Witch Hazel - Hamamelis Virginiana
This Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) monograph is an excerpt from the first edition of Dr. Sharol's book "Herbal Medicine From The Heart of The Earth." You can purchase the 2020, third edition of this book with an expanded materia medica/monograph section, herbal formulas and directions on making herbal products in Dr. Sharol's Book Store. You receive free shipping in the USA. The expanded 3rd edition materia medica, and additional herbal tidbits are also available as a kindle ebook at Amazon and details on this e-book are here.
Witch hazel - Hamamelis virginiana in the Hamamelidaceae or Witch hazel family
Part used: Bark.
Taste/smell: Astringent.
Tendencies: Cooling, drying.
Dosage: Decoction: 1-2 teaspoons per cup of water; or 1:4 dry strength liquid extract: 10-60 drops 1-4 times per day.
Mental picture and specific indications: Witch hazel is indicated for venous congestion with hemorrhage, varicose veins and hemorrhoids with bruised soreness of the affected parts.
Use: (a) Astringent, (b) Anti-inflammatory, (c) Styptic.
It is used for passive hemorrhages, wounds, local inflammations and venous laxity and congestion like hemorrhoids and other varicosities. Witch hazel is beneficial for mucous membrane irritation like gum ulcerations, sore throats, weeping eczema and leg ulcers. It can be used as a compress for eye inflammations and treating the symptoms of diarrhea. The tannins in witch hazel precipitate proteins on wounds, forming a protective coating and promoting the skin to heal.
Contraindications: In sensitive individuals, irritation of the stomach may occur. In rare cases, witch hazel tannins may cause liver damage. Witch hazel should not be used long term due to tannin content. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.
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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
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