Witch hazel virginiana

Hamamelis virginiana (Hamamelis: stands for Greek hama = simultaneously and melon = apple/fruit), also known as witch hazel or virginian witch hazel, is a deciduous shrub that only occurs in a few species and grows as a large bush or small tree. Hamamelis virginiana is native to East Asia and North America. Extracts from the plant were already widely used by the indigenous population of North America as a wound healing agent. The shrub did not reach Europe until the 18th century. In 1736, witch hazel was introduced to England under the name "witch hazel". In Central Europe, witch hazel is known as a hardy shrub in gardens and parks.

In winter, Hamamelis virginiana develops small, yellow to orange, star-shaped flowers on the bare branches, which have a sweet and fruity scent. The oval, hazelnut-like leaves turn yellow to orange in the fall.

The dried leaves (witch hazel leaves - Hamamelidis folium) and the dried bark (witch hazel bark - Hamamelidis cortex) are used phytotherapeutically.

The steam distillate witch hazel water is produced from witch hazel leaves or flowers or witch hazel bark and is widely used therapeutically.

The "Virginian witch hazel" is used economically intensively as a medicinal plant. The extracted medicinal roe (Hamamelidis aqua, Hamamelidis cortex, Hamamelidis folium) have an astringent, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antipruritic effect. Hamamelis extracts contain tanning agents of the tannin type(up to 9%), including hamamelitannin, monogalloylhamameloses, flavonoids and essential oil (see also under the respective extracts).

Naturopathic applications:

• Hamamelis virginale is the parent plant of Hamamelidis folium, the official hamalis leaves (Ph.Helv.7; DAC).
• Hamamelis virginale is the parent plant of Hamamelidis Cortex, the official hamamelis bark (DAC).

The following extracts are used cosmetically:

• Hamamelis virginiana extract is the extract from the branches or leaves as well as from the dried and crushed bark of the trunks of Hamamelis virginiana, the Virginian witch hazel.
• Hamamelis virginiana water is an aqueous solution from the flowers of Hamaelis virginiana.
• Hamamelis virginiana distillate is an aqueous solution obtained by steam distillation from the freshly cut and partially dried branches or leaves, as well as from the bark of the trunks of Hamamelis virginiana.

The following preparations of Hamamelis virginale are used homeopathically:

• Hamamelis virginiana e folis, from the fresh leaves; further: Hamamelis extract Hazeline, Hamamelis virginana ethanol decot (HAB1).

For a topical preparation with 10% witch hazel extract an anti-inflammatory efficacy was proven in the UV erythema test. The effect was weaker than that of a 1% hydrocortisone application.

Superficial skin infections, local inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids, chronic venous insufficiency.

Apply 1-3 times/day to the diseased area.

^Hametum® wound and healing ointment, ^Hametum® hemorrhoid ointment, ^Hametum® mono suppositories,

Hamasana Hamamelis Ointment, Hamamelis Ointment N LAW, Hamadest® Ointment

Hamamelis virginiana is synonymously called "witch hazel" (Greek for "hama" [at the same time] and "melon" [apple, fruit]) because the tree bears fruit in the same year before flowering. The drug was widely used by the Indians of North America as a wound healing remedy. The shrub only reached Europe in the 18th century as an ornamental plant.

1. Beikert FC et al. (2013) Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Dermatologist 64:40-46.
2. Hughes-Formella BJ et al (2002) Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 15:125-132.
3. Reuter J et al. (2007) Sage extract rich in phenolic diterpens inhibits ultraviolet-induced erythema in vivo. Planta Med 73: 1190-1191
4. Wolff HH et al.(2007) Hamamelis in children with skin disorders and skin injuries: results of an observational study. Eur J Pediatr 166:943-948.
5. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 118-120.
6. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/hamamelis.php