Witch Hazel 4:1

Botanical: Hamamelis virginiana
Family: Hamamelidaceae (witch hazel)

Other common names: Snapping Hazelnut, Winterbloom, Hamamelis, Hazel Nut, Snapping Hazel, Spotted Alder, Striped Alder, Tobacco Wood

Witch Hazel is the most applicable and easy-to-use astringent for common usage.  Very valuable for stopping either internal or external bleeding, this herb is especially useful in the easing of hemorrhoids.  Witch Hazel is also used for the treatment of bruises and inflamed swellings, as well as varicose veins.

NOTE: Never drink Witch Hazel purchased from the pharmacy; it contains an alcohol that is not intended for internal use.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Witch Hazel is a shrub native to North America, and now also grows in Europe.  One reason Witch Hazel is so-called is because of the fact that the forked branches were made into a divining rod used for dowsing water or gold, also known as "Water Witching."  The parts of this plant used medicinally are the bark, leaves and twigs.  Known properties of this herb are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, sedative, styptic and tonic.

The primary chemical constituents of Witch Hazel include tannins (gallic acid), catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oil in the leaves (carvacol, eugenol, hexaenol), choline, saponins and bitters.  Tannins and volatile oils are the main active constituents.  The flavonoid content helps heal damaged blood vessels and contributes to the plant's astringent properties.  The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic activity makes Witch Hazel an ingredient in over-the-counter hemorrhoid products such as TucksT and Preparation HT pads.  Topical applications of this herb include which is applied to bedsores, bruises, eczema, insect bites, poison ivy or oak and sunburn. This herb has a lso been applied to blemishes and pimples, and Native Americans used poultices of Witch Hazel leaves and bark to treat hemorrhoids, wounds, painful tumors, insect bites and skin ulcers.  Athletes sometimes rub Witch Hazel on their limbs prior to workouts to prevent muscle strain.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Currently, there appear to be no warnings or contraindications with the use of Witch Hazel.  However, because of its high tannin and volatile oil content, this herb should not be used over long periods of time; in rare cases the bark may cause liver damage if too much is absorbed. Use of Witch Hazel may cause stomach upset, constipation or nausea.  Never drink Witch Hazel purchased from the drug store; it contains an alcohol that is not intended for internal use.

Capsule Information:
Our Witch Hazel supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.