Witch Hazel Bark (Hamamelis virginiana)

Dried bark of Hamamelis virginiana, American Witch Hazel, the small native eastern North American tree whose distinctive late-fall yellow flowers appear after the leaves have dropped. The bark and twigs are the source of "witch hazel water" - the commercial skin astringent found in pharmacies - and have a long traditional use among Native peoples and in Western herbalism for traditional skin astringent applications.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Hamamelis virginiana

Family

Hamamelidaceae

Common names

Witch Hazel, Common Witch Hazel, Snapping Hazelnut

Native region

Eastern North America

Active compounds

Tannins (high content), flavonoids, gallic acid

Traditional uses

Traditional skin astringent, traditional hemorrhoid support, topical preparations

Note

Commercial "witch hazel water" is a steam distillate - different from the bark

What is Witch Hazel?

American Witch Hazel is a small tree or large shrub native to eastern North American forests. The plant has distinctive late-fall yellow flowers that appear after the leaves have dropped - an unusual flowering schedule. The plant is also famous for its "snapping" seed pods that forcefully eject seeds up to 30 feet away. Native peoples (Iroquois, Mohegan, and many others) used witch hazel bark and twigs medicinally. The herb entered Western pharmacy in the 1800s; the commercial "witch hazel water" (Hamamelis virginiana steam distillate) sold in pharmacies has been a household astringent for over a century.

How to Use Witch Hazel Bark

Decoction for external use: simmer 1-2 tablespoons of bark in 2 cups water for 20-30 minutes; strain; cool. Use as a skin wash, compress, or sitz bath. For commercial witch hazel water (steam distillate): use directly as supplied. The bark decoction has different (typically stronger) astringent character than commercial witch hazel water due to the higher tannin content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Witch Hazel Bark used for?
Traditional skin astringent applications, traditional hemorrhoid support, and topical preparations.

Is this the same as commercial witch hazel water?
Same plant, different preparation. Commercial witch hazel water is steam distilled (different compound profile); the bark decoction has higher tannin content.

What does it astringe?
The high tannin content gives witch hazel bark its strong astringent (tissue-tightening) properties.

Why are the flowers in fall?
Witch Hazel's unusual late-fall flowering is one of the plant's distinctive features.

Why is it called "Witch Hazel"?
The name comes from Old English "wych" meaning "pliable/bendable" (referring to the flexible branches), not from witchcraft.

Can I drink the bark tea?
Traditional internal use existed but is not commonly recommended modernly; the high tannin content can cause stomach upset. External use is the standard.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.