Witch Hazel

Five or six species of deciduous shrubs belong to this genus, which ranges across N America, Europe, and E Asia. Hamamelis species and hybrids are weather-tolerant shrubs that flower between autumn and spring. The common name "witch hazel" refers to occult powers attributed to these plants. whose hazel-like branches were used as divining rods for water and gold. Several native N American tribes knew the medicinal properties of Hamamelis virginiana; the Mohawk made a wash for bruised eyes by steeping the bark in water. The herb was adopted by settlers and listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (1862-1916) and in the U.S. National Formulary (1916-55). Distilled witch hazel can be bought in a pharmacy for first aid or for making cosmetics but is less effective than the tincture for treating more serious conditions.

Although it sounds like something brewed on Halloweed, the "witch" part of "witch hazel" actually comes from the Old English word wice, meaning "weak". This refers to the pliability and easy breakage of the branches of Hamamelis virginiana shrub, from which witch hazel is derived. "Hazel" refers to the color of the shrub, golden brown mixed with green. Witch hazel, a steam distillate of freshly picked twigs combined with alcohol, is prized for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and is used for treating cuts, scrapes, bruises, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.

Shrub with broadly ovate to obovate leaves, to 15cm (6in) long, that turn yellow in autumn. Clusters of 2-4 scented flowers with crinkled, linear, yellow petals appear in autumn as the leaves fall, followed by dehiscent fruits.


Common Name:
Witch Hazel
Other Names:
Common Witch Hazel, Hamamelis, Snapping Hazel, Spotted Alder, Striped Alder, Tobacco Wood, Winterbloom
Botanical Name:
Hamamelis virginiana
Genus:
Hamamelis
Family:
Hamamelidaceae
Native Location:
East N America
Cultivation:
Moist, rich, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. Cut back rangy growths after flowering.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe; by suckers. Germination is slow and erratic and may take up to two years.
Harvest:
Leaves are picked in summer for dry and liquid extracts and ointments. Branches are cut in spring and decorticated for use in tinctures. Twigs are cut in spring for use in distilled extracts.
Height:
5m (15ft)
Width:
4m (12ft)
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Parts Used:
Leaves, branches, bark.
Properties:
An astringent, slightly aromatic herb that checks bleeding and mucous discharge, and reduces inflammation.
Medicinal Uses:
Internallyfor diarrhea, colitis, dysentery, hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, excessive menstruation, hemorrhage in stomach or lungs, and prolapsed organs. Externally for varicose veins, sprains, bruises, burns, hemorrhoids, sore nipples, muscular aches, eye and skin inflammations, and sore throat. Combined with Agrimonia eupatoria (See, agrimony) and Quercus robur (See, English oak) for diarrhea; with Plantago major (See, broad-leaved plantain) or Ranunculus ficaria (See, lesser celandine) for hemorrhoids; with Aesculus hippocastanum (See, common horse chestnut) and Calendula officinalis (See, calendula) for varicose veins.
To treat wounds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and menstrual complaints. Germany's Commission E has approved the topical use of witch hazel bark and leaf to treat hemorrhoids, skin inflammation, problems with veins, and wounds and burns. It has approved the use of witch hazel leaf for treating inflammation of the mouth and throat.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of witch hazel leaf may range from 2 to 3 gm of the herb in 150 ml of water as a gargle solution.
Possible Side Effects:
Witch hazel should not be taken internally, as it may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, and possible liver damage. When used topically, which hazel may cause allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions:
Taking witch hazel internally with these drugs may increase the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure):
Ephedrine, (Pretz-D)
Ergotamine, (Cafergor, Cafergot)
Rizatriptan Benzoate, (Maxalt)
Zolmitriptan, (Zomig)
Taking witch hazel internally with these drugs may reduce or prevent absorption of the drug:
Ferric Gluconate, (Ferrlecit)
Ferrous Fumarate, (Femiron, Feostat)
Ferrous Gluconate, (Fergon, Novo-Ferrogluc)
Ferrous Sulfate, (Feratab, Fer-Iron)
Ferrous Sulfate and Ascorbic Acid, (FeroGrad 500, Vitelle Irospan)
Iron-Dextran Complex, (Dexferrum, INFeD)
Polysaccharide-Iron Complex, (Hytinic, Niferex)
Disease Effects:
Gastrointestinal disturbances may be caused or worsened and liver damage may occur with long-term internal administration of witch hazel.
Economic Uses:
Distilled witch hazel is an important ingredient of eye drops, skin creams, ointments, and skin tonics.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 230.
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.493-494