Witch Hazel Leaf (Hamamelis virginiana) – Dried Herb, Organic

Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub that flowers in the fall. It is native to damp woods in Eastern North America, south to Florida and through to Texas. The name Hamamelis was adopted from a Greek word to indicate its resemblance to an apple tree. It has a smooth grey bark and golden flowers that are threadlike and bloom in the autumn.

Native Americans of the Mohegan nation are believed to be the first to show English settlers how to use the Y-shaped Witch Hazel sticks for dowsing; an ancient method for finding underground water. The name Witch Hazel is believed to have come from the English “wicke” for lively and “wych” is an old Anglo-Saxon word for bend – dowsing stick bends toward the ground when water is detected below.

Native Americans were reported to be the first to use Witch Hazel, making a tea of the bark to treat hemorrhages, inflammation and hemorrhoids. A decoction of the leaf and bark were used in poultices for painful swellings and tumours.  These traditional uses were later adopted by nineteenth century American doctors and the aqueous decoction became an official preparation in the Eclectic Material Medica. Eclectic medicine was a branch of American medicine which made use of botanical remedies.

Witch Hazel’s leaf and bark contain tannins that have astringent properties and can help to stop internal and external bleeding. A herbal salve or poultice has traditionally been used to treat varicose veins, swelling, bruises and hemorrhoids. A tea of Witch Hazel has been used for burns, insect bites and inflammation.

As a soothing herb, Witch Hazel has been traditionally used to relieve tired muscles, perineal soreness; and to ease itching and bleeding from hemorrhoids.

Properties:

The energetics of Witch Hazel are pungent, astringent, cooling and drying. Known as a bitter that contains tannins.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.\

How to Use: