Witch hazel is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when small doses are taken by mouth. In some people, witch hazel might cause stomach upset when taken by mouth. Large doses might cause liver problems. Witch hazel contains a cancer-causing chemical (safrole), but in amounts that are too small to be of concern.

Can witch hazel be used internally?

Although extracts of witch hazel are available commercially, they shouldn't be taken internally because the toxicity of the tannins has not been well defined.

Is witch hazel the same as alcohol?

A common misconception is also that the witch hazel plant naturally contains alcohol, and that's simply not the case. Its astringent properties come from tannins.