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 ETYMOLOGY
Hamamelis is derived from the greek for "apple-like." Virginiana is in recognition of the state of Virginia.
BOTANICAL INFORMATION
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Description:Witchhazel can be a plant, shrub or small tree. Leaves are alternate, smooth, ovoid in shape, and well-marked with notches on the upper ribs. The flowers are small, yellow and are gathered in small groups of 2-3. The plant blooms in late summer. The fruit is a woody capsule containing two seeds which are dark and glossy. In Europe, it is cultivated mainly as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens.
Habitat: The plant is originally from North America, where it continues to grow in the wild.
Cultivation: Witch hazel has been experimented with for its potential in hilly soil where the desire is to combine its production with the conversion of difficult and marginal land to that which is arable. Its preferred place of cultivation is within the forest among other native (hawthorn, ash) or even non-native (cherry, maple) plants, where it is able to dually serve as a medicinal plant and as an element in assisting in the reinforcement and protection of soil subject to erosion.
Method of Harvest:
The leaves are harvested during the dry portion of the summer. The bark is harvested during the fall and then properly dried.
Parts Utilized:
Leaves and branches.
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Phenols (tannins), specifically gallic acid.
MODE OF ACTION
Actions: Witch Hazel has astringent, haemostatic, and local/strong anti-oxidant properties.
Precautions: Patients who are predisposed to sensitivities may sometimes experience gastric irritation.
COMMON INDICATIONS
As a medicinal herb: Preparations of witch hazel are useful in the treatment of inflammation
and local irritation of the skin and mucous membranes and also for haemorrhoids and varicose veins due to its beneficial effects on blood vessels. Because of its astringent properties, it is also used as an adjuvant in cases of diarrhoea.
Traditional use:
In folk medicine preparations, witch hazel is used in the treatment of irritation of the mouth and throat, eye inflammation, insect bites, small burns and other skin irritations. The plant is generally used in the form of a decoction, poultice or ointment.
PREPARATION AND USE
Internal Use: As an infusion: 2-3 g of the leaves (1-2 tablespoons) in 150 ml boiling water. After brewing for 10 minutes, filter and take 2-3 times daily between meals. Dry extracts via capsule or other preparations equivalent to 15-20 mg / day of total phenols, measured as gallic acid.
External Use: For compresses, may be used at full strength or diluted with water in a 1:3 ratio. Can also be made as an infusion for poultices and rinses, which should be used several times daily.
* Distilled Witch Hazel is obtained from cut and partially dried dormant sprigs. These twigs are then macerated for about 24 hours in a cold water followed by a distillation and addition of alcohol.
HISTORY AND LEGENDS
The European chapter in the story of Witch Hazel is a relatively recently written one, as it was imported for the first time from the New World around the first half of the eighteenth century. The purpose behind the first imports were not their use as a medicinal plant, but rather for ornamental purposes in European parks and gardens. By the time the medicinal properties of Witch Hazel were appreciated by the European scientific community, they were already widely known and in practice by Native Americans. There are currently 900 recognized haemostatic and astringent properties attributed to the active ingredients (especially the tannins) of Witch Hazel.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
“Antiviral and antiphlogistic activities of Hamamelis virginiana bark.” Planta Med. 1996 Jun;62(3):241-5
“Polyphenol compounds from Hamamelis virginiana L.” Ceska Slov Farm. 2001 Jan;50(1):51-3
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