Witch Hazel

Part used: twig and leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally used as an astringent for bleeding (internal and external), haemorrhoids, bruises, inflamed swellings and varicose veins, and for diarrhoea/dysentery.

How to prepare (traditional): Infusion: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried herb and infuse 10-15 minutes. Most commonly found and used as distilled witch hazel and in ointments and other topical formulations.

Dosage note (descriptive only): Drunk three times a day.

Part used: twig and leaf

Traditional use: Astringent.

How to prepare (traditional): Tincture at 1:5 in 40% alcohol.

Dosage note (descriptive only): 1-2 ml three times a day.

Part used: bark

Traditional use: Traditionally applied externally to varicose veins.

How to prepare (traditional): Tincture of the bark diluted in cold water and sponged onto the skin.

Dosage note (descriptive only): The book suggests diluting 1 tbsp in 1/2 cup (100 ml) cold water and sponging onto varicose veins.

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally applied to insect stings, sore skin and broken veins.

How to prepare (traditional): Distilled witch hazel (leaves and young twigs distilled), dabbed onto the skin.

Dosage note (descriptive only): Dabbed onto insect stings, sore skin, and broken veins.

Part used: bark

Traditional use: Traditionally applied to hemorrhoids.

How to prepare (traditional): Ointment of the bark.

Dosage note (descriptive only): The book suggests applying to hemorrhoids twice a day.

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally applied externally for broken veins and cysts.

How to prepare (traditional): Infusion of the leaves, used as a lotion.

Dosage note (descriptive only): Used as a lotion for broken veins and cysts.