Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a North American native shrub that normally grows to about 18 feet tall and produces yellow to orange flowers with ribbon-shaped petals in the mid-late fall.
The flower has a sweet aroma and is attractive to butterflies. The wood is hard and very close grained, and the forked twigs were valued as divining rods.
Famous for its use treating skin conditions, Witch Hazel was long used by Native Americans before it was adapted by the colonists.
A decoction of the stems or stem bark were used for treating inflammatory skin conditions, swelling and tumors. In a dilute alcohol it is also used as an astringent; however, this is normally using a steam distillate of Witch Hazel that doesn’t contain the tannins of the decoction and not as useful.
Among the Witch Hazel indications are acne, large pores (pore-shrinking ability), insect bites, sunburn, sore muscles, sore nipples, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and bruises.
As a general cosmetic or beauty ingredient, it is touted for its ability to shrink pores, reduce inflammation and tighten the skin resulting in a more even skin tone.
There are also more limited internal uses, for diarrhea, dysentery, internal bleeding, and women’s conditions.
Through scientific investigation, Witch Hazel has been found to exhibit several activities including antiviral, anti-HPV, astringent, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-dermatitis.
Witch Hazel was found in one study to reduce skin inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting key enzymes like COX-2 and scavenging free radicals. Another clinical trial found it to be effective in alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, showing its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic corticosteroids.
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