Does Witch Hazel Shrink Hemorrhoids Fast

This article was medically authored by Dr. Jay Patel and last reviewed for accuracy on 06/03/2026.

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form in and around the rectum. After formation, they can cause internal hemorrhoids symptoms such as itching, pain and bleeding. In turn, some hemorrhoid sufferers will seek timely relief. Many assume that the best way to find relief is to shrink their hemorrhoids. And that’s why we often hear the question, “Does Witch Hazel Shrink Hemorrhoids Fast?”

In this post, we explain how witch hazel can be used for hemorrhoids and what results you can expect from this product. We also highlight ways to quickly shrink symptomatic hemorrhoids without undergoing surgery.

Key Takeaways

• While this plant can effectively manage certain symptoms of hemorrhoids, it is unlikely to shrink severe hemorrhoids. In such cases, medical procedures such as HAE will shrink hemorrhoids at a faster rate
• Internal hemorrhoids cause symptoms such as itching and bleeding
• Witch hazel is a common, plant-based ingredient in many over-the-counter hemorrhoid relief products

What is Witch Hazel?

This is an extract drawn from the leaves and bark of a shrub known as the Hamamelis virginiana. Reportedly, the extract has medicinal properties. Over the years, this extract has been used to treat everything from acne and alopecia to eczema and psoriasis. Witch hazel extracts are also commonly found in over-the-counter relief products such as cream for hemorrhoids, or medicated wipes such as the Tucks line of products.

How Does Witch Hazel Affect Hemorrhoids?

When external or internal hemorrhoids symptoms are causing considerable discomfort, we know you’d like immediate relief. That’s why so many patients seek products that will shrink hemorrhoids, fast. Now, witch hazel can provide temporary relief for many hemorrhoid sufferers. However, that relief does not come from shrinking hemorrhoids. Instead, this plant extract acts as an astringent when applied to your rectal area, causing cells to temporarily contract. In turn, symptoms such as burning and itching should improve for a brief period of time. Unfortunately, that temporary relief is likely to wear off, allowing symptoms to return once the witch hazel application wears away.

What Does Shrink Hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids are graded on a scale of 1-4, based on the degree of protrusion from the rectum. While a grade 1 hemorrhoid will not protrude at all, a grade 4 hemorrhoid will protrude entirely from the rectum, even with attempts at manual repositioning. Grade 2 hemorrhoids protrude from the anus during bowel movements, returning on their own afterward, and Grade 3 hemorrhoids protrude from the rectum at all time, but they can be manually repositioned internally.

If you have grade 1 hemorrhoids, you may find sufficient symptom relief from witch hazel applications in combination with lifestyle changes to reduce your risk for recurring problems. Those changes can include increased hydration, following this diet to help hemorrhoids, or trying these 4 tips for managing hemorrhoids at home.

However, lifestyle measures may not adequately address the symptoms of more severe hemorrhoids. For lasting relief of grade 2-3 internal hemorrhoids, a medical procedure to shrink hemorrhoids is likely to be your best option.

In the past, that often meant surgical treatment. However, the interventional radiologists at Texas Endovascular are now able to offer an alternative to surgery: HAE, (hemorrhoid artery embolization). This minimally invasive procedure shrinks internal hemorrhoids by cutting off their blood supply through the use of embolic material, deposited in your artery with the use of ultrasound-guided catheters. And, while the hemorrhoids shrink slowly following your procedure, they should not return in the same location. So, if you’re looking to witch hazel to shrink hemorrhoids fast, we encourage you instead to request a consultation at one of our seven locations in the Houston and Dallas area. When we see you in one of our offices, we’ll explore your candidacy for HAE.