Witch Hazel

(Hamomelis virgniona)

Description: Witch Hazel is a small, shrub-like tree growing to around 5 m in height and with yellow flowers in spring.
The plant has been growing in Europe since the 17th century and its botanical name derives from a Greek word suggesting a resemblance to the apple tree.

Part used: bark

Actions: astringent, anti-inflammatory, styptic

The bark is steam distilled to produce the familiar, clear "distilled witch hazel" available from any pharmacy.
It can be used as a first-aid remedy for bruises, sprains, nosebleeds, cuts and grazes, can soothe spots and
blemishes, and is helpful to ease varicose veins and piles.
It is ideal for all sorts of minor household injuries.
The tincture of the bark, well diluted, can be used much as commercially made generic distilled witch hazel;
- singly in capsules or tinctures rather than in combination with other herbs.

The witch hazel tree was used for numerous ills by several Native American tribes:
The Menomees in - Wisconsin rubbed decoctions on their legs during sports to keep the muscles supple, while a macerations of the twigs was recommended for back ache.
The Potawatomis preferred the twigs in steam baths for sore muscles.
A Dr Colden, writing to a colleague in Leyden in 1744, describes how the Mohawks used steam from witch hazel decoctions to treat eye injuries and records a case of "almost total blindness occasioned by a blow" cured by this method.

A number of proprietary creams and ointments are available.

Taken internally, an infusion of the leaves is effective for treating diarrhoea, colitis, excessive menstruation and haemorrhage