{"id":2396,"date":"2017-04-11T22:00:38","date_gmt":"2017-04-11T22:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/?page_id=2396"},"modified":"2025-05-25T19:35:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T19:35:00","slug":"witch-hazel","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/1herbs\/witch-hazel\/","title":{"rendered":"Witch Hazel"},"content":{"rendered":"<div align=center>\n<h5>Contents:<\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"#Names\">Common Names<\/a> | <a href=\"#Parts\">Parts Usually Used<\/a> | <a href=\"#Description\">Plant(s) &amp; Culture<\/a> | <a href=\"#Where\">Where Found<\/a> | <a href=\"#Properties\">Medicinal Properties<\/a> | <a href=\"#Biochemical\">Biochemical Information<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#Legends\">Legends, Myths and Stories<\/a> | <a href=\"#Uses\">Uses<\/a> | <a href=\"#Dosages\">Formulas or Dosages<\/a> | <a href=\"#Sold\">How Sold<\/a> | <a href=\"#Links\">Resource Links<\/a> | <a href=\"#Bibliography\">Bibliography<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Scientific Names<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/WitchHazel2.jpg\" align=\"right\" width=\"350\" height=\"477\" alt=\"Witch Hazel\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Hamamelis virginiana L.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Hamamelidaceae<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Witch-hazel family<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a name=\"Names\">Common Names<\/a> <\/h3>\n<p><b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hazel nut (not the American hazelnut (Corylus americana L.)<\/li>\n<li>Pistachio<\/li>\n<li>Snapping hazel<\/li>\n<li>Spotted alder<\/li>\n<li>Striped alder<\/li>\n<li>Tobacco wood<\/li>\n<li>Winterbloom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/b> <a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a> <\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Parts\">Parts Usually Used<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Bark and leaves<br \/>\n<a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Description\">Description of Plant(s) and Culture<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/WitchHazel1.jpg\" align=\"right\" width=\"350\" height=\"234\" alt=\"Witch Hazel\"><\/p>\n<p>Witch hazel is a tall, deciduous shrub or small tree; growing to a height of up to 15 feet, the stems and branches are covered with scaly gray to light, brown bark. The alternate, elliptic to obovate leaves are coarsely toothed and often are finely hairy on the veins underneath. The fragrant, light yellow flowers have 4 strap-shaped petals and grow in nodding, axillary clusters, blooming in autumn when the leaves are falling. The fruit is a woody capsule which ejects two shining black seeds when they ripen during the summer or autumn following the flowers.<\/p>\n<p><b>Another variety:<\/b> The Chinese witch hazel (H. japonica), Chinese name Chiu-lu-mei, does not seem to have been used medicinally in China.<br \/>\n            <a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Where\">Where Found<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/WitchHazel.jpg\" align=\"right\" width=\"350\" height=\"350\" alt=\"Witch Hazel\"><\/p>\n<p>Grows in damp woods from Nova Scotia to Georgia and Nebraska, Minnesota south to Florida and Texas; it is also cultivated elsewhere for its autumn-blooming flowers.<br \/>\n<a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Properties\">Medicinal Properties<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Astringent, hemostatic, sedative, styptic, tonic<br \/>\n<a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Biochemical\">Biochemical Information<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Tannin, traces of essential oil, flavonoids, choline and a saponin. The bark contains less tannin.<br \/>\n<a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Legends\">Legends, Myths and Stories<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Witch hazel was first used, as far as we know, by the Native Americans.<\/p>\n<p>The Native Americans watched for this plant to be in bloom; they took it as an indication that the frost was entirely gone and they might sow their corn. Also, it was a good spring herald for a good horse race.<\/p>\n<p>Many wells have been dug in this land where the witch hazel has indicated. At one time, one would hear occasionally, of people making a business of &#8220;water witching.&#8221; Despite the unscientific concept, some folks still swear by its many successes.<\/p>\n<p>Witch hazel&#8217;s name is thought to be derived from early American settlers who used this plant&#8217;s forked branches as a divining rod in their searches for water or gold, just as the hazel&#8217;s branches were used in England. It is also possible that the name was transferred from the English wych-hazel, or wych-elm, with its ultimate origin in the Old English word wican, meaning &#8220;to yield&#8221;. The reference, of course, would be the springiness of the wood.<br \/>\n            <a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Uses\">Uses<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Leaves and bark have served mostly to make astringent preparations, which have been taken internally for diarrhea and used externally as a rinse or gargle for mouth and throat irritations, colds, and as a vaginal douche for vaginitis. For skin irritations, bruises, varicose veins, tonic after abortions, insect bites and stings, minor burns, and poison ivy, an ointment made from the fluid extract or a poultice can be applied. Local application for gonorrhea and leukorrhea. A poultice made from the inner bark is said to be effective for hemorrhoids and for eye inflammation. The inner bark also has sedative and hemostatic properties.<\/p>\n<p>Twig tea was rubbed on athletes&#8217; legs to keep muscles limber, relieve lameness, wounds, and swellings; tea for bloody dysentery, cholera, cough, and asthma. Used externally for bruises and sore muscles, minor pains, itching. Diluted with water or mixed with honey, the powder may be topically applied as a dressing for burns, scalds, scrapes, bruises, abrasions, and crushed toes and fingers. An effective wash for sunburn, inflamed breasts, and for various rashes. It is often used as an after-shave lotion.<br \/>\n            <a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Dosages\">Formulas or Dosages<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><b>Decoction:<\/b> boil 1 tsp. bark or leaves in 1 cup water 15-20 minutes. Take 1 cup a day, a mouthful at a time.<\/p>\n<p> <b>Tincture:<\/b> a dose is from 5-20 drops.<\/p>\n<p><b>Ointment:<\/b> mix 1 part fluid extract with 9 parts lard or vaseline.<\/p>\n<p>Witch hazel &#8220;extract&#8221;, used externally as a skin toner, is a common item in American medicine cabinets.<br \/>\n            <a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Sold\">How Sold<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Over-the-counter products are available in every pharmacy. Bottled witch-hazel water, widely available, is a steam distillate that does not contain the astringent tannins of the shrub. Apply to irritated areas several times a day.<\/p>\n<p>Do not take internally witch hazel purchased at the drug store. It contains an alcohol that is not intended for internal use.<br \/>\n            <a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Links\">Resource Links<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/2024\/12\/29\/herbal-preparations-for-pets-safe-and-effective-options\/\" target=\"_blank\">Herbal Preparations for Pets: Safe and Effective Options<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/2024\/12\/26\/understanding-plant-constituents-from-alkaloids-to-flavonoids\/\" target=\"_blank\">Understanding Plant Constituents: From Alkaloids to Flavonoids<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<hr size=3 width=80% COLOR=\"#004040\" align=\"center\">\n<h3><a name=\"Bibliography\">Bibliography<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0879040076\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0879040076&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> The Herb Book<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0879040076\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0916638022\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=0916638022&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20&#038;linkId=DCBTQXKQDJAPNSBV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> The Herbalist Almanac<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0916638022\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1988, fifth printing, 1994<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0940985136\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=0940985136&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20&#038;linkId=QONM667OBGHTXOWO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> Back to Eden<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0940985136\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/048642801X\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=048642801X&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20&#038;linkId=GTJNY7NJGPLCOMPV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> Chinese Medicinal Herbs<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=048642801X\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, compiled by Shih-Chen Li, Georgetown Press, San Francisco, California, 1973.<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0395988144\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=0395988144&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20&#038;linkId=X7ZTSHWQ2N4GVWXT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> Eastern\/Central Medicinal Plants<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0395988144\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0879835591\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0879835591&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0879835591\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991<\/p>\n<p><i>Herbal Gardening<\/i>, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0916638189\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0916638189&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" alt=\"Buy It!\" border=\"0\"> Old Ways Rediscovered<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0916638189\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, published from 1954, print 1988<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0743225481\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=0743225481&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20&#038;linkId=GAJ2HBKGV4RC6P3C\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" alt=\"Buy It!\" border=\"0\"> Earl Mindell&#8217;s Herb Bible<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0684856395\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., Simon &#038; Schuster\/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0941524272\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0941524272&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> Planetary Herbology<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0941524272\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/156458187X\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=156458187X&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> The Complete Medicinal Herbal<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=156458187X\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0877736391\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=0877736391&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20&#038;linkId=GBRRZSF7AD7KSQT4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> Indian Herbalogy of North America<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0877736391\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B001RFJ4OK\/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=9325&#038;creativeASIN=B001RFJ4OK&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20&#038;linkId=WTTGW7GJFD75FLVP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> American Folk Medicine<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0690066937\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1973<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1476705046\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=1476705046&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> Webster&#8217;s New World Dictionary<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=1476705046\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, New World Dictionaries: A Division of Simon &#038; Schuster, Inc., 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0517691132\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0517691132&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" alt=\"Buy It!\" border=\"0\"> <em>An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants<\/em><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0517691132\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/>, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, Crescent Books (January 27, 1992).<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0941524248\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0941524248&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" width=41 height=16 border=0 alt=\"Buy It!\"> The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0941524248\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, by Dr. David Frawley &#038; Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.<\/p>\n<p><i><a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0878570764\/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0878570764&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;tag=medherinf-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/buyit.gif\" alt=\"Buy It!\" border=\"0\"> The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature&#8217;s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book)<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=medherinf-20&#038;l=as2&#038;o=1&#038;a=0878570764\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" style=\"border:none !important; margin:0px !important;\" \/><\/i>, edited by William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. Emmaus, PA, 18049., 1974<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\"><font size=\"-1\">Back to Top<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n<p><center>\t<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4390707348229770\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- MHI-wide-728x90 --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-4390707348229770\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"5012760358\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/center><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Contents: Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) &amp; Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Resource Links | Bibliography Scientific Names Hamamelis virginiana L. Hamamelidaceae Witch-hazel family Common Names Hazel nut (not the American hazelnut (Corylus&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/1herbs\/witch-hazel\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;Witch Hazel&rdquo;<\/span> &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"iawp_total_views":73,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2396","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Witch Hazel - Medicinal Herb Info<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Witch Hazel leaves and bark are used mostly to make astringent preparations, which have been taken internally for diarrhea and used externally as a rinse or gargle for mouth and throat irritations, colds and more\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/1herbs\/witch-hazel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Witch Hazel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Witch Hazel leaves and bark are used mostly to make astringent preparations, which have been taken internally for diarrhea and used externally as a rinse or gargle for mouth and throat irritations, colds and more\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/1herbs\/witch-hazel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Medicinal Herb Info\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-25T19:35:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/WitchHazel.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"350\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"350\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Witch Hazel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Witch Hazel leaves and bark are used mostly to make astringent preparations, which have been taken internally for diarrhea and used externally as a rinse or gargle for mouth and throat irritations, colds and more\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/medicinalherbinfo.org\/000Herbs2016\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/WitchHazel.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/medicinalherbinfo.org\\\/000Herbs2016\\\/1herbs\\\/witch-hazel\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/medicinalherbinfo.org\\\/000Herbs2016\\\/1herbs\\\/witch-hazel\\\/\",\"name\":\"Witch Hazel - 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