These yellow blooms have been used for centuries!
Witch Hazel
Updated Mar. 11th, 2026 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Effects of Witch Hazel
- Using Witch Hazel
- Important Considerations
- Nutritional Information
- Reader Comments (4)
Witch hazel is a small shrub/tree with twisting stems and long, forking branches. It has nothing to do with witches, but rather comes from the word 'wych', meaning a pliable branch, as it was used centuries ago to locate underground water and precious metals.
Effects of Witch Hazel
Witch hazel has well-known astringent properties, and therefore is commonly used as a topical solution to treat:
- Skin irritations
- Decrease bleeding
- Bites, burns, poison ivy
- Inflamed eyes
- Headaches, muscle pains, back pain
- Sprains, bruises
- Arthritic joints
Given its strong astringent properties, it is also widely used as a remedy for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, when applied topically to these areas. Studies have confirmed that extracts of this substance do act to constrict veins. As astringents can act as topical anti-inflammatories, this one is basically indicated wherever and whenever there is inflammation due to irritation, injury, over use and more. It has also been shown to exhibit anti-viral activity against the herpes simplex virus.
Using Witch Hazel
It can be found on its own as an undistilled or distilled witch hazel water extract, or it is often combined in natural skin products to help refine skin and tighten pores, or as a hemorrhoid treatment. Although it is generally recommended for external application, it has been used internally to treat bleeding, diarrhea and dysentery. Please consult a health care practitioner before using it for these purposes. As a topical remedy, it can be applied to affected areas twice daily or as needed.
Important Considerations
Witch hazel contains a large amount of tannins, which give it its astringent, antiseptic and hemostatic properties, but also what can make it somewhat dangerous when taken internally, if not under the direct supervision of a healthcare practitioner. It is also high in flavonoids and essential oils. It has also been shown to have significant antioxidant effects.
I have always had oily skin and often struggle to find good products to help my skin. My sister in law recommended that I try witch hazel. I knew that I have heard about witch hazel in the past however, I had never used it. I followed her advice and bought my own. Ever since, whenever I wash my face before I do anything else, I apply some witch hazel on a cotton ball then onto my face. Once that it done, I can proceed with moisturizer or whatever else I want. I love the feeling that it gives my face after a nice clean. It feels even more “tangly” once I have done a face mask. Therefore, as my sister in law recommended this I would do the same for many others.
Hello Tia,
Witch Hazel is a great natural toner that doesn't strip the skin; therefore causing more oil production. We're glad to hear it feels nicely on your skin and it's a product you've grown to love. Natural products make for happy, healthy skin.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/skin-health/
Have a great day!
Of course I've heard of witch hazel: It's in the wellness media. My mother uses it. It comes up time to time, as do its many uses in the context of health.
That said, I never considered or thought about the biology/origins of witch hazel really for some reason. I knew it was astringent but that was about it. It is so cool that witch hazel is actually a small shrub/tree with twisting stems, long forking branches, and yellow flowers that grow in the Winter frost. I also didn't know that 'wych' is a word meaning a pliable branch!
Thank you for the interesting article-the introduction was my favoite part and a really good hook! :)
Hello Rachel,
Indeed, it's always interesting to learn more about the origins and biology of natural remedies like witch hazel. The fact that it is a small shrub or tree with twisting stems, long forking branches, and yellow flowers that bloom during the winter frost adds to its charm. The connection between the word "wych" meaning a pliable branch and witch hazel is also quite intriguing. It's great to see how nature provides us with unique discoveries like these. If you have any more questions or want to explore other topics, check out our other articles here: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/