| Witch Hazel - Hamamelis
Virginiana - also known as: Spotted Alder, Winterbloom, Snapping Hazelnut |
Witch Hazel is found in Canada and Northern American States. It has been
grown with some success in other countries. The Bark and leaves are
harvested. entire herb is used and is collected by harvesting and drying
(Thicker stems and roots may need to be split to facilitate drying). The herb
can be stored for prolonged periods after drying.
It is
used for treating: | | Varicose veins | Inflammation | Dysentery | | Rheumatism | Diarrhoea | Recuperative
tonic | | Internal Bleeding | External
Bleeding | mucous discharge | | Sedative | Astringent | |
Witch
Hazel
Constituents: | | Below we list
reported constituents of this herb. This may not be complete as continuous
research constantly discovers new constituents. Where possible we also provide
information about constituents and their application, effect and side effects,
if any. We do not provide information on the interaction between constituents.
We do not give quantities of each individual constituent as these vary
considerably due to region and climate. By comparing the treatments above with
the constituent benefits below some indication of quantities can be gained. | |
Flavonoids: Flavonoids occur (as white and yellow plant pigments
found almost as commonly as chlorophyll) as Glycosides or in a free state. In
plants it is essential for protecting plant tissue from UV radiation and acts as
antioxidants. As pigments it is also responsible for Autumn colors in leaves and
yellow/red pigmentation in flowers. Laboratory experiments have been
conducted on the beneficiary effect of Flavonoids on the heart and circulatory
system. Flavonoids are also used to mitigate stress, especially environmental
stress. Flavonoids are often used for their antioxidant effect against free
radicals. There are also strong indications that they have antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties but dosage has not been
determined which will obviously have a profound effect on their efficacy as a
component of this herb. |
Tannins: Tannins are the largest group of polyphenols found
widely in bark, wood, leaves and even some fruit. Widely used to tan animal
hides in the leather production industry this constituent is an Astringent,
works against inflammation in mucus membranes and other skin conditions,
prevents bleeding of small wounds as well as uterine bleeding and is effective
against diarrhoea and dysentery. Tannins should be used with care as they
tend to inhibit the absorption of other nutrients and substances therefore
reducing the efficacy of other medicinal compounds in the medication. | |
Volatile oil |
Saponins: Wound healing, anti-scarring. Saponins occur as
glycosides with aglycone structures that are steroidal or terpenoid. Saponins can cause the
destruction of red blood cells if injected causing anaemia or worse. Ingested
saponins are poorly absorbed in the digestive system reducing the risk of
poisoning but care must be taken on dosage as Saponins are mucus membrane
irritants.
Many herbs containing saponins have been identified as
"adaptogens" also referred to as harmony remedies (see: The Root of
being: Ginseng and the Pharmacology of Harmony - Stephen Fulder 1980).
Instead of being purely remedial herbs these adaptogens improves and energizes
vitality and resistance thereby keeping ailments at bay. It is claimed that
these adaptogens can improve mental functions like learning speed, awareness and
alertness as well as help with emotional and intellectual stress. As a tonic
they will also reduce the risk of infections by stimulating the immune system. Saponins are also expectorant, anti-inflammatory,
hepaprotective, combats cholesterol build up and antifungal. |
Administered
as: | | A distillate (most common) | Extract
powder or granules | Tincture | | Injection | Suppositories | Lotion | | Fluid
extract or syrup | Infusion | Ointment |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
The content of
this website, products offered on the website and any correspondence that we
may enter into with you have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Authority. The information and products offered on this website and any
website or publication that we may refer to or link to are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or in any way improve or ease any conditions,
disease or symptoms. The content of the website, products and documentation
provided is for your entertainment and enlightenment only. None of the
content of this website, packaging and documentation provided with products
offered on this website or any correspondence entered into is intended or
should be construed as a substitute or augmentation of advice from your
physician or medical practitioner. You should not use any information
provided by us in any form to diagnose or treat any condition or disease.
You must consult your healthcare practitioner or doctor before commencing
any dietary change, taking or ceasing to take any medication, starting or
stopping a treatment of any suspected or diagnosed medical condition or self
improvement plan. |
Warning! |
Read our detailed warning and disclaimer |
|
|
