Witch Hazel is one of our most important medicinal trees. Although it is still used commonly now, historically it was widely used. The Witch Hazel that grows in my region is simply, Hamamelis virginiana (American Witchhazel). This tree was widely used by Native Americans and was one of the first plants recognized by early settlers.
Mrs. Grieve was effusive in her description of the medicinal virtues of Witch Hazel:
The properties of the leaves and bark are similar, astringent, tonic, sedative, valuable in checking internal and external haemorrhage, most efficacious in the treatment of piles, a good pain-killer for the same, useful for bruises and inflammatory swellings, also for diarrhoea, dysentery and mucous discharges.
It has long been used by the North American Indians as poultices for painful swellings and tumours.
The decoction has been utilized for incipient phthisis, gleet, ophthalmia, menorrhagia and the debilitated state resultingfrom abortion.
A tea made of the leaves or bark may be taken freely with advantage, being good for bleeding of the stomach and in complaints of the bowels, and an injection of this tea is excellent for inwardly bleeding piles, the relief being marvellous and the cure speedy. An ointment made of 1 part fluid extract of bark to 9 parts simple ointment is also used as a local application, the concentration Hamamelin being also employed, mainly in the form of suppositories.
Witch Hazel has been supposed to owe its utility to an action on the muscular fibre of veins. The distilled extract from the fresh leaves and young twigs forms an excellent remedy for internal or external uses, being beneficial for bleeding from the lungs and nose, as well as from other internal organs. In the treatment of varicose veins, it should be applied on a lint bandage, which must be constantly kept moist: a pad of Witch Hazel applied to a burst varicose vein will stop the bleeding and often save life by its instant application.
Pond's Extract of Witch Hazel was much used in our grandmother's days as a general household remedy for burns, scalds, and inflammatory conditions of the skin generally and it is still in general use.
In cases of bites of insects and mosquitoes a pad of cotton-wool, moistened with the extract and applied to the spot will soon cause the pain and swelling to subside.
Diluted with warm water, the extract is used for inflammation of the eyelids.
Unfortunately, in modern times, Witch Hazel is seen as little more than a weedy shrub. That should certainly not be the case.
Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests tells us:
HAMAMELACE. {The Witch-Hazel Tribe)
This order, remarks Lindley, is found in the northern parts of North America, Japan and China. In my examination of the various authorities on the subject before me, I have frequently been struck with the correspondence prevailing between the species found in South Carolina and those of Japan, and this respects only the medical botany of the two; should the flora of each be compared, a still more universal relation might be established. Professor Agassiz has noticed something of the same kind existing between the fossil botany and the fauna of each. WITCH-HAZEL, {Hamamelis Virginica, L.) Grows along pine land bays; collected in St. John's, Charleston District ; vicinity of Charleston, Bach.; N. C.62 Mer. and de L. Diet, de M. Med. iii, 452; Coxo, Am. Disp. 310; U. S. Disp. 1258; Matson's Yeg. Pract. 201; Griffith's Med. Bot. 350 ; Eatinesque, Med. Flor. i, 227. It is said to be sedative, astringent, tonic and discutient. The bark was a remedy derived from the Indians, who applied it to painful tumors, using the decoction as a wash in inflammatory swellings, painful hemorrhoidal affections and ophthalmias. A cataplasm, and a tea of the leaves, as an astringent, were employed in hematemesis. The steam practitioners also administer it in irritable hemorrhoids, and during the bearing-down pains attending child-birth. No analysis has been made, but as it probably contains sedative and astringent principles, attention is directed to it. The curious reader may consult, besides the paper in Hutton's "Mathematics," on the wonderful properties of the witch-hazel in detecting water, a recent one in Patent Office Report on Agriculture, p. 16, 1851. This is from Prarie du Chien, by Mr. Alfred Burnson, and contains some remarkable statements of the certainty of finding water by divining rods. Some electrical and telluric influences are hinted at— Credat Judaeus! Persons living in the up-per districts of South Carolina assume to use the rod with success. Dr. James Fountain, of Peokskill, N, Y., speaks highly of the efficacy of the bark in hemorrhage of the lung and stomach, and also as one of the best applications for external piles, an ointment being prepared from lard, and a decoction of equal parts of this bark, white oak bark and that of the apple tree. He believes the witch-hazel to possess anodyne properties. (N. Y. J. Med. X, 208.) Dr. N. S. Davis in his report (Trans. Am. Med. Assoc, i, 350,) agrees with Dr. Fountain in his estimate of this remedy, which he has complied in the form of a decoction, made with one ounce to a pint of water; dose, a wine glass full every three to eight hours in incipient phthisis. U. S. Disp.,12th Ed. In the Eichmond Journal for January 1868, is an article from the Atlanta Med. and Surg. Journ. (1867,) in which Dr. W, W. Durham claims for this plant properties similar to those said by Dr. Phares to be those of the Viburnum prunifolium, and which tend to confirm opinions expressed above by Prof Davis and others. In reference to its power of preventing abortion or miscarriage, Dr. Durham says: "At one period of my practice the negroes used the cotton root so frequently to produce abortion, that my supply of black haw became exhausted, and having heard of this power of the hazel to affect the purpose for which I used the haw, I resorted to it (the hazel) with perfect success. Having only used it for the purpose of preventing abortion, from the effects of the cotton root, I cannot speak of it in other cases." He makes a decoction of one pint of the leaves to one pint of water, which is administered freely. See also Viburnum prunifolium. Dr. Joseph Bates, in an article on the Witch-hazel, published in Tilden's " Journ. of Mat. Med," February 1868, furnishes an analysis of this plant by Dr. A. Lee. (See J. of Mat. Med. 2, p. 200.) The bark contains organic and inorganic matter, allumen gum, extractive, tannin, a particular (bitter) principle, resin, starch, etc. Dr. Lee observes: " The great amount of tannin contained in this plant is worthy of notice; while the sumach contains three hundred and twenty-five and geranium one hundred and thirty-six parts in seven thousand, the hazel contains no less than four hundred." This is an important statement and deserves attention. In the Boston Med. J. Surg. J., v, 37, p. 348, is an account of the efficacy of this plant in arresting hemorrhages—the leaves being chewed and the juice swallowed. Tilden & (Co. prepare a fluid extract which may- be given in doses of one to two drachms. By means of this an infusion or a wash may be made by mixing with water in the proportion of one ounce to a pint.
*** Note: The mention of Cotton Root Bark as an abortifacient was once common folklore. According to the late herbalist, Michael Moore, this herb has since been discredited in use for such purpose, although it may enhance the potential of uterine contractions and should not be used during pregnancy. It is also noteworthy that this document contains an early description of “dowsing”, a mysterious Appalachian tradition of finding water.
The Thomsonian System of Medicine states:
WITCH-HAZEL. Hamamelis Virginica. (Dr. Thomson.)
I found the use of this article as medicine when I was quite young, and have made much use of it in all my practice. It is too well known in the country to need any description; is a small tree or bush, and grows very common, especially in new lands. A tea made of the leaves is an excellent medicine in many complaints, and may be freely used to advantage. It is the best thing for bleeding at the stomach of any article I have ever found, either by giving the tea made of the dry leaves, or chewing them when green ; have cured several with it. This complaint is caused by canker eating off the small blood vessels, and this medicine will remove the canker and stop the bleeding. I have made much use of the tea, made strong for injection, and found it in all complaints of the bowels to be very serviceable. An injection made of this tea, with a little of No. 2, is good for the piles, and many complaints common to females ; and in bearing-down pains it will afford immediate relief, if properly administered. These leaves may be used in No. 3 to good advantage, as a substitute for either of the other articles, or alone for the same purpose.
The leaves and twigs are a pleasant, reliable, mild, soothing, diffusive, stimulating, astringent tonic. It chiefly influences the mucous membrane.
Locally it is used in gonorrhoea, and in gleet. The distilled, non-alcoholic extract is the best for this purpose. In the treatment of gonorrhoea it gives the best of results and no urethral contractions follow its use. In leucorrhoea it stimulates and tones the uterus and vagina. In dysentery and diarrhoea it may be used alone or in conjunction with other remedies as per Dr. Thomson's instructions.
It is a very good remedy in hemorrhages, either rectal, cystic or uterine.
It is valuable in the treatment of catarrh in any part of the system, whether vaginal or nasal. To the nose it can be applied with Nebulizer or anatomizer and to the womb on cotton.
It is of use in the treatment of prolapsus ani and in rectal hemorrhages. Is of use in sore eyes as a wash as it has no bad effect on the eyes. This remedy is indicated in all sores or bleeding surfaces, no matter what their nature may be. By bearing this in mind, the physician can make no mistake. It is also indicated in all irritations, but this comes properly under the heading of sores. The dose of the Tincture is from 30 to 60 minims. The use of this remedy leaves absolutely no ill effects.
King's American Dispensatory, 1898 tells us:
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Witch-hazel is tonic and astringent. Some have pronounced it sedative also. The decoction of the bark is very useful in hemoptysis, hematemesis, and other hemorrhages, as well as in diarrhoea, dysentery, and excessive mucous discharges, with full, pale, and relaxed tissues. It has been employed with advantage in incipient phthisis; in which it is supposed to unite anodyne influences with its others. It is useful in the form of poultice in swellings and tumors of a painful character, as well as in external inflammations. The American Indians used it for this purpose. The decoction maybe advantageously used as a wash or injection for sore mouth, painful tumors, external inflammations, bowel complaints, prolapsus ani and uteri, leucorrhoea, gleet, and ophthalmia.
Since the introduction of the distilled extract of witch-hazel and the specific hamamelis, the use of decoctions of the bark has been largely abandoned. The fluid extract has but little to recommend it. The articular field for hamamelis is in disorders involving the venous structures. Its most pronounced virtue is its stimulating and tonic action upon the venous coats, exhibited so markedly in its power over varicoses, hemorrhoids, hemorrhages, and other conditions due to relaxation of venous structures. The parts are usually pale and relaxed, though occasionally a deep redness, due to venous engorgement, is observed. Here, and especially as great pain is usually an accompaniment, belladonna may be associated with it. It is adapted to the whole venous system, overcoming debility, differing therein from such agents as act only upon localized vascular areas.
Prof. J. M. Scudder and others have found witch-hazel a valuable remedy in passive hemorrhages and congestion, especially in epistaxis, hemorrhoids, phlegmasia dolens (after acute phases have passed away), phlebitis, and varicose veins. He also found it valuable in diarrhoea, in chronic pharyngitis, and in chronic uterine congestion, where the cervix is enlarged without abnormal hardness, the os uteri being soft, open, and patulous, and perhaps leucorrhoea and some prolapsus present. It is specially adapted to diarrhoea with a tendency to or associated with passive hemorrhage. It also forms an excellent application to chronic vascular conditions of mucous tissues, and to old, flabby, fetid ulcers. Prof. A. J. Howe stated that in "several cases of uterine hemorrhage, all occurring within 2 years, he administered witch-hazel with success. In some instances, the cause of the flow, and the conditions upon which it depended, were unknown or rested on conjecture, yet the exhibition of the medicine was always followed by satisfactory results." Half-teaspoonful doses of specific hamamelis were mixed with water and repeated every few minutes while the flow lasted, and afterward every few hours to prevent a return of the hemorrhage. In menorrhagia and those wasting states so common after abortion, in the early months of pregnancy, he used no remedy that exerted such beneficial effects as witch-hazel. In uterine hemorrhage following delivery at full term, the remedy is probably not equal to ergot, but in the kind of cases referred to it is a safer agent. In chronic diarrhoea and cholera infantum it is a valuable medicine. Hamamelis, both internally and topically, arrests oozing of blood from mucous surfaces. This action is well shown in non-inflammatory hematuria. It is not the remedy for active hemorrhage, but for passive bleeding, as from the lungs, stomach, bowels, renal or genital organs its action is satisfactory.
Besides its control over actual hematuria hamamelis is often serviceable in renal affections due chiefly to vascular relaxation. Thus in diabetes insipidus it has been of some value, but it is of greater service in mucous profluvia of the urino-genital tract. It is of benefit in vesical catarrh, with tenesmus, and in irritation of the bladder, due to enlarged and relaxed scrotal veins. It should be used both internally and locally to the scrotum. While it relieves varicocele, too much must not be expected of it in the way of a cure. In female disorders it is indicated by venous fullness and relaxation. Dull, aching, ovarian pain is relieved by hamamelis, and in leucorrhoea, with fullness of the pelvic veins and relaxation of the uterine and vaginal walls, its internal and external exhibition is of marked benefit. It relieves ovarian and testicular congestion. Hamamelis is of pronounced value in hemorrhages into the eye ball, and locally relieves ecchymosis of the lids and conjunctiva.
Hamamelis is justly popular as a remedy for sprains, contusions, wounds, swellings, etc. A solution of a few grains of asepsin in distilled hamamelis forms an elegant and efficient dressing for burns, scalds, cuts, abrasions, crushed fingers, etc. Ten grains of menthol to 4 fluid ounces of distilled hamamelis are also efficient in burns and scalds (Ellingwood). Glycerin and hamamelis, or Lloyd's hydrastis and hamamelis, equal parts, has rendered us excellent service in irritated and inflammatory conditions of the external auditory meatus, especially when due to irritation from the presence of inspissated cerumen. Locally, hamamelis forms an excellent soothing application for chafing, due to excessive discharges; it is likewise useful in diffusive cutaneous inflammations. Few agents are more grateful in various subacute forms of sore throat, also in sore throat with deep redness and great pain, and it is particularly soothing in scarlatinal angina. It is a very valuable aid, locally, in the treatment of tonsilitis, phlegmonous ulceration of the throat, diphtheria, and acute catarrh. Chronic conjunctivitis, with vascularity of the palpebral and ocular conjunctiva, has yielded to a decoction of equal parts of hamamelis (bark), hydrastis, and lobelia, boiling the first two ingredients, and adding the lobelia to the hot liquid. Cover, allow to cool and strain. Hamamelis should not be neglected as a part of the treatment of inflamed breasts, and applied hot it gives great relief to the soreness of abdominal muscles and pelvic parts following childbirth. Muscular soreness and aching sensations, as of having been bruised, whether from colds, exposures, strains, bruises, or severe muscular action, are greatly relieved by the application of distilled hamamelis, either hot or cold, by means of compresses, while specific hamamelis may be given internally. It forms a good face wash for burning of the skin, for tan and freckles, for dilated facial capillaries, and a good application after shaving. Distilled hamamelis and Lloyd's colorless hydrastis form a safe and efficient injection for most cases of gonorrhoea. Witch-hazel enters into many of the ointments designed for application to piles. An ointment made with lard and a decoction of white oak bark, apple-tree bark, and witch-hazel has been successfully employed for this purpose. Dose of decoction of witch-hazel, from 2 to 4 fluid ounces, 3 or 4 times a day; of distilled hamamelis, 5 to 60 drops; of specific hamamelis, 1 to 30 drops.
Specific Indications and Uses.—Venous debility, with relaxation and fullness; pale mucous tissues (occasionally deep-red from venous engorgement, or deep-blue from venous stasis); mucous profluvia, with venous relaxation; passive hemorrhages; varicoses; capillary stasis; hemorrhoids, with full feeling; relaxed and painful sore throat; dull, aching pain in rectum, pelvis, or female organs; perineal relaxation, with fullness; muscular relaxation; muscular soreness and aching and bruised sensation, whether from cold, exposure, bruises, strains, or from physical exertion.
Plants for a Future states:
Witch hazel bark is a traditional herb of the North American Indians who used it to heal wounds, treat tumours, eye problems etc. A very astringent herb, it is commonly used in the West and is widely available from both herbalists and chemists. 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. The bark is astringent, haemostatic, sedative and tonic. Tannins in the bark are believed to be responsible for its astringent and haemostatic properties. Bottled witch hazel water is a steam distillate that does not contain the tannins from the shrub, this is less effective in its action than a tincture. The bark is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, colitis, dysentery, haemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, excessive menstruation, internal bleeding and prolapsed organs. Branches and twigs are harvested for the bark in the spring. An infusion of the leaves is used to reduce inflammations, treat piles, internal haemorrhages and eye inflammations. The leaves are harvested in the summer and can be dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from fresh bark. It is used in the treatment of nosebleeds, piles and varicose veins.
Botany In a Day states:
Hamamelis, witch Hazel: the seeds are reported to be addable, but there is some question about the validity of this claim. Medicinally, the leaves and bark contain tannic acid. Witch Hazel has long been used as an astringent in the typical ways, internally for sore throat and diarrhea, externally for stings, minor burns, and hemorrhoids. Native Americans used a tea of the leaves as a liniment for athletes.
The Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicine tells us:
The tannins and tannin elements have an astringent, anti-inflammatory and locally hemostatic effect. Indications and usage approved by Commission E: hemorrhoids, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx (leaf only), inflammation of the skin, venous conditions, wounds and burns. Unproven uses: witch hazel leaf and bark are used internally in folk medicine for nonspecific diarrhea such as inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine and colon, hematemesis, hemoptysis and also for menstrual complaints. Efficacy in the treatment of diarrhea seems plausible because of the tannin content. Witch hazel is used externally for minor injuries the skin, localized inflamed swellings of the skin and mucous membranes, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It is also used in folk medicine for inflammation of the mucosa of the colon. Precautions and adverse reactions: health risks following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded if taken internally, the tannin content of the drug can lead to digestive complaints. Liver damage is conceivable following a long term administration, but rare.
This article is an excerpt from The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide: by Judson Carroll
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The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.
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