Witch hazel in herbal medicine: properties of witch hazel

Scientific name

Hamamelis virginiana L.

Family

Hamamelidaceae

Origin

Virginia (USA).

Used Parts

Drug consisting of leaves and bark of the plant.

Chemical constituents

Tannins (3-12%), among which the main constituent is amamelitannino;
Catechins;
procyanidins;
Flavonoids (among which we find quercetin, myrcetin, astragalin and kaempferol);
Essential oil (0.01-0.5%), in which we find esanale, safrolo, acetaldehyde, alcohols, phenols.

Witch hazel in herbal medicine: properties of witch hazel

Witch hazel has phlebotonic, astringent, vasoconstrictor, haemostatic and analgesic-antiphlogistic properties. It is therefore indicated against hemorrhoids and varicose veins; witch hazel exhibits antidiarrheal, anti-haemorrhagic, haemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties against gingivitis and oral inflammation.

For external use, the witch hazel extracts are used in the presence of oily and impure skins, with excessive sebaceous secretion, and are also indicated in the presence of fissures, phlebitis and venous ulcers of the lower limbs.

Biological activity

As mentioned, the witch hazel is a plant with interesting anti-inflammatory, astringent, local haemostatic, vasoconstrictor and phlebotonic properties.

These activities are mainly attributable to the tannins contained within the same plant and have been confirmed by numerous studies, so much so that the use of the witch hazel has obtained official approval for the treatment of disorders related to venous circulation, skin inflammation and mucous membranes, wounds and burns.

Furthermore, from a relatively recent study (2014) conducted in vitro, it was found that the witch hazel bark extracts have an interesting antiviral activity, explicated, in particular, against the influenza A and papilloma virus human (HPV).

However, this use of the witch hazel in the medical field has not yet been approved, since it is necessary to carry out more detailed studies on the subject.

Witch hazel against venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids

Thanks to the phlebotonic, vasoconstrictor, astringent and haemostatic activities conferred by the tannins contained in it, the witch hazel is a valid remedy, which can be used in case of venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids.

Generally, for the treatment of the aforementioned disorders, the witch hazel is taken internally.

In the case in which the liquid extract of the plant is used (ratio drug / solvent 1: 1, using 45% ethanol as extraction solvent), it is usually recommended to take about 2-4 ml of product three times a day.

Witch hazel against inflammation of the skin and the oropharyngeal cavity

The witch hazel has proved to be a useful and valid remedy in counteracting inflammation of the skin and the oropharyngeal mucosa, thanks to its anti-inflammatory action.

For the treatment of these disorders the witch hazel is used externally; in general, it is found in preparations for external use, such as ointments, gels, ointments or solutions to be applied directly on the area of affected skin, or to be used for rinsing and gargling several times a day.

Witch hazel in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, witch hazel is used as an internal remedy for non-specific diarrhea, hemoptysis, hematemesis and menstrual disorders.

Externally, however, traditional medicine uses witch hazel for the treatment of inflammations of skin and mucous membranes, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Witch hazel is also used in homeopathic settings, where it can be found in the form of granules, drops, mother tincture and ointments.

Homeopathic medicine uses this plant in case of skin inflammation, mucosal bleeding, varicose veins, venous congestion, feeling of heavy legs, haemorrhoids, epistaxis, metrorrhagia and for the treatment of pain associated with retinopathies.

The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from individual to individual, also depending on the type of disorder that needs to be treated and depending on the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that is intended to be used.