Respiratory: Sore throat

Gastrointestinal: Hemorrhoids (German Commission E), cold sores, diarrhea

Genitourinary: Postmenopausal vaginal dryness

Skin: Minor injuries and inflammation (German Commission e) slows minor areas of bleeding by constricting blood vessels, stretch marks, dandruff, acne, stings/bites, abrasions, skin toner, itching, minor burns, outer eye inflammation, eczema, poison ivy, psoriasis

Other: Varicose veins (German Commission E), maybe anti-aging, TB, possibly fever

                                                            *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset (when taken orally), liver problems (large doses), allergic skin reactions

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: None known

FORMS: Extract, poultice, leaves, bark, tea, extracts, lotions, soap, creams, suppositories

Recommended Brands

No available recommendations at this time.

I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—Fullscript and Life Extension—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support the free educational content on this site.

Dosage

As directed on the product label. Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Amounts used in studies vary widely depending on the formulation and purpose. These study amounts are not clinical recommendations and may not apply to consumer products.

Commonly reported amounts include:

• Hemorrhoids: Apply witch hazel solution topically to the rectal area up to six times daily, typically after each bowel movement

• Sunburn: Apply a 10% witch hazel lotion to the affected area once daily

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, please do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.