Lots of Americans are suffering with the same hemorrhoid problems you’re dealing with, and many want a quick, easy solution that doesn’t involve the heavy use of medication. For this reason alone, home remedies can be an appealing option. But do natural remedies really work?
Is Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids an Effective Remedy?
Hemorrhoids are a burden. The sensitive area that they affect with itching, burning and pain make them hard to live with. And, it can be a difficult topic to broach to your friends or doctor out of embarrassment, which can make finding relief a challenge.
But here’s the good news: Hemorrhoids are treatable and there’s a lot you can do right now to reduce your symptoms.
Lots of Americans are suffering with the same hemorrhoid problems you’re dealing with, and many want a quick, easy solution that doesn’t involve the heavy use of medication. For this reason alone, home remedies can be an appealing option. But do natural remedies really work?
One home remedy that’s been scientifically proven to relieve irritated hemorrhoid symptoms is witch hazel, which can reduce inflammation, slow bleeding and help you to get rid of the pain of hemorrhoids. The benefits of witch hazel are proven in research-backed studies describing its natural healing properties.
In this post, we’ll talk about those properties and how witch hazel works, what you can expect after using it, and several different formulations this natural remedy is available in. First, let’s examine what witch hazel is in closer detail.
What is Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel is a flowering plant that grows natively in North America and parts of Asia. With astringent and antiseptic properties, witch hazel has been used for centuries for numerous skin afflictions. Many indegenous nations across North America were the first to use the leaves and the bark of the witch hazel plant and turn it into salves, ointments and oils to treat conditions such as acne, rashes, and hemorrhoids.
Witch hazel contains tannins, oils and other substances that all have anti-inflammatory properties as well as the ability to draw tissue together and slow bleeding. Witch hazel is a powerful natural remedy that can alleviate the pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids without the need for a prescription or other medications.
Used commonly to heal hemorrhoids, witch hazel extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can slow bleeding and draw tissue back together.
Whether or not you already knew witch hazel to be an effective hemorrhoid remedy, it may be sitting in your drug cabinet right now, and it may be an old bottle at that. Does witch hazel expire? Like many other plant-derived substances, witch hazel will go bad.
That is one of the few downsides to using all-natural products and remedies, so it’s best to make use of your witch hazel products within two years of opening them.
Why Do People Use Witch Hazel?
There are many uses for witch hazel. So, what does witch hazel do? Today, people all over the world use witch hazel for a myriad of problems related to inflammation, skin irritation and of course, hemorrhoids. Witch hazel is routinely used as a natural remedy applied to the skin for:
- Acne
- Bug bites
- Hemorrhoids
- Rash
- Itching
- Eczema
- Bruises
- Varicose veins
Scientific research has established the effectiveness witch hazel delivers in alleviating the inflammation caused by many skin conditions.
Witch hazel can also be administered orally, though its effectiveness has not been scientifically studied. Doctor Butler’s does not recommend using witch hazel in this way unless you’ve first spoken to your doctor about doing so.
What is witch hazel used for when taken orally? When taken by mouth, witch hazel uses include the relief of:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Colitis
- Tuberculosis
- Fever
- Colds
While there is no real scientific research proving the effectiveness of taking witch hazel orally for these conditions, patients sometimes report relief from its use.
Is Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids an Effective Natural, At-Home Remedy?
There have been numerous studies and research compiled after looking into the effectiveness of witch hazel as a natural home remedy for skin inflammation and other conditions such as hemorrhoids. In other studies, it was reported to be an effective tool in reducing bleeding. With few potential witch hazel side effects, these studies have established witch hazel as a safe and effective at-home remedy that is all-natural.
It is a known allergen, however, and can cause an upset stomach when too much is taken orally, but aside from these two uncommon reactions, witch hazel is a natural remedy you can rely on to reduce the swelling, itching, irritation and bleeding of your hemorrhoids in the privacy and discretion of your own home.
Benefits of Using Witch Hazel to Treat Hemorrhoids
Witch hazel is a substance that offers many benefits other hemorrhoid medications may not. For instance, witch hazel is relatively inexpensive. As a topical solution for hemorrhoids and other inflammatory conditions, witch hazel is a more affordable option than many other medications and solutions.
Witch hazel is also all-natural so there’s no need to worry about harsh chemicals. You can get pure witch hazel over the counter in some drug stores and in any store offering herbal and natural remedies. Many bottles of witch hazel at the large drug chains will contain some mixture of witch hazel and alcohol, so just be aware of that.
Witch hazel in its pure form is safe to use as a topical treatment for hemorrhoids and there is no risk of using too much.
How to Use Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids
The most simple way to treat external hemorrhoids with witch hazel is to soak cotton balls in comfortably warm witch hazel and apply it to the hemorrhoid site for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times daily. For this treatment, you can use pure witch hazel and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
In looking up witch hazel treatments for hemorrhoids, you’ll find there are many products out there that contain witch hazel in varying amounts. If you find that 100 percent witch hazel is drying and irritates your affected area, try a more diluted product like witch hazel pads or a purpose-made spray.
These diluted alternatives have their own benefits, with single-use pads or wipes being convenient to apply and sprays being touch-free. They typically include other ingredients such as aloe to soothe the itching, burning, and inflammation of hemorrhoids.
At Doctor Butler’s, for example, we make a 50 percent witch hazel spray with Phenylephrine to shrink hemorrhoids, aloe to soothe skin, and natural preservatives to keep the product fresh. The point-and-shoot precision of our hemorrhoid spray delivers a touchless, continuous mist to soothe inflamed hemorrhoids.
RECOMMENDED
Hemorrhoid Care
Hemorrhoid Spray
You can typically use witch hazel sprays and pads as often as needed, but it is recommended to use it before and after cleaning up from a bowel movement.
Doctors note: If consistent use of topical hemorrhoid treatments of any kind doesn’t result in some improvement over the course of a week or two, you should seek the opinion of your doctor.
Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids Frequently Asked Questions
There are many questions patients often ask about the use of witch hazel in relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Let’s go over some of the most common.
How often should you put witch hazel on hemorrhoids?
It is okay to use witch hazel as often as needed. If you are using a product that contains witch hazel and other active ingredients, you will need to check how often you can use those other ingredients. It’s always best practice to follow the instructions on the package of the product you are using.
Can you put straight witch hazel on hemorrhoids?
Yes, patients can make use of straight witch hazel by putting a little of it warmed up on a cotton pad or cotton ball and applying it to the affected area as needed. Make sure that the witch hazel you’ve purchased has not been diluted with alcohol as this can dry out the area and cause further irritation. Also, please consider using witch hazel wipes for hemorrhoids as those do not require a cotton pad or cotton ball to use, and are intentionally crafted to be a soothing solution in your repertoire of home remedies.
What are the risks of using witch hazel?
Witch hazel can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals and may cause an upset stomach when taken orally. Topical uses of witch hazel are safe during pregnancy but due to lack of information, it’s best to avoid taking witch hazel orally while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Leave the Hemorrhoid Pain Behind with Doctor Butler’s!
Hemorrhoids can be complicated to deal with. They are embarrassing despite the fact that so many of us suffer from them at least once in our lives. The pain, itching and irritation can make relaxation near impossible, and even just getting through your day sitting at your desk can be a challenge.
It’s important to treat hemorrhoids as soon as you detect them to avoid the need for more invasive treatments such as surgeries. Witch hazel provides the perfect solution for hemorrhoid sufferers, providing an easy way to achieve relief in the privacy of your own home. It’s safe, research-proven, effective, easy to use and affordable.
If you’re looking for the benefits of witch hazel but the convenience of a ready-made hemorrhoid solution, we make a soothing Hemorrhoid Treatment Spray with witch hazel and other hemorrhoid soothing ingredients for instant relief from pain, swelling, and discomfort.
The best hemorrhoid treatment over the counter will depend on your condition and preference for a cream, a pad, or a spray. All of these options are on the market and will be made with ingredients to soothe hemorrhoid symptoms. But if you’re looking for a touchless medicated treatment option that is both gentle on sensitive skin and offers healing benefits of witch hazel, Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid Treatment Spray is a good solution.
It is developed by an experienced board-certified proctologist and purpose made for problem hemorrhoids. Start healing from the discomfort of hemorrhoids today with Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid Treatment Spray with witch hazel.
About Robert Cutler, D.O.
Dr. Robert Cutler has performed duties as a specialist in the field of Proctology over 30 years as a practicing physician. Over this time, he has had great success integrating patient care from both an efficiency standpoint and as a practical approach to holistic and preventative medicine.
Dr. Cutler also performs FDA approved Clinical Trials and has had formal research training in Human Subject Assurance Training, OHRP/NIH and Good Clinical Practice for Investigators, Quintiles. Dr. Cutler continues to work on creating more affordable solutions to help people who are affected by ano-rectal problems as well as various chronic or acute skin issues.
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WITCH HAZEL – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Witch hazel is a plant. The leaf, bark, and twigs are used to make medicine. You may see a product called witch hazel water (Hamamelis water, distilled witch hazel extract). This is a liquid that is distilled from dried leaves, bark, and partially dormant twigs of witch hazel.
Some people apply witch hazel directly to the skin for itching, pain and swelling (inflammation), eyeinflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane inflammation, vaginal dryness after menopause, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, acne, sensitive scalp, and other skin irritations.
In manufacturing, witch hazel leaf extract, bark extract, and witch hazel water are used as astringents to tighten the skin. They are also included in some medications to give those products the ability to slow down or stop bleeding. Those medications are used for treating insect bites, stings, teething, hemorrhoids, itching, irritations, and minor pain.
How does it work ?
Witch hazel contains chemicals called tannins. When applied directly to the skin, witch hazel might help reduce swelling, help repair broken skin, and fight bacteria.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- Hemorrhoids. Applying witch hazel water to the skin may help to temporarily relieve itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning from hemorrhoids and other anal disorders.
- Minor bleeding. Applying witch hazel bark, leaf, or water to the skin reduces minor bleeding.
- Skin irritation. Applying witch hazel cream seems to relieve mild skin irritation, but not as well as hydrocortisone. Other research shows that applying a specific witch hazel ointment (Hametum) to the skin appears to improve symptoms of skin injury or irritated skin as effectively as a dexpanthenol ointment in children.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Itchy and inflamed skin (eczema). Applying a cream containing witch hazel to the skin for 14 days does not seem to improve itchy and inflamed skin in people with moderate eczema. Applying hydrocortisone cream seems to be a more effective treatment option.
Insufficient Evidence for
- Health problems after menopause. Early research shows that applying a cream containing witch hazel into the vagina can reduce feelings of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women.
- Bruises.
- Colds.
- Coughing up blood.
- Diarrhea.
- Eye inflammation.
- Fevers.
- Tuberculosis.
- Varicose veins.
- Vomiting blood.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
Witch hazel is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when applied directly to the skin. In some people, it might cause minor skin irritation.
Witch hazel is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when small doses are taken by mouth. In some people, witch hazel might cause stomach upset when taken by mouth. Large doses might cause liver problems.
Witch hazel contains a cancer-causing chemical (safrole), but in amounts that are too small to be of concern.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Children: Witch hazel is POSSIBLY SAFE for children when applied directly to the skin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking witch hazel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions ?
We currently have no information for WITCH HAZEL Interactions .
Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
- For skin irritation: An after sun lotion containing 10% witch hazel water has been used.
- For itching and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and other anal disorders: Witch hazel water has been applied up to 6 times per day or after every bowel movement. Suppositories have been placed in the anus 1-3 times per day.
- For skin irritation: An ointment containing witch hazel has been applied several times per day in children aged 2-11 years.
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Bernard, P., Balansard, P., Balansard, G., and Bovis, A. [Venitonic pharmacodynamic value of galenic preparations with a base of hamamelis leaves]. J.Pharm.Belg. 1972;27(4):505-512. View abstract.
Duwiejua, M., Zeitlin, I. J., Waterman, P. G., and Gray, A. I. Anti-inflammatory activity of Polygonum bistorta, Guaiacum officinale and Hamamelis virginiana in rats. J.Pharm.Pharmacol. 1994;46(4):286-290. View abstract.
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. View abstract.
Engel, R., Gutmann, M., Hartisch, C., Kolodziej, H., and Nahrstedt, A. Study on the composition of the volatile fraction of Hamamelis virginiana. Planta Med 1998;64(3):251-258. View abstract.
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. View abstract.
Hartisch, C., Kolodziej, H., and von Bruchhausen, F. Dual inhibitory activities of tannins from Hamamelis virginiana and related polyphenols on 5-lipoxygenase and lyso-PAF: acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase. Planta Med. 1997;63(2):106-110. View abstract.
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. View abstract.
Hughes-Formella, B. J., Bohnsack, K., Rippke, F., Benner, G., Rudolph, M., Tausch, I., and Gassmueller, J. Anti-inflammatory effect of hamamelis lotion in a UVB erythema test. Dermatology 1998;196(3):316-322. View abstract.
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Khanna, N. and Datta, Gupta S. Rejuvenating facial massage–a bane or boon? Int J Dermatol. 2002;41(7):407-410. View abstract.
Kiran, M. D., Adikesavan, N. V., Cirioni, O., Giacometti, A., Silvestri, C., Scalise, G., Ghiselli, R., Saba, V., Orlando, F., Shoham, M., and Balaban, N. Discovery of a quorum-sensing inhibitor of drug-resistant staphylococcal infections by structure-based virtual screening. Mol.Pharmacol. 2008;73(5):1578-1586. View abstract.
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. View abstract.
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