Type of medicine: natural remedy
Scientific and common names: Hamamelis virginiana, snapping hazel, winter bloom, spotted elder, winter bloom, tobacco wood
Witch hazel is a slender shrub that grows to 20 feet tall. The leaves are 2 to 6 inches long, toothed, and wavy, and turn yellow in the fall. The bright yellow flowers bloom in the autumn as the leaves fall. The leaves, bark, and twigs are used medicinally.
This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.
Witch hazel has been used on the skin to treat:
The bark has been taken by mouth to treat:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.
Witch hazel comes in the form of teas, tinctures, tablets, and capsules. Witch hazel is an ingredient of many eye drops, skin creams, ointments, and skin tonics. Suppositories are also available. Check the label on the package for the specific dose.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
Witch hazel is safe for most adults when put on the skin. It may be safe in small doses when taken by mouth. Taking large doses of witch hazel may damage the liver or kidneys.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This remedy may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:
Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, light-colored bowel movements, trouble urinating.
Other: Minor skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.
This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
