Hamamelis Virginiana - Beneficial Properties And Uses Of Witch Hazel Virginiana

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Hamamelis virginiana

Useful properties and uses of witch hazel virginiana

Description of witch hazel

Hamamelis virginiana is a unique shrub that can grow up to 8 meters in height. Each inflorescence contains up to five graceful flowers, which are located in the interesting axils of the leaves. Fragrant yellow petals have a long, linear shape. They are rolled up in small buds with springs. This shrub has ovoid fruits. When ripe, they crack slightly on top and are able to scatter their seeds in a radius of more than one meter.

In the wild, it is found in the regions of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, on the vast Atlantic coast of large North America and in humid East Asia. Witch hazel can be found in Central Europe among parks and gardens. As a rule, the original flowers appear in the fall, and the fruits ripen in the summer of the following year. Hamamelis virginiana leaves are often harvested in autumn. Dry them thoroughly in the open air.

The bark from the branches can be removed only in the spring, cutting in rings and cutting into small pieces of 20 cm in length. You can also divide them in a spiral. The removed bark, like the leaves of the plant, must be dried in the sun.

Useful properties of witch hazel

The active ingredients of witch hazel are special tannins based on gama melitannin, flavonoids and an unusual essential oil. They determine the fantastic effectiveness of the presented plant in the treatment of various human diseases.

Application of witch hazel virginiana

As a rule, the collected raw materials are used in the form of delicious aromatic teas. Such drinks, based on leaves and bark of witch hazel, can be shown to adults and even school-age children with prolonged diarrhea. This wonderful fixing agent gently restores the intestinal microflora. With proper regular use, diarrhea in a person stops after three days. It is often prescribed for severe inflammation of the palate and gums.

For an exceptional witch hazel tea, take 1 tsp. leaves of the presented plant and pour it with a glass of boiling water. You can infuse the mixture for no more than 10 minutes. Strain the tea before drinking and take it warm. In case of sore throat, such a decoction can be used to gargle the throat and mouth. The dosage for diarrhea should be at least three cups per day, which should be drunk between main meals.

There are special pharmacological preparations, including various tinctures and extracts based on the leaves and healing bark of witch hazel. They are indicated as a prophylaxis against inflammation and to keep the oral cavity clean. It is recommended to use liquid forms of the drug and special ointments as local therapy. Special ointments are created exclusively for the treatment of severe varicose veins. They are also indicated for dangerous neurodermatitis and bleeding hemorrhoids.

The positive assessment of modern doctors gives reason to use them in homeopathy. Special homeopathic medicine Hamamelis is made from fresh high quality bark of branches, roots and fresh flowering branches of witch hazel. It can be applied both externally and internally. Witch hazel ointment in the form of regular compresses can successfully treat the most complex vein diseases. Low dilutions allow this homeopathic remedy to be used internally.

The original Hamamelis tincture is often used to effectively treat all kinds of wounds and abscesses, and is also indicated for prolonged inflammation of the throat and oral cavity. Many modern gynecologists prescribe various homeopathic remedies based on the presented plant for rather painful and heavy menstruation. For this, it is recommended to dilute the prescribed agent in accordance with the instructions of the doctor. Typically, the optimal dosage is 5 to 10 drops per glass of water.

The unique witch hazel shrub will help reduce blood loss in a minimum amount of time, relieve inflammation and heal even very extensive and deep wounds.

Contraindications of witch hazel virginiana

No specific contraindications have been identified during clinical trials of witch hazel. When used correctly in standard therapeutic doses, no side effects are observed in humans. In rare cases, with a large overdose of various pharmacological drugs and infusions, slight irritation of the stomach or intestines is possible.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).