Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has a long history of traditional use in North America and Europe for managing minor external bleeding, cuts, and abrasions. Native Americans first used witch hazel extracts as a topical remedy for wounds and inflammation, and this practice was later adopted by European settlers. The traditional use is based on witch hazel’s astringent properties, primarily attributed to its high content of tannins. Astringents constrict body tissues and blood vessels, which can help slow or stop minor external bleeding when applied topically. While there is limited modern clinical research specifically examining witch hazel’s efficacy for external bleeding, its astringent action is well-documented in pharmacognosy literature and has been observed in laboratory studies. Witch hazel preparations, such as distilled witch hazel water or creams, are commonly included in first aid kits and over-the-counter products for minor skin injuries and bleeding. However, robust randomized controlled trials are lacking, so evidence remains largely traditional and based on empirical use rather than rigorous scientific validation. Still, there is enough pharmacological plausibility and historical precedent to support its traditional use for minor external bleeding.

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