Hamamelis virginiana
Part Used: Dried leaf & young twig
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a shrub or small tree that grows 5 to15 feet. It ranges throughout the eastern half of North America. It has been used as a remedy for hemorrhoids, skin inflammation, sore throat, vein problems, wounds and burns. Witch Hazel possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It also tightens up tissues and stanches bleeding at the point of application. These effects make it a favored remedy for hemorrhoids, burns, insect bites, and skin inflammations, and have earned it a place in numerous face creams, after-shave lotions, and skin creams.
Witch Hazel is a traditional herb of the North American Indians who used it to heal wounds, treat tumours, eye problems etc. It is an important ingredient of proprietary eye drops, skin creams, ointments and skin tonics. It is widely used as an external application to bruises, sore muscles, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, sore nipples, inflammations etc. Witch Hazel is used to contain bleeding and excessive mucous discharge from the alimentary canal. It may be applied topically for external haemorrhoids, varicose veins, bruises, sprains and localised inflamed swellings, spots and blemishes. It can also be applied to insect bites and minor burns such as sunburn. It is most well known in the form of distilled Witch Hazel, which may be used externally and internally, wherever there has been bleeding. It is an ingredient in eyedrops, aftershave lotions and cosmetic preparations.
References:
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/102960.shtml
Purple Sage Botanicals. http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/witchhazel.htm
Plants for a Future. http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Hamamelis+virginiana&CAN=COMIND
