Food for Health
Food for Health
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Ingredients

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Explore the available health information, treatment context, and integrative evidence for Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).

Background
  • Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a flowering shrub, native to Eastern North America although other related species exist in North America, Asia, and Europe. Witch hazel has traditionally been used as a facial cleanser/toner and for the treatment of skin irritations, bruises, hemmorrhoids, and to stop bleeding.
  • Early research has shown that the leaves, stems, and bark of witch hazel contain compounds which may have astringent, anti-irritant, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties.
  • Although witch hazel is widely available and has been used for a variety of medical conditions, there is currently little human evidence supporting how effective witch hazel is in treatment of many of these conditions.
References
  • Deters, A., Dauer, A., Schnetz, E., Fartasch, M., and Hensel, A. High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin. Phytochemistry 2001;58(6):949-958.
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  • East, C. E., Begg, L., Henshall, N. E., Marchant, P., and Wallace, K. Local cooling for relieving pain from perineal trauma sustained during childbirth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007;(4):CD006304.
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  • Erdelmeier, C. A., Cinatl, J., Jr., Rabenau, H., Doerr, H. W., Biber, A., and Koch, E. Antiviral and antiphlogistic activities of Hamamelis virginiana bark. Planta Med 1996;62(3):241-245.
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  • Granlund, H. Contact allergy to witch hazel. Contact Dermatitis 1994;31(3):195.
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  • Hill, N., Stam, C., and van Haselen, R. A. The efficacy of Prrrikweg gel in the treatment of insect bites: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Pharm World Sci 1996;18(1):35-41.
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  • Hughes-Formella, B. J., Filbry, A., Gassmueller, J., and Rippke, F. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 2002;15(2):125-132.
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  • Korting, H. C., Schafer-Korting, M., Hart, H., Laux, P., and Schmid, M. Anti-inflammatory activity of hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. Influence of vehicle and dose. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1993;44(4):315-318.
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  • Korting, H. C., Schafer-Korting, M., Klovekorn, W., Klovekorn, G., Martin, C., and Laux, P. Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1995;48(6):461-465.
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  • Lauk, L., Lo Bue, A. M., Milazzo, I., Rapisarda, A., and Blandino, G. Antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts against periodontopathic bacteria. Phytother Res 2003;17(6):599-604.
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  • No authors listed. [Drug therapy of hemorrhoids. Proven results of therapy with a hamamelis containing hemorrhoid ointment. Results of a meeting of experts. Dresden, 30 August 1991]. Fortschr Med.Suppl 1991;116:1-11.
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  • Periera, da Silva, Rocha, R., Silva, C. M., Mira, L., Duarte, M. F., and Florencio, M. H. Antioxidants in medicinal plant extracts. A research study of the antioxidant capacity of Crataegus, Hamamelis and Hydrastis. Phytother Res 2000;14(8):612-616.
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  • Wang, H., Provan, G. J., and Helliwell, K. Determination of hamamelitannin, catechins and gallic acid in witch hazel bark, twig and leaf by HPLC. J Pharm Biomed Anal 11-24-2003;33(4):539-544.
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  • Willhite, L. A. and O'Connell, M. B. Urogenital atrophy: prevention and treatment. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21(4):464-480.
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  • Wolff, H. H. and Kieser, M. Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study. Eur J Pediatr 2007;166(9):943-948.
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  • Yang, S., Dennehy, C. E., and Tsourounis, C. Characterizing adverse events reported to the California Poison Control System on herbal remedies and dietary supplements: a pilot study. J Herb Pharmacother 2002;2(3):1-11.
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