Witch Hazel

Species name:  Hamamelis.

Also known as: Spotted Alder, Winterbloom, Snapping Hazelnut.

Witch Hazel is an interesting plant that has been used for many centuries for many different uses in people.

You might remember grandma using some when you scraped your knee or maybe you’ve even used it on your own children. Did you know that this plant has many common household uses and as a medicine can treat many different conditions?

What is Witch Hazel? Witch Hazel is a very common bush or small tree from Maine to Florida and west to the Plains. 

This plant is native to North America and is named because of its forked branches. Hamamelis is the technical term for the plant witch hazel which is used to treat many common conditions, most of which have to do with bleeding or the skin.

Witch Hazel is used in different forms for different things. The bark and leaves are astringent, the extract is used medicinally. Extracts from its bark and leaves are used in aftershave lotions and also lotions for treating bruises.

The seeds contain a quantity of oil and are edible. This herb was often used by the North American Indians as poultices for painful swellings and tumors. It is still believed today to be helpful with treating this.

Home Remedies using Witch Hazel:

Benefits of Witch Hazel:

Witch Hazel has been used for many years for treating different medical related conditions in people. It is commonly used as a general household remedy for burns, scalds, and inflammatory conditions of the skin.

Wormwood tea is believed to help with internal bleeding and complaints of the stomach although it is most commonly used with skin related conditions such as scrapes, bruises and even eczema. It is even sometimes used to try to treat pimples or acne on the skin and the face.

It has sometimes even been used as a douche for vaginitis and as a salve for sore muscles and hemorrhoids. Liquid forms of witch hazel have been used as a gargle for sore throat and tonsillitis.

Uses of Witch Hazel:

  • Treating scrapes and bruises
  • Treat inflammatory skin conditions and burns
  • Eczema
  • Varicose veins
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Tincture (from the bark) - 1 drachm in 3 OZ. cold water given as enema for piles.
  • Lotion - 1 or 2 drachms with water to an ounce useful for bruises.

Side Effects of Witch Hazel:

Nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, and constipation may occur.