|
|
|
Witch Hazel - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Winter Bloom ,Potted alder,
Hamamelis, Hamamelis Water, Hamamelis virginiana, Snapping Hazel, Snapping Tobacco Wood, Spotted Alder, Striped Alder, Tobacco Wood.
Herb Description
Witch hazel is a herbaceous shrub that is native to Atlantic North America,and it is now also originate in Europe and Asia.It consists of many crooked branching trunks from one root, 4 to 6 inches in diameter, 10 to 12 feet in height, with a smooth grey bark,the leaves are 3 to 5 inches long and about 3 inches wide. It is one of the earliest blooming shrub.It blossom in the fall, producing vivid yellow flowers.
The seeds are come out violently when ripe, hence the name Snapping Hazelnut. Its bark & leaves are astringent, the extract is used medicinally In aftershave lotions extracts are used for treating bruises.Witch Hazel fruit is about half inch long, explodes, launching two black seeds up to 30 feet. The seeds contain some amount of oil and are edible.Many birds eat the seed, as well as Beaver, White-tailed Deer, Eastern Chipmunks, squirrels, and Eastern Cottontails.
Witch hazel was generally used by American Indians as a medicinal plant. The bark was used by the Osage to cure ulcers of the skin, sores, and tumors .Witch hazel had many benefit including a strong tea for dysentery, to cure colds and cough, as an astringent and blood purifier . Witch hazel contain an active ingredient a tannin acid derivative called catechol tannin, much like the tannins present in tea.
Properties
- Astringent.
- Haemostatic.
- Antihaemorrhagic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Sedative.
- Tonic.
- Radiation-protective.
Uses and Benefits
Witch hazel can be used externally on insect bites and minor burns such as sunburn.It can be used externally and internally, wherever there has been bleeding. It is an important ingredient in eye drops, aftershave lotions and cosmetic products.
The bark have tannic & gallic acids, besides proanthocyandins that have antiphlogistic actions. Native Americans used it as a treatment to ebb the pain, swelling, bruising, & bleeding of external injuries.The bark has been taken by mouth to cure colds and fevers, dysentery, colitis & diarrhea.
Topically witch hazel is a good astringent and hemostatic, which means it can mitigate irritated skin,to reduce pore size, make-up remover, to reduce bags under eyes and help to stop minor bleeding. Witch hazel is also an effective ingredient in some eye-drop medications like Optrex .
Witch hazel can be used internally for the followings:
- Acute diarrhea.
- Varicose veins.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Colitis.
- Excessive menstruation.
- Prolapsed organs.
Witch hazel can be used externally for the followings:
- Varicose veins.
- Hemorrhage.
- Skin inflammations.
- Eyewashes.
- Oral hygiene.
- Sprains.
- Bruises.
- Burns.
- Sore nipples.
- Mouthwash and gargle.
- Spots.
- Blemishes.
Side Effects
In some studies, drinking a excess quantity of tea made from bark, leaves, or twigs has lead to nausea and vomiting. It can also result constipation.
Using witch hazel orally is not prescribed because its tannin content may lead to kidney or liver damage.
Using more than 1 gm of witch hazel orally may lead to vomiting , constipation,& upset stomach.
Tell your doctor promptly if you feel any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects:
- Stomach pain.
- Yellowing eyes or skin.
- Dark urine.
- Severe tiredness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Light-colored bowel movements.
- Trouble urinating.
Dosage
Take three times in a day.
- Dried leaf:
2 gm or by infusion.Take three times in a day.
- Liquid Extract:
1:1 in 45% alcohol, 2-4ml.Take three times in a day.
- Tincture:
2-4ml; dilute for mouthwash .Take three times in a day.
Drug Interactions
There were no well-known drug interactions with witch hazel at the time of writing.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|