Does Witch Hazel Work For Hemorrhoids?

The clear, pungent liquid extract that is obtained from this bushy herb is one of the most common home remedies for bruises, cuts, acne and many other skin conditions. Does witch hazel work for hemorrhoids? Absolutely! It is the standard home remedy for hemorrhoids and it is so safe to use that even pregnant women dealing with hemorrhoids can use it at no risk to their unborn child.

Witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana) is also known as snapping hazelnut, winterbloom and hamamelis and it is the bark and leaves that are used to obtain the liquid extract that is used in natural healing.

Herbalist are unanimous in their agreement on the usefulness of this herb as a natural remedy due to its cooling and astringent properties and commonly recommend it for treating burns, cuts, bruises, scalds, inflammation, acne, as a gargle for sore throats and sores in the mouth as well as to take internally for treating diarrhea.

It is one of the natural remedies that is commonly found in most if not all stores on and offline. It is not only cheap but also effective.

Witch Hazel for hemorrhoids treatment

If you are asking yourself, “Can witch hazel be used for hemorrhoids?” the answer is yes and there are various studies that back up the use of this natural remedy for treating this condition.

The astringent action found in witch hazel as well as its antiseptic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory action make it one of the most recommended home remedies for treating hemorrhoids. It is so widely used for hemorrhoids that various products that are targeted to hemorrhoids sufferers usually contain witch hazel as one of the active ingredients. These products include creams, suppositories, tinctures, pads, etc. These products can be used to treat both internal and external hemorrhoids.

The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel can help to shrink hemorrhoids while also helping to soothe other symptoms such as itching, irritation, etc.

How to apply witch hazel to hemorrhoids

For convenience, you may want to use the commercial witch hazel water which is available in grocery stores, pharmacies, etc, but do try to only get the best quality since some of these may contain other irritating ingredients such as alcohol.

You can also make a decoction using witch hazel powdered twigs or powdered leaves. Add about a teaspoon of the twigs or leaves to a cup of boiling water and allow to steep for about 10 to 15 minutes before straining and allowing to cool.

Whether using commercial preparations or homemade decoctions, simply soak a cotton ball or cloth in the solution and apply to the external hemorrhoids. You can also mix witch hazel in a lotion and apply.

If using witch hazel internally, do make sure that it is under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. If you are pregnant or nursing, only stick to using witch hazel externally. If using witch hazel on children younger than 2, only apply it externally after diluting it.

Side effects of witch hazel

When considering whether to use witch hazel for hemorrhoids, you also need to consider any side effects. Being a natural remedy, it is generally safe and there have been no reports of harm from using this herb externally and while many herbalists do recommend using it internally, most experts advise against ingesting this herb.

Like most if not all remedies, some people may be allergic to witch hazel. If this occurs, stop using it or reduce the dose or dilute the solution.

If symptoms do not go away after 2 for 4 weeks, talk to a healthcare professional.

Does witch hazel work for hemorrhoids? Definitely and if you are looking for a natural remedy, this herb is one of the most effective and it is generally safe.