Botanical Overview
Hamamelis virginiana, commonly known as witch hazel or American witch-hazel, belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae. It is native to Eastern North America. The medicinal parts used include the bark, leaves, twigs, and leaf-distilled water. Witch hazel is well recognized for its use in topical preparations for skin and circulatory conditions.
Energetics
This herb is traditionally considered to have a cooling temperature and drying moisture. Its taste profile includes astringent and bitter notes. Witch hazel exhibits a descending directionality and is generally tonifying, acting primarily on the qi aspect in traditional herbal energetics.
Primary Actions
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Venotonic (supports venous tone)
Indications
Western
- Varicose veins
- Hemorrhoids
- Skin irritation and minor bruises
- Inflammation of skin and mucous membranes
- Venous insufficiency
Syndromes
- Venous stasis
- Capillary fragility
- Cutaneous inflammation
TCM
No well-established uses documented.
Ayurveda
No well-established uses documented.
Unani
No well-established uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
This plant contains tannins (notably proanthocyanidins), flavonoids, essential oils, and gallic acid. These constituents contribute to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and venotonic effects, supporting the integrity of capillaries and reducing inflammation.
Dosage & Preparations
- Aqueous distillate (hydrosol): 10-20 mL applied topically 1-2 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 (50% ethanol): 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily, mainly topical but sometimes internal use noted
- External aqueous extracts or creams applied as needed
Safety & Contraindications
Witch hazel is generally considered safe for topical use, though sensitive individuals may experience minor skin irritation. Oral safety data is limited; caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation. Avoid use on open wounds. Known contraindications include hypersensitivity to witch hazel and application on broken skin. There are no well-established drug interactions reported.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified for Hamamelis virginiana.
Selected References
- Community herbal monograph on Hamamelis virginiana L., cortex and folium – EMA (2010)
- Hamamelis virginiana – Witch Hazel – Plants For A Future
- Witch Hazel – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2022)
- Weedon’s Herbs of the Northern Woodlands – C. Weedon (1990)