Hamamelis virginiana
(Witch hazel)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Astringent
• Hemostatic, especially for passive hemorrhages, wounds, local inflammations and venous laxity and congestion

Clinical Indications:

• Aphthous stomatitis
• Eczema
• Hemorrhoids
• Incontinence
• Bruises
• Eye Inflammations, use as a compress
• Sprains
• Varicose veins

Contraindications:

• Sensitive individuals may experience irritation of the stomach

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Limited data

Chemical Constituents:

• Bitters
• Flavonoids:
  
  Astragalin
  Kaempferol
  Myricitrin
  Quercitin
• Gallic acid
• Resin
• Saponins
• Tannins:
  
  Gallotannins with condensed catechins and proanthocyanins
• Volatile oil containing:
  
  Alpha-, Beta-, and gamma hamamelitannins with condensed tannins:
  
  d-gallocatechin
  l-epigallocatechin
  l-epicatechin
  Hexenol
  n-hexen-2-al

Toxicity:

• In rare cases, witch hazel tannins may cause liver damage

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).