Witch Hazel
source : pixabay
BASIC INFORMATION
Biological name (genus and species):
- Hamamelis virginiana
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
- Bark
- Leaves
- Twigs
Chemicals this herb contains:
- Bitters
- Calcium oxalate
- Gallic acid
- Hamamelitannin
- Hexose sugar
- Tannins
- Volatile oils
KNOWN EFFECTS
- Shrinks tissues (ointments, solutions, suppositories).
- Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
- Acts as a sedative.
- Treats diarrhea.
- Soothes irritated skin or hemorrhoids.
- Prevents secretion of fluids.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don’t take if you:
- Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.
- Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.
Consult your doctor if you:
- Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn’t improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments.
- Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Pregnancy:
- Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don’t use.
Breast-feeding:
- Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don’t use.
Infants and children:
- Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
Others:
- When used externally, no toxicity is expected.
- When used internally, no toxicity expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy and take for only a short time.
Storage:
- Keep cool and dry, but don’t freeze. Store safely away from children.
Safe dosage:
- At present no “safe” dosage has been established.
TOXICITY
Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time.
- For symptoms of toxicity: See ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS section below.
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
| Signs and symptoms: | What to do: |
| Constipation | Discontinue. Call doctor |
| when convenient. | |
| Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) | Discontinue. Call doctor |
| immediately. | |
| Nausea | Discontinue. Call doctor |
| immediately. | |
| Vomiting | Discontinue. Call doctor |
| immediately. |
From the Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. © 1988 by Fisher Books; electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange
