What Does Witch Hazel Do For Hemorrhoids? A Comprehensive Guide to its Uses and Benefits

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 1 in 20 Americans experience hemorrhoids, and many turn to witch hazel for relief. So, what does witch hazel do for hemorrhoids? This natural remedy acts as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent to help soothe common symptoms like itching, burning, and swelling.

Quick Summary

Witch hazel, a natural astringent, helps relieve hemorrhoid symptoms by reducing swelling, itching, and irritation. It constricts blood vessels and soothes skin, offering temporary relief for mild to moderate cases.

Key Points

Astringent Action: Witch hazel's tannins tighten tissues, which helps shrink swollen hemorrhoids.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The botanical extract reduces inflammation, easing pain, redness, and discomfort.
Symptom Relief: It provides temporary relief from common symptoms like itching and burning but does not cure the underlying condition.
Topical Application: Most effectively applied externally using pre-soaked pads, wipes, or a cotton ball dampened with the extract.
Common Combination: It is often recommended for use alongside other treatments, such as hydrocortisone or lidocaine products, for comprehensive relief.
Safety Profile: Generally safe for external use, though mild irritation can occur. Never ingest witch hazel.
Professional Guidance: Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen, as witch hazel is not a replacement for professional medical advice.

The Science Behind Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids

Witch hazel, derived from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana plant, is a centuries-old natural remedy with recognized medicinal properties. It is officially approved by the FDA as an active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid products. The therapeutic effects of witch hazel come primarily from its astringent and anti-inflammatory actions.

Astringent Action

The main active compounds in witch hazel are tannins, which are responsible for its powerful astringent properties.

Constricts blood vessels: When applied topically, witch hazel causes skin cells and other body tissues to contract or tighten. For hemorrhoids, this action constricts the swollen blood vessels, which helps reduce their size and swelling.
Dries excess moisture: By drying out or protecting the skin around the anus, witch hazel helps reduce moisture and irritation. This creates a protective barrier over the affected area, which allows the tissue to heal more effectively.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Witch hazel contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that help calm inflammation and minimize pain.

Reduces pain and itching: By reducing the inflammation around the delicate perianal area, witch hazel helps alleviate the common symptoms of pain, itching, and burning associated with hemorrhoids.
Promotes healing: The combination of anti-inflammatory effects and protection helps promote the healing of irritated hemorrhoidal tissue.

How to Apply Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoid Relief

Witch hazel is available in several forms, most commonly as pre-soaked pads, liquid, or in gels and ointments. For optimal results, application should be gentle and consistent, following product instructions or healthcare provider recommendations.

Application methods include:

Medicated Pads: These pre-moistened pads are a convenient and hygienic option for cleaning the anal area after a bowel movement. They can also be left on the affected area for a few minutes for targeted relief.
Liquid Extract: Apply a small amount of pure, undiluted witch hazel liquid onto a cotton ball or pad and apply it directly to the external hemorrhoids. It is not safe for internal use.
Compress: For more intense relief, soak a clean cloth or gauze pad in witch hazel and apply it as a compress to the inflamed area for a longer duration.
Sitz Baths: Adding witch hazel to a warm sitz bath can provide overall soothing relief for the entire perianal area.

Witch Hazel vs. Other Common Hemorrhoid Treatments

Comparing witch hazel to other OTC treatments can help individuals choose the best option for their symptoms. Each treatment works through a different pharmacological mechanism.


Treatment	Active Ingredient(s)	Primary Mechanism	Primary Symptom Targeted	Speed of Relief	Best For
Witch Hazel	Hamamelis virginiana (Astringent)	Causes tissue contraction and reduces inflammation.	Itching, burning, swelling, irritation.	Immediate soothing/cooling, significant relief over days.	Mild to moderate external hemorrhoid symptoms.
Lidocaine	Lidocaine (Anesthetic)	Numbing the affected area to block pain signals.	Pain and itching.	Rapid relief, lasts 1–3 hours.	Rapid relief from pain and severe itching.
Hydrocortisone	Hydrocortisone (Corticosteroid)	Reduces inflammation and swelling.	Swelling and pain.	Delayed onset, consistent use required.	Inflammation that persists after other treatments.

Safety Considerations and When to Consult a Doctor

Witch hazel is generally safe for external, topical use. However, some precautions should be taken to ensure safe and effective use.

Potential side effects

Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness. This can occur, especially with high-alcohol formulations.
Allergic reactions, though rare, can cause a rash, hives, or swelling. If this occurs, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

Important safety warnings

For external use only: Do not take witch hazel orally, as it can cause serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
Not a cure: Witch hazel treats symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition. Lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber and water intake, are essential for long-term management.
When to seek professional help: Consult a doctor if symptoms do not improve within 7 days, worsen, or if you experience severe pain, irritation, or bleeding. While it can provide temporary relief, a healthcare provider should evaluate persistent or severe cases to determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

Witch hazel is a widely used and effective natural remedy for providing temporary relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as itching, swelling, and irritation. Its powerful astringent properties cause tissue contraction, while its anti-inflammatory compounds help soothe the affected area. When used topically via pads, wipes, or compresses, it offers a gentle and accessible way to manage external hemorrhoid discomfort. While a valuable tool in symptom management, it is not a cure and should be used in conjunction with healthy habits like a high-fiber diet. It is crucial to remember that it is for external use only and to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. With proper and cautious use, witch hazel can be an important part of a holistic approach to hemorrhoid care. For more information on the active ingredients and safety of medications like witch hazel, you can consult reputable sources such as the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, witch hazel does not cure hemorrhoids permanently. It provides temporary relief from symptoms like swelling, itching, and irritation. For a permanent solution, lifestyle and dietary changes are often necessary.

Witch hazel should only be used externally. While it can soothe irritation and ease discomfort associated with internal hemorrhoids, a healthcare professional should be consulted before applying any product directly to the internal area.

Many people report feeling immediate, cooling relief after applying witch hazel. A significant reduction in inflammation and discomfort may be noticeable within a few days of consistent application.

Yes, witch hazel can typically be used as needed throughout the day for relief, following product instructions or healthcare provider recommendations. Continued use should be monitored, as it may cause dryness in some individuals.

Side effects are rare but can include mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness. If you experience a serious allergic reaction, characterized by swelling, hives, or breathing problems, seek immediate medical attention.

Yes, witch hazel is often recommended for use alongside other products like lidocaine creams or hydrocortisone, but it is important to be mindful of how your skin reacts to multiple treatments. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

For optimal relief, apply witch hazel to the external hemorrhoid area using a medicated pad, wipe, or a cotton ball soaked in liquid extract, especially after a bowel movement. A compress or adding it to a sitz bath can also be effective.

Witch hazel has hemostatic properties that may help stop minor bleeding from hemorrhoids. However, if you experience significant or persistent bleeding, you should stop using witch hazel and consult a doctor immediately.