Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
AKA: Hazel nut, Snapping hazel, Spotted alder, Striped alder, Virginia witch hazel, Winterbloom
Portrait: Deciduous shrub. Native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia south to Georgia. Commonly cultivated in Europe as a display plant in formal gardens. Distinctive bright yellow autumn blooms give rise to woody seed capsules that do not mature until the following summer. Bark is gathered in autumn when blooming begins.
Medicinal Element: Bark, leaves
Herbal Properties: Astringent, hemostatic, sedative, tonic
Summary: Witch hazel is a traditional Native American herb primarily used for inflammation and bleeding. Prepared as an infusion, it is said to alleviate diarrhea and halt bleeding originating from ulcers in the digestive tract, however, it is best known as a powerful astringent that acts to tighten skin and promote healing. An ointment or distillation of witch hazel is beneficial for many inflamed, tender skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, minor abrasions, insect bites or stings, and poison ivy. It may be applied to varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, and other areas with broken vessels to aid healing and arrest blood seepage into surrounding tissues. Women have used witch hazel with great success to ease discomfort and hasten the healing of episiotomy repairs following childbirth. Witch hazel should only be used internally under the guidance of a knowledgeable and reputable herbalist.
copyright 1997-2007. All rights reserved.
Filed under: herbs | Leave a Comment
No Responses Yet to “Witch Hazel”