6. Soothes sore throat

Because of its ability to decrease inflammation and act as an astringent, witch hazel is sometimes used to treat sore throats.

Boiling one teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel in one cup (240 ml) of water for about 10 minutes, then gargling with the mixture, may provide relief.

This is believed to help reduce swelling, decrease pain and dry excess mucus caused by a sore throat.

Yet, even though the anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel are well documented, its use for treating sore throats is based solely on anecdotal evidence.

High-quality studies are needed to ascertain the potential benefits of witch hazel on sore throats.

In addition, taking witch hazel orally may cause stomach irritation due to its high tannin content, so it’s important to proceed with caution and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Many witch hazel preparations available for purchase today contain isopropyl alcohol and are not intended for oral consumption and are labeled “For External Use Only”. These preparations should not be used for oral consumption.

Anyone desiring to use witch hazel in small amounts orally should search for preparations not containing isopropyl alcohol.

Summary

Witch hazel is often used as a natural remedy for sore throats, but additional studies are needed to look at its potential benefits and side effects.