch hazel for centuries to soothe cracked, scratched and irritated skin. It can help treat many types of minor skin problems, including: If your doctor has prescribed that you use this medicine for your condition, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible interactions or side effects and can monitor you for monitoring. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of this or any other medication until you have received additional information from your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist. Witch hazel is one of the few plants that meets FDA safety and efficacy standards. The FDA has only approved it for topical application to the skin. Swallowing witch hazel can cause nausea, vomiting and liver damage. Witch hazel has been used to relieve swelling, bleeding, itching, mild pain and discomfort caused by minor skin irritations (such as cuts, scratches, insect bites). It is also used to relieve itching, discomfort, irritation and burning caused by hemorrhoids.
Some herbal products/supplements contain potentially harmful contaminants/additives. Talk to your pharmacist for more information about the brand you are using. The FDA has not evaluated this product for safety or efficacy. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Some beauty experts suggest using witch hazel as an inexpensive way to reduce swelling under the eyes. Many cosmetic companies use witch hazel to make beauty aids such as tonics and wipes, acne treatments, pore reducers, shampoos, and aftershave. Witch hazel topically (for the skin) has been used in alternative medicine as a potentially effective aid in the treatment of hemorrhoids, light bleeding and skin irritation. Witch hazel is not recommended for people with rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and swollen bumps on the face.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should consult your doctor before using witch hazel. Witch hazel is a plant also known as Avellano de Bruja, Devil`s Coffee, Hamamelis, Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, Hazel, Witches` Hazel, Snapping Tobacco Wood, Spotted Elder, Virginian Witch Hazel, Winter Bloom and other names. Witch hazel is a liquid distilled from the dried leaves, bark and twigs of this plant. Witch hazel is sold in the form of ointments, gels and tampons. Some of these products contain alcohol, which can dry out and irritate your skin. Even non-alcoholic options can do this if you use them too much. Hormann HP, Korting HC. Evidence for the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Herbal Medicines in Dermatology: Part I: Anti-Inflammatories. Phytomedicine 1994;1:161-71. The study found that the children tolerated them well and that both treatments were very effective. 99% of doctors and 97% of parents rated witch hazel as “excellent” or “good”. In a 2007 study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, researchers tested witch hazel on 309 children.
The children had mild skin problems such as diaper rash, itching, redness and swelling.
