5/30/2023 0 Comments Witch hazel plantPruning is not usually necessary except to maintain its shape. Soil should be moist, acidic, organically rich and well draining. Plant in full sun to partial shade, though the best flowering will be seen in full sun locations. The species name virginiana means the plant is from Virginia. The genus name Hamamelis comes from the Greek word hama for ‘at the same time’ and melon, which means fruit and refers to the fact that the plant can have both flowers and fruits appear at the same time, a somewhat rare feature. Native to eastern North America, it may be found growing along woodland margins and stream banks from Canada to Mexico. Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the Hamamelidaceae (witch hazel) family that may grow 15 to 20 feet tall. Witch hazel can be safely applied to your skin several times per day, and small amounts can be ingested orally with minimal risk of side effects.Phonetic Spelling ham-ah-MAY-lis ver-jin-ee-AY-nah Description Therefore, it’s best to only use small amounts orally and to discuss any side effects or concerns with your doctor.Īnyone desiring to use witch hazel orally should seek solutions that do not contain isopropyl alcohol and are not labeled “For External Use Only”. Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions after applying witch hazel topically.ĭoing an initial skin patch test on a small portion of your skin can help prevent unwanted side effects and skin reactions.Īdditionally, while taking 3–4 teaspoons (15–20 ml) of witch hazel per day is generally considered safe, ingesting large amounts may cause stomach irritation and vomiting ( 18). Ointments and extracts can be applied directly to your skin several times per day and safely administered for the treatment of hemorrhoids after each bowel movement. Most people can use witch hazel safely with minimal risk of adverse side effects ( 17). Witch hazel is often used as a natural remedy for sore throats, but additional studies are needed to look at its potential benefits and side effects. These preparations should not be used for oral consumption.Īnyone desiring to use witch hazel in small amounts orally should search for preparations not containing isopropyl alcohol. Many witch hazel preparations available for purchase today contain isopropyl alcohol and are not intended for oral consumption and are labeled “For External Use Only”. In addition, taking witch hazel orally may cause stomach irritation due to its high tannin content, so it’s important to proceed with caution and consult your doctor if you have any concerns. High-quality studies are needed to ascertain the potential benefits of witch hazel on sore throats. Yet, even though the anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel are well documented, its use for treating sore throats is based solely on anecdotal evidence. This is believed to help reduce swelling, decrease pain and dry excess mucus caused by a sore throat. It’s also sometimes used for treating dandruff and dryness, though more studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness for these conditions.īecause of its ability to decrease inflammation and act as an astringent, witch hazel is sometimes used to treat sore throats.īoiling one teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel in one cup (240 ml) of water for about 10 minutes, then gargling with the mixture, may provide relief. Witch hazel may help reduce scalp irritation and inflammation. However, additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of witch hazel in the treatment of these conditions. It’s also sometimes used as a natural remedy to relieve symptoms of other scalp problems, such as dandruff and dryness. Witch hazel may also help relieve inflammation, which could be useful in reducing scalp sensitivity caused by conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Scalp sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from cosmetic hair treatments to dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.Īpplying a bit of witch hazel to your scalp before washing your hair may help treat scalp sensitivity and provide relief from symptoms, such as itching and tenderness.Īccording to one study in 1,373 people, using a shampoo containing witch hazel extract was effective in reducing scalp irritation ( 11).
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