home
Custom Search

Annies Aromatherapy

Chart of Herbs

Herbal Remedies

Methods

Health Conditions

Herb Store
Witch Hazel Hamamelis virginiana

Benefits | Preparation | Medicinal Uses | Side Effects | Plant | Folklore | Witch Hazel Remedies
buyBuy Bulk Witch Hazel From Mountain Rose Herbs

Winter flowering Witch Hazel flowers
Winter flowering Witch Hazel flowers
Common Names
Witch Hazel , Spotted Alder, Winterbloom, Snapping Hazelnut
Botanical Name
Hamamelis virginiana
Family
HAMAMELIDACEAE
Witch Hazel Medicinal Properties & Benefits
Common Uses: Abrasions/Cuts * Burns/SunBurn * Eczema * Eye care - Vision * Insect Bites/Rashes * Psoriasis * Varicose veins *
Properties: Analgesic* Anti-inflammatory* Astringent* Cooling* Vulnerary* Styptic*
Parts Used: Bark, leaves
Constituents:Tannin (up to 10% in the leaf, consisting mainly of gallotannins, also condensed catechins and proanthocyanidins), saponins, choline, resins, flavonoids.


Witch hazel can cool a sunburn

When distilled and combined with alcohol, the aromatic oil extracted from the bark of the witch hazel shrub makes a soothing and mildly astringent lotion. A general and all purpose remedy for abrasions, burns, scalds, insect bites and other inflammatory conditions of the skin.

As an acne fighter witch hazel reduces the swelling of minor pimples and blemishes. Witch hazel is an excellent astringent, toning facial cleanser, used to decrease bags under eyes, skin puffiness, and to reduce pore size. It can be used for all skin types, oily to dry and is a valuable ingredient in natural skin care formulations and anti-aging products.

Side Effects:
Many of the older herbals, including Grieve, (AMH), recommend an infusion of witch hazel for internal bleeding of the stomach and bowels. Witch hazel extracts and teas are found today at many health food stores. James Duke (TGP), warns against this use saying "Consumption can cause nausea and vomiting, and the presence, albeit minimal of safrole and contribute to liver damage. Internal bleeding could be a sign of a serious problem, and you should consult a doctor."
How to Use: Witch Hazel
Preparation Methods :External applications

remedyRemedies using : Witch Hazel

Witch hazel for :Sunburn
Sunburn The extract of the bark of this tree is astringent, decreases inflammation and soothes sunburns.

Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Witch hazel for :Eye inflammation
Eye inflammation Although the majority of commercial witch hazel products are clear-colored and do not contain tannins, they are soothing and refreshing. At one time the AMA listed witch hazel as a treatment for eye inflammation. Use in a compress alone, or in combination with other herbs.

Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Witch Hazel for :Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins The active ingredient in witch hazel is a tannin acid derivative called catechol tannin, much like the tannins present in tea. Tannins are vasoconstrictors, they constrict the tiny capillaries and venules below the skin surface.
Witch Hazel for :Insect bites
Insect bites Relieves the itch and swelling of insect bites
Witch Hazel for :Scrapes, cuts, scalds, sunburn
Scrapes, cuts, scalds, sunburn A general and all purpose remedy for scrapes, cuts and abrasions, scalds, sunburns and other inflammatory conditions of the skin.
Witch hazel for :Skin Care
Skin Care One of the best all purpose astringents, witch hazel decreases inflammation, cools and soothes the skin. The key is high quality, most commercial witch hazel does not contain tannins and are mostly alcohol.

Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)


Buy Bulk Witch Hazel Herbs, Extracts, Capsules and Oils
Certified Organic Witch Hazel Extract
True Witch Hazel extract double distilled in only a 14% alcohol base.
buyOrganic Witch Hazel Extract

referencesWitch Hazel Medicinal Uses & Benefits
Abrasions/Cuts * Burns/SunBurn * Eczema * Eye care - Vision * Insect Bites/Rashes * Psoriasis * Varicose veins *
Plant Description

Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887

  • Flowers: Yellow, fringy, clustered in the axils of branches. Calyx 4-parted; 4 very narrow curving petals about 2/4 in. long; 4 short stamens, also 4 that are scale-like; 2 styles.
  • Stem: A tall, crooked shrub.
  • Leaves: Broadly oval, thick, wavy-toothed, mostly fallen at flowering time.
  • Fruit: Woody capsules maturing the next season and reĀ­maining with flowers of the succeeding year (Hama = together with; mela = fruit).

The literature of Europe is filled with allusions to the witch-hazel, which, however, is quite distinct from our shrub. Swift wrote: "They tell us something strange and odd About a certain magic rod That, bending down its top divines Where'er the soil has hidden mines; Where there are none, it stands erect Scorning to show the least respect."

Many a well has been dug even in this land of liberty where our witch-hazel indicated; but here its kindly magic is directed chiefly through the soothing extract distilled from its juices. Its yellow, thread-like blossoms are the latest to appear in the autumn woods. Netje Blanchan. Wild Flowers worth Knowing (1917)

Folklore, Myths and Legends
History and Traditions
historyThe witch comes from "wyche" and from the old Anglo-Saxon word meaning bend. Native Americans used the shrub for the same kinds of skin afflictions which make it as common item in today's medicine cabinets as it was in our grandmothers time.
folkloreThe pliable branches of witch hazel were a favorite among dowsers. The flowers sometimes emerge on Halloween, another witchey connection.
Quick Tips
Frozen witch hazel is very soothing for insect bites, varicose veins and bruises.
For hemorrhoids, use a cotton ball dampened with witch hazel.

Common Misspellings:

aromatherapy and essential oils

Annies Remedy Newsletter
Email *
Confirm your email address

  Learn more


Home Remedies

Methods to make your own botanical skin care products, herbal medicinal teas, extracts, herbal oils and aromatherapy blends.
Natural Aphrodisiacs

Use herbs and oils that have aphrodisiac and stimulating properties to revive a flagging libido.
Weight Loss

Learn which herbs have an ancient reputation as a appetite suppressant that holds up today.
Natural Insect Repellants

Effective and great smelling herbal insect repellent formulas you can make yourself.

Buy bulk Witch Hazel

Organic bulk herbs, spices, oils and teas at Mountain Rose Herbs
Organic herbs, spices, teas and oils.
Herbal Spotlight

Studies have shown ginger to be especially effective in curbing motion sickness, morning sickness, and postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Ginger is an excellent digestive, aiding in the absorbtion of food, and elimination of gas and bloating.

Exceptional quality all-natural and organic herbs, spices, teas and essential oils