Medicinal Plants : Hamamelis virginiana

Name

Biological Name

Hamamelis virginiana
Hamameliadaceae

Other Names

Witch Hazel, winter bloom, striped alder, spotted alder, hazelnut, snapping hazel, pistachio, tobacco wood

Parts Used

Active Compounds

Tannins, composed mainly of gallotannins with some condensed catechins and proanthocyanin.

Miscellaneous; flavonoids; quercitin, kaempferol, astragalin, myricitrin, volatile oil containing hexenol, n-hexen-2-al, a- and b-ionones.

Bark:

Tannins, mainly the a-, b-and g- hamamelitannins, with some condensed tannins such as d-gallocatechin, l-epigallocatechin and l-epicatechin

Miscellaneous; saponins, volatile oil, resin.

Remedies For

Astringent, anti-inflammatory, tonic, antiphlogistic, sedative, styptic.

Witch Hazel is the most applicable and easy to use astringent for common usage. Very valuable for stopping either internal or external bleeding. It is especially useful in the easing of hemorrhoids. Also used for the treatment of bruises and inflamed swellings, and varicose veins. Witch Hazel will control diarrhea and aid in the easing of dysentery.

Combinations : For the easing of hemorrhoids it will combine well with Pilewort.

Dosage

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried leaves and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Ointment: Witch Hazel can be made into an excellent ointment.

Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.