Witch Hazel Herbs/Benefits

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Hi Everyone,

When looking at Witch Hazel you may think of the kind you would buy

over the counter that is in liquid form, used an an astrigent, on

face cleaning and pimples, and even as an after shave, however it is

an Herb and used for many benefits.

Here's some interesting info:

From my book " Indian Herbalogy of North America " by Alma R Hutchens.

Used as a non-alcoholic preparations for various irritations. To

check internal bleeding and especially for excessive menstruation,

haemorrhages from the lung, stomach, uterus, bowels ect. It can help

mostly all inflamed conditions, internally or externally. It is

useful in weakening and pain of diarrhoea, dystentery, excessive

muscus, and works for haemorrhoids. If bleeding you can inject 1/2 oz

solution into the rectum and retain as long as possible, repeat after

every bloody discharge. You can make a suppostory by making an

ointment from boiled leaves, bark and coconut oil and chilling. Also

you can use it as an enema for diarrhoea, dystentary, leucorrhoea and

simple vaginitis, and falling of the womb. A mouth wash for gums to

help with bleeding and inflamed conditions of the mouth and throat.

Also for inflammed eyes, use with a cotton application. To make a

stronger infusion the leaves, twigs, and bark may be used and are

stronger than the distilled extract.

Dose: Simmer 10 minutes 1 oz of the leaves or bark to 1 pint of

water. Take in wineglass doses 3 or 4 times a day daily. Of the

tincture, 5-20 drops.

Also:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/witch-hazel-herbal-remedies.htm

By Brett, ND

Benefits of Witch Hazel

Despite its name, there is nothing to fear from this low-growing

shrub, although its healing properties may seem a little like

witchcraft. Actually, witch hazel may have gotten its name from its

association with dowsing, which was once thought to be a form of

witchcraft.

Witch hazel's branches were once the wood of choice for dowsing rods,

whose purpose was to locate water, or " witch " a well. Although witch

hazel was once used to find hydration, it is now used as an herbal

remedy to dry and cleanse skin.

Uses for Witch Hazel

The bark, leaves, and twigs of witch hazel are all high in tannins,

giving this plant astringent properties. Astringents are substances

that can dry, tighten, and harden tissues. You may use an astringent

on your skin to tighten pores and remove excess oil.

A styptic pencil is a type of astringent, too, for astringents also

stop discharges. The astringent tannins in witch hazel temporarily

tighten and soothe aching varicose veins or reduce inflammation in

cases of phlebitis (an inflammation of a vein). Witch hazel also

contains procyanadins, resin, and flavonoids, all of which add to its

soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. A cloth soaked in strong

witch hazel tea reduces swelling and can relieve the pain of

hemorrhoids and bruises.

Almost all pharmacies carry some type of witch hazel preparation in

the form of lotions, hemorrhoidal pads, and suppositories. Besides

their use topically for hemorrhoids and veins, witch hazel lotions

are useful on rough, swollen, gardener's or carpenter's hands. You

can also use witch hazel internally to treat varicose veins,

hemorrhoids, or a prolapsed uterus, although not the witch

hazel/isopropyl alcohol preparation frequently found in drug stores.

Its ability to shrink swollen tissue makes witch hazel appropriate to

treat laryngitis as well. And a throat gargle of witch hazel, myrrh,

and cloves reduces the pain of an uncomfortable sore throat. Again,

use fresh tea or tincture, not the drugstore witch hazel, which

contains isopropyl alcohol. You can rinse your mouth with witch hazel

and myrrh for cases of swollen and infected gums. Place a dropper

full of tincture of each herb in 1/4 cup of water and use as a mouth

rinse. A teaspoon of strong witch hazel tea combined with one drop

each of myrrh and clove oil makes a pain- and inflammation-relieving

gum rub for use in teething babies.

A cotton swab dipped in a witch hazel, goldenseal, and calendula tea

and applied to the outer ear is useful in treating swimmer's ear.

Swimmer's ear is associated typically with pus and moisture in the

outer ear canal. Witch hazel helps dry up the secretions, while

goldenseal and calendula fight infection.

Witch hazel combined with arnica makes an excellent topical remedy

for the treatment of traumatic bruises, bumps, and sprains to relieve

pain and promote speedy healing. Witch hazel is sometimes combined

with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for use on external skin lesions;

this form of witch hazel should not be used internally.

If you have watery stools or blood or mucus in your stools on a

regular basis, your physician may suspect colitis or irritable bowel

syndrome and recommend witch hazel to reduce intestinal secretions

associated with these conditions. A tea made from witch hazel,

chamomile, mint, and a bit of thyme can be very effective for

diarrhea that accompanies an intestinal illness, or what we often

call stomach flu.

For best results, an herbalist can select the right tea formula for

you. If you wish to make a remedy at home, combine 1 tablespoon each

of dried chamomile and mint and 1.5 teaspoons of dried witch hazel

and thyme. Steep in 3 cups of hot water.

Witch hazel is an important botanical for controlling bleeding: It

can reduce bleeding when applied topically to a wound or used

internally for bleeding ulcers or bleeding gums. Of course, serious

wounds require medical treatment, but witch hazel can control

bleeding en route to a physician.

In the next section, you will learn how to prepare witch hazel for

herbal remedies and some of the potentially dangerous side effects.

Witch Hazel Preparations and Dosage

Witch hazel can be used externally or internally to help dry and

calm. Although it is a generally safe herb, there are some things to

keep in mind when using herbal remedies containing witch hazel.

Witch Hazel Preparations and Dosage

Witch hazel is most often used topically in the form of lotions,

poultices, and creams, but it is also added to tinctures and teas for

internal use.

Witch hazel is not recommended as a general daily beverage, but it

may be consumed for cases of hemorrhoids, diarrhea, or weak, lax

uterus, veins, and intestines. Some recipes are below.

Tincture: Use 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon, two to six times a day.

Herbal Tea: Drink several cups each day, when needed. Limit use to

several weeks duration.

Witch Hazel Precautions and Warnings

None for the herb itself; do not use commercial witch hazel

preparations internally if they contain isopropyl alcohol, which is a

poison.

Side Effects of Witch Hazel

The tannins in witch hazel can produce nausea if you take it too

frequently or take too large a dose at once.

When taken in the proper amounts, witch hazel can help dry out oily

skin, shrink swollen tissue and relieve a number of ailments. Just be

sure to use it with caution and be aware of what other things it is

mixed with in lotions and other compounds.

Witch Hazel Lotion

Prune witch hazel branches in the late fall or winter, and shave off

the bark with a sharp knife.

Cut into smallish chunks with a knife or scissors, and place in a

blender with enough vodka to cover the bark and blades of the

blender.

Chop as fine as possible, and transfer to a glass jar. Shake the

mixture vigorously once a day and strain after five to six weeks.

Combine 1 ounce of the witch hazel preparation with 1/2 ounce aloe

vera gel and 1/2 ounce vitamin E oil, then bottle.