Condition
Treatment Support
venous tonic
Application
tea, tincture, capsule
Witch Hazel
(Hamamelis virginiana)
Botanical Information
A shrub or small tree of hardwood forests of the eastern United States in the Witch Hazel family. It is also grown as a garden shrub for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the winter.
Working with Witch Hazel
Part(s) Used
Leaf, Bark
Herb Forms
Tincture, lotion, bulk herb, powder.
Witch hazel has a beneficial effect on circulation and the venous system. As a tincture taken internally, it was considered highly effective by the Eclectics to strengthen the veins in cases of hemorrhoids or varicose veins. It is primarily used externally as a liniment or in creams for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as well as for bruises, burns, and sprains. As an astringent, witch hazel is also used internally and externally for bleeding. It is effective for stopping bleeding, such as passive leaking of blood from vessels, but not for heavy bleeding.
A decoction of witch hazel is made by simmering 4 ounces of the bark in 4 ounces of water for 10 minutes; let steep for 15 minutes, strain, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, after which it is best to make a new batch. Use the decoction as a wet compress on varicose veins, hemorrhoids, etc., or drink 2-4 ounces, 2-3 times a day as needed. It is also useful as a gargle for sore, inflamed throat or tonsils, and it is available in tincture form as well. The commercial liniment or the decoction is used externally for sprains, rashes, abrasions, and bruises.
Witch Hazel has a taste of ASTRINGENT, AROMATIC and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Don’t use the commercial liniment internally; it contains wood alcohol (methanol).
Conditions treated with Witch Hazel
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
astringent, vein strengthening
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
astringent
Application
tea, lotion externally
Condition
Treatment Support
astringent
Application
liniment externally
Condition
Treatment Support
astringent
Application
tea externally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
