HERBS: WITCH HAZEL
Hamamelis virginiana
Action: Astringent, haemostatic.
Systems Affected: Skin, stomach, intestines.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves, bark or
flowering twigs, dose 1-4 grams by infusion. Distilled Witch Hazel (Hamamelis
Water) recommended for general external use.
Native to North America, Witch Hazel was greatly revered by the
Indians for its healing properties. Used by the American settlers,
Europeans and others since, it is official in various national
pharmacopoeias. A small tree or spreading shrub growing up to 2
meters or so in height, it is now widely cultivated as a garden
ornamental.
Witch Hazel is mostly used externally for its astringent and
haemostatic properties. It is applied as a soothing and healing
lotion to varicose veins, haemorrhoids, insect bites, bruises,
sprains and burns, and as a cleansing haemostatic to stop bleeding
from cuts and wounds. It is useful as a mouthwash for inflamed gums
and as a gargle for sore throats. Well diluted, it is soothing to
tired and inflamed eyes. It is also used internally to help stop
bleeding from the lungs, uterus and other organs, and in the
treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and mucous discharge.
The flowering twigs, leaves and bark of the plant are used to make
various preparations, several of which are commercially available
(from chemists, health food stores, etc.). Distilled Witch Hazel
(also known as Hamamelis Water) is a highly-favoured form of
preparation for general household use. The ointment has particular
use as a local application to haemorrhoids.
Cautionary Notes: Witch Hazel is extremely astringent and should be
used with care. When applied to sensitive or inflamed areas (as in
sunburn etc.) it should be diluted 50/50 with water before use. Only
very diluted Witch Hazel should be used in eye lotions. Distilled
Witch Hazel should not be confused with a tincture made from the
bark or leaves. The latter can be extremely astringent and may cause
disfigurement to the skin unless diluted before use.
*58/66/5*
HERBAL
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