Witch hazel is an effective natural remedy for heavy legs, varicose veins, gynecological and skin problems. Floral water, hydrosol, herbal tea, oil… How to use it? What are its health benefits? Manual.
What is witch hazel?
Shrub native to North America, having the botanical name Hamamelis virginiana, thewitch Hazel also bears the names of speckled alder and American hazel and witch hazel. Able to measure up to 4 meters in height, witch hazel has alternate rough leaves and a short petiole. Its yellow flowers, with four petals are born at the same time as the fruits. It is the leaves and young stems that are used for their therapeutic virtues.
What are the health benefits of witch hazel?
► Witch hazel is used in various conditions of the venous system: varicose veins and varicosities, heavy legs, hemorrhoids, venous congestion, sequelae of phlebitis, dysmenorrhea, congestive metrorrhagia, prostatic congestion. “These are its properties astringent (thanks to the tannins which tighten the tissues), vasoconstrictor (strengthens the veins) and anti-inflammatories which give it these indications“, explains Amélie Mounier, naturopath. This plant can be used alone or with adjuvants that reinforce or complete its action. “Combined with other plants such as red vine, yarrow, hazel, horse chestnut, it promotes blood circulation and improves venous return, comments the naturopath. And associated with the shepherd’s purse, it is also effective against diarrhea by slowing down transit“.
► Witch hazel is also known for skin care acting on its properties on eczema, inflammations and skin irritationsrosacea of the face.
► Witch hazel is also used in the composition of restful and refreshing eye lotions.
What parts of the plant are used?
It is the dried leaves, bark and twigs that are used in witch hazel remedies. The different galenic forms of the plant (infusion, water, mother tincture…) are also a mixture of the parts of this shrub.
What precautions for use and contraindications?
Do not confuse witch hazel liquid extract or tincture with witch hazel water or hydrosol. The water is a distillate of leaves, bark and twigs, reserved for external use only such as creams. Only the infusion, decoction, liquid extract, mother tincture and hydrosol may be swallowed, unless formulated for cosmetic use. There are no known contraindications, nor any interaction with drugs. “However, there may be a very rare skin reaction or stomach irritation.“, warns the naturopath.
“Witch hazel tea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.but also the week before an operation (the plant thins the blood and activates the circulation, there is a risk of hemorrhage), and not recommended for people on anticoagulant treatment“ warns the naturopath.
Witch hazel floral water is used directly on the skin, on a cotton pad or as a compress, 2 to 4 times a day. The naturopath advises a certain use depending on the desired effect:
- To tighten the pores of the skin and fight against rosacea: the astringent and anti-inflammatory properties are of interest in these cases. Ideal for combination, oily skin but also against rosacea for which witch hazel will activate micro circulation. Apply to the face morning and/or evening as a spray. Leave to dry for a few seconds then tap with your fingertips to help penetration or remove the excess with a cotton ball or a handkerchief but without rubbing. Be careful, however, the hydrosol can dry out the skin. Stop or alternate if this is the case.
- Against skin irritations but also againstinsect bites, sunburn, witch hazel is soothing. Apply as a spray 2-3 times a day to the affected area, until improvement.
- For reactive skin: witch hazel is recommended for sensitive and reactive skin. Applying it morning and evening reduces and calms skin reactions. To be applied by spraying.
- Against circulatory problems: the toning effect of witch hazel is obtained by local application, as a compress for example, once a day, rather in the morning for its toning properties, by spraying directly on the legs and letting the hydrosol penetrate.
- Against diarrhea: witch hazel hydrosol is used internally: 1 teaspoon in a glass of water, to drink once a day, no more than 5 days. Consult a doctor if the problems persist, recommends the naturopath.
“Prepare witch hazel infusion by putting 1 tablespoon of dried leaves for one cup. Infuse covered for 10-15 min and drink 1 to 3 cups/day between meals, as a 21-day cure (possibility of doing a cure 2-3 times a year depending on feelings and needs)“, indicates the naturopath.
► In case of heavy, swollen and painful legs: “Witch hazel will be combined with other plants (red vine, yarrow, witch hazel and/or hazel leaves, horse chestnut) to improve venous return, reduce pain and provide more comfort on a daily basis. Herbal teas all ready with quality plants exist in herbalism“, advises the naturopath.
► In case of hemorrhoids: “combine the witch hazel with horse chestnut (bark): 2 tablespoons of witch hazel + 1 tablespoon of horse chestnut in 75 cl of water, make a decoction and let boil for 2 min, then leave to infuse outside fire 10 min, filter and drink during the day until improvement. As a reminder, the decoction is prepared by putting 1 tablespoon of leaves for a cup of cold water. Put the leaves in cold water and boil for 3 minutes. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes off the heat. Filter and drink over the duration of the symptom” recommends the naturopath.
What are the unwanted side effects?
Digestion of witch hazel can be slightly difficult in some sensitive people. It is then preferable to take small amounts repeated during the day. “an allergic reaction (inflammation of the skin) may occur. Always do a test before use.” indicates the naturopath.
Thanks to Amélie Mounier, certified FENA naturopath, in Vincennes.