Characteristics of witch hazel

He witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a common tree in eastern North Americafrom Quebec to Florida, often planted as ornamental. Its generic name has Greek roots and refers to the similarity of its leaves with those of the apple tree, although looks like a lot more to a hazel tree.

Also It is known as «witch hazel»for him healing power attributed to it by the native peoples of the area, who used it as a remedy since ancient times.

It’s a deciduous tree of modest bearing, gray bark, oval leaves and golden petals in the form of threads, gathered in dense inflorescences.

The bark and especially the odorless, tasteless leaves are harvested. and rich in gallic tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanosides and bitter principles. The bark also contains resins, essential oil and saponosides.

Witch hazel properties

The tannins explain its high can astringent, hemostatic and antihemorrhagic.​

• Perhaps the most widespread use of witch hazel, both internally and externallyis to treat venous insufficiency problems such as hemorrhoids (including bleeding ones), varicose veins, phlebitis, numbness in the feet and hands, tingling or heavy legs.
• He is also attributed a venotonic and vasodilator effectthat is, it increases the elasticity of the veins and the resistance of the capillaries, making it very useful in wounds with bleeding, nosebleedsetc.
• The infusion and witch hazel water They are indicated as anti-inflammatory and astringent mouthwashes in oral inflammation or gingivitis with bleeding.
• They also result eye drops effective in case of conjunctivitis, eye irritation and blepharitis.
• They also apply to wounds, scrapes, cuts, nosebleeds, eczema, dermatitis and pimplesas well as to relieve bumps and bruises.
• Internally, it is associated with plants that reinforce its action for diarrhea.

How do you use witch hazel?

In the herbalist we can find witch hazel in the form of dry leaf for infusion, tincture, liquid extract hydrogenated, witch hazel powdered, tablets and the crust for decoction.

Finally, the witch hazel waterto wash and heal wounds, or to use as a mouthwash or eye drops.

You will also see it in lotionsas in post-shave lotions; and it is common for it to be part, with devil’s claw and mint oilof creams venous tonic effect.

Natural remedies with witch hazel

Infusion with witch hazel to relieve hemorrhoids

For promote venous return in case of hemorrhoids and also for lighten the constriction of varicose veins of the legs a formula is used that integrates witch hazel, red vine, cypress galbules and horse chestnut seedseach plant in similar proportion.

How is it prepared: Four tablespoons of the mixture are boiled per 2 liters of water, and once the water has reached an acceptable temperature, it remains in the sitz bath until it cools.

In external usethis infusion also applies with some compresses on the affected areaor performing a gentle massage on the legs. This remedy simultaneously relieves the feeling of heaviness and fatigue in the extremities.

Witch hazel tea to improve blood circulation

Drinking this herbal tea made from witch hazel and other plants that promote circulation can relieve varicose veins and hemorrhoids and improve these problems in the long run. Combine witch hazel in equal parts with lemongrass, ginkgo leaves and red vine.

How to prepare it: Boil two tablespoons of the mixture per half a liter of water for 1 minute, let it rest for 10 and strain. It is recommended add orange or fennel juice to soften the bitterness of the infusion, which is drunk throughout the day.

Precautions for use

Internally, ingestion should be avoided if there is gastritis or gastroduodenal ulcer.

Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”