Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Sources:
Witch Hazel is a widely known herb but is usually found in the very inferior form of a distilled preparation. Undistilled Witch Hazel tincture is infinitely more effective. You will find distilled Witch Hazel in most chemists but it is a lot harder to get hold of ‘raw’ Witch Hazel. I used to sell it through Postlethwaite’s Herbal Products but it was our least popular herb, which is strange, as it is one of the most useful. I will re-introduce it, if I can find an organic source, so you may soon see it in your local health food shop.
Anecdotes:
I have used Witch Hazel tincture on all sorts of cuts, bruises and minor injuries. After I cut my leg to the bone in a sailing accident, it was the only treatment I had, and was miraculous in its healing powers.
From the age of two
my son has come to me asking "Daddy put some Witch Hazel on it"
whenever he gets a bump or cut. It is simply indispensable.
Uses:
As well as the uses mentioned above, Witch Hazel is sometimes taken internally to stem bleeding or reduce inflammation in the gut. It is effective in treating haemorrhoids and varicose veins. Also used for insect bites and inflamed skin (including eczema). Can be applied to sore eyes to relieve inflammation.
Actions:
Its principle action is astringent I.e. sealing and tightening damaged areas of skin or mucous membranes. It is also anti inflammatory and locally helps to fight infection.
Dosage and preparations:
A decoction can be made from the dried bark but Witch Hazel is more commonly used as a tincture. The leaves are also used and may be prepared as an infusion or tincture. Dose 1-2 ml of tincture three times per day for internal use.
Safety:
The herb may be used freely externally but should not be used for long periods internally due to the presence of large quantities of tannins (the main astringent principle).