Witch Hazel:
Common names for Witch Hazel are common witch hazel, Southern witch hazel, and witch-hazel. Having the scientific name of hamamelis virginiana. Hamamelis comes from the Greek word “hama” meaning “at the same time” and melon, which refers to the fact that this plant can have both fruit and flower appearing at the same time. Witch hazel is in the Hamamelidaceae family of shrubs or small trees and is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves in winter. Witch hazel however, may grow to 15-20 feet tall. This plant is native to eastern North America and can be found growing along woodland areas and along stream banks from Canada to Mexico (Hamamelis Virginiana (Common Witchhazel, Common Witch Hazel, Southern Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel, Witch-Hazel) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, n.d.).
Early European settlers witnessed Native Americans using witch hazel to find water from underground sources. This led to the practice of using a “divining rod” to find water where the dowsing end of the forked branch would bend downward when underground water was detected by the dowser (American Witchhazel, n.d.).
Brief introduction to the traditional and present medicinal use of this herb:
Medicinal uses of witch hazel include topical treatment for bruises, eczema, hemorrhoids, dermatitis, varicose veins, and inflamed swellings. As an antioxidant, it can be helpful for anti-aging and anti-wrinkling of the skin. Human experiments have shown suppression of UVB mediated sunburn with topical application of lotions containing witch hazel. Application of leaf extract topically produces a noticeable reduction in both skin temperature and vasoconstrictive activity. Hamamelis concentrate demonstrated significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 in vitro (Marciano, n.d.).
Specific Pharmacodynamics associated with this herb:
Witch Hazel is an osmotic dehydrating agent that with lubricating and hygroscopic (readily absorbs moisture) properties. It causes plasma osmolality, which leads to the movement of water from the extravascular spaces into the plasma via osmosis. (A.E.R. Witch Hazel Actions, Administration, Pharmacology, n.d.).
Specific Pharmacokinetics associated with this herb:
Witch hazel is absorbed readily from the GI tract. Metabolism occurs mainly in the liver and is excreted in the urine as an unchanged drug (A.E.R. Witch Hazel Actions, Administration, Pharmacology, n.d.).
Toxicology and Potential Adverse reactions associated with this herb:
Toxicity: Witch hazel if taken internally, it should be for the shortest time possible.
Hydrolysable tannins which can be broken down readily by acid, alkali or certain enzymes can yield gallic or ellagic acid, and ultimately pyrogallol which is antiseptic, caustic and hepatotoxic.
Contraindications: Relative internal use due to hydrolyzable tannins.
Interactions: Tannins when extracted in hot water, can produce alkaloids from plants, drugs, metals, minerals, proteins, salicylates, iodine, and B vitamins, consequently, reducing, blocking or slowing their absorption. The drug-tannin reaction may interfere with dosing, if sources from the two compounds are combined in a solution before administration (Marciano, n.d.).
References:
Hamamelis virginiana (Common Witchhazel, Common Witch Hazel, Southern Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel, Witch-Hazel) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). NC State University. Retrieved February 10, 2022, from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hamamelis-virginiana/
American Witchhazel. (n.d.). United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved February 10, 2022, from https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/hamamelis_virginiana.shtml
Marciano, M. (n.d.). Hamamelis virginiana. The Naturopathic Herbalist. Retrieved February 10, 2022, from https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/2015/09/25/hamamelis-virginiana/
A.E.R. Witch Hazel Actions, Administration, Pharmacology. (n.d.). Ndrugs. Retrieved February 10, 2022, from https://www.ndrugs.com/?s=a.e.r.%20witch%20hazel&t=actions
Photo credit:
Williams, H. C. (n.d.). Leaves [Photograph]. NC State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hamamelis-virginiana
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