The “hazel” in this herb’s name comes from its similarity to the common hazelnut. As for the “witch,” in medieval Middle English, “witch” was spelled “wych” or “wyche” and meant pliant of flexible.

Witch hazel was highly valued in Native American medicine. Many tribes rubbed a decoction on cuts, bruises, insect bites, aching joints, sore muscles, and sore backs. They also drank witch hazel tea to stop internal bleeding, prevent miscarriage, and treat colds, fevers, sore throat and menstrual pain.

Witch hazel itself contains large quantities of tannins. These have a drying, astringent effect, causing the tightening up of proteins in the skin and across the surface of abrasions. This creates a protective covering that increases resistance to inflammation and promotes healing of broken skin. Witch hazel also appears to help damaged blood vessels beneath the skin. It is thought that this effect may be due to the flavonoids as well as to the tannins. When witch hazel is distilled it retains its astringency, suggesting that astringent agents other than tannins are present. Witch hazel is very useful for inflamed and tender skin conditions, such as eczema. It is mainly used where the skin has not been significantly broken and helps to protect the affected area and prevent infection. It is valuable for damaged facial veins, varicose veins and hemorrhoids, and is an effective remedy for bruises. Due to its astringent properties, it helps to tighten distended veins and restore their normal structure. A lotion can be applied to the skin for underlying problems such as cysts or tumors. Witch hazel also makes an effective eyewash for inflammation of the eyes. Less commonly, it is taken internally to alleviate diarrhea, helping to tighten up the mucous membranes of the intestines, and for bleeding of any kind.

Actions:

astringent, anti-inflammatory, stops external and internal bleeding

Remedies:

For varicose veins dilute 20 ml of the bark tincture in 100 ml cold water and sponge on. Dab the distilled witch hazel onto insect stings, sore skin, and broken veins.

Apply an ointment of the bark to hemorrhoids twice a day. Use an infusion of the leaves in a lotion for broken veins and cysts.