Parts
Used The leaves and
bark are the main part of the witch hazel plant that is used for medicinal
purposes.
Witch
Hazel Use
Soothes minor skin
injuries, insect bites, blemishes, skin irritations and
inflammations
Soothes minor burns
and sunburn
Helps ease mucus
membrane irritations
Herbalists recommend
using it as a gargle or mouth wash for sore throats and gums.
Helps ease bruising
- ice cubes made from witch hazel are particularly soothing
Eases discomfort
from varicose veins and hemorrhoids
Helps stop bleeding
of minor wounds
How Witch
Hazel Works
The leaves and bark of Witch Hazel contain a
high proportion of an astringent called tannin. This makes it effective
for soothing minor irritations and other problems of the skin and mucus
membranes.
Side
Effects
No major side effects or contraindications
are known at this time.
No interactions with other drugs are known at this time.
History
of Witch Hazel
The Witch Hazel is a perennial shrub or small
tree which grows in eastern North America. It has unusual bright yellow
spidery shaped flowers which bloom in the winter.
Witch Hazel was a popular herbal
remedy of Native Americans. They used it for minor wounds and skin
irritation, insect bites, burns and to soothe painful muscles and
joints. It was also used as a snuff to stop nose bleeds, and made into a
tea to soothe sore throats, stem internal bleeding and excessive
menstrual flow.
The branches of the Witch Hazel
were greatly valued as divining rods to find underground water or
metals.
