Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Hamamelidaceae, or witch hazel family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Witch hazels occur naturally in cooler climates with defined seasons. They can tolerate a range of light levels, from full sun to heavy shade. Full sun is best for most cultivated witch hazels because it produces a more compact shape with more spectacular blooming, although light shade is beneficial in hotter climates where drought is common. Being from a damp woodland environment, the aqueous bark of witch hazel was traditionally used to treat hemorrhage, inflammation, and hemorrhoids. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Bark, leaf ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Astringent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-septic
• Local hemostasis ^[2]
5. Indications:
• Minor skin injury
• Local inflammation of skin and mucus membranes
• Hemorrhoids
• Varicose veins
• Oral hygiene ^[2]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Tannins
• Catechins
• Phenolic acids
• Flavonoids ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Integumentary system ^[1]  
8. Energetics:
• Cooling
• Drying
• Light
• Clear ^[1]
9. Safety:
• No contraindications known ^[1]
10. Interactions:
• None known ^[1]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The prepared witch hazel extract is clear and has the distinct smell of witch hazel which I can only describe as sour and drying. It is a familiar smell to me.
2. Preparation Method:
• Extract provided by instructor.
3. Usage Notes:
• I have been using a witch hazel, rose petal, and aloe vera toner on my face every night for the last few years. I used to use plain witch hazel, but I didn’t like the unpleasant smell. I was not a fan of using the pure extract this week. The extract made my skin feel tight and dry – although did reduce redness after repeated use (after the initial redness of application faded). I wouldn't use this every day, only for acute variscosities as are mentioned in the monograph.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
2. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Vulnerary Herbs Powerpoint. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum