herb data, Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, winter bloom, striped alder, spotted alder, hazelnut, snapping hazel, pistachio, tobacco wood, holisticonline.com

Herb Information

Name: Witch Hazel

Biological Name: Hamamelis virginiana

Hamameliadaceae

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

Parts Used: Bark or leaves

Active Compounds:

Leaves:

	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.