Plant Profile: Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel

(Hamamelis virginiana)

Family: HAMAMELIDACEAE

Energetics: Cooling & drying. 

Taste: Mildly sweet & mildly sour. 

Tissue States: Laxity

Systems Affected: Circulatory/Heart. Stomach. Intestines. 

Parts Used: Mostly the bark used internally the the leaves and twigs can be used as a secondary external use. The leaves and twigs have more tannins and are therefore more astringent. 

Key Components: 80% tannins. Volatile oils. Flavonoids. Choline. Saponin. 

Preparations & dosage: Infusion. Tincture. Liniment. Formentation. Cream or salve. 

Actions: 
Foundational: Bitter. Astringent.
Primary: Hemostatic.
Secondary: Anti-inflammatory. 

Uses: 

Internal and external bleeding. 

Bark & Leaf used externally on skin to tighten and tone tissues. Enlarged pores, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, cuts, scrapes, abrasions. Alcohol extract is specific when combined with bayberry bark for varicose veins. A strong decoction of herbs combined with witch hazel can also be used as a formentation for varicose veins as well. 

Edema in the legs.

Can be used as a douche for vaginal laxity and discharge. 

A suppository with powdered herbs or a sitz bath for hemorrhoids. 

Bark used internally for diarrhea, hemorrhages, excessive discharge of mucous from anywhere. Prolapses (uterine or intestinal). 

Tonic (as in toner of tissues) after miscarriage or abortion to help return the uterus to its previous size and tone. 

Tones and tightens the vessels of the circulatory system to strengthen and improve circulation in the veins. 

Flower Essence: For when one feels out of synch with life.


Combines well with: 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting: Harvest bark in spring just after it sprouts. Leaves can be harvested throughout the summer. Dry immediately to avoid browning. 

Contraindications: 

Sources: 
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 208-209
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 334.
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 2: Matthew Wood. Pg 175-177.

Studies: