Witch Hazel - Herbal Research
A WHO Organizational resource: Witch Hazel - FULL REPORT
Medicinal uses supported by clinical data
Topically for minor skin lesions, bruises and sprains (3, 5, 20), local inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes (3, 5, 20-24), haemorrhoids (3, 5, 20, 25-28) and varicose veins (3).
Uses described in pharmacopoeias and in traditional systems of medicine
Topically as a haemostat (27).
Uses described in folk medicine, not supported by experimental or clinical data
Treatment of colitis, diarrhoea, dysentery, dysmenorrhoea, eye inflammations, haematuria, kidney pains, neuralgia, nosebleeds and excessive menstruation. Also as a tonic (6, 7, 19).
References:
3. Blumenthal M et al., eds. The complete German Commission E monographs. Austin, TX, American Botanical Council, 1998.
5. Blaschek W et al., eds. Hagers Handbuch der pharmazeutischen Praxis. Folgeband 2: Drogen A-K, 5th ed. Berlin, Springer-Verlag, 1998.
6. Laux P, Oschmann R. Die Zaubernuss - Hamamelis virginiana L. Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie, 1993, 14:155-166.
7. Farnsworth NR, ed. NAPRALERT database. Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, February 9, 1998 production (an online database available directly through the University of Illinois at Chicago or through the Scientific and Technical Network [STN] of Chemical Abstracts Services).
19. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal medicines: a guide for healthcare professionals. London, The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
20. ESCOP monographs on the medicinal uses of plant drugs. Fascicule 5. Devon, European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy, 1997.
21. Korting HC et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1993, 44:315-318.
22. Moore W, James DK. A random trial of three topical analgesic agents in the treatment of episiotomy pain following instrumental vaginal delivery. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1989, 10:35-39.
23. Pfister R. Zur Problematik der Behandlung und Nachbehandlung chronischer Dermatosen. Eine klinische Studie über Hametum Salbe. Fortschritte der Medizin, 1981, 99:1264-1268.
24. Swoboda M, Meurer J. Therapie von Neurodermitis mit Hamamelis virginiana Extrakt in Salbenform. Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie, 1991, 12:114-117.
25. Knoch HG. Hämorrhoiden ersten Grades: Wirksamkeit einer Salbe auf pflanzlicher Basis. Münchener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 1991, 133:481-484.
26. Knoch HG et al. Salbenbehandlung von Hämorrhoiden ersten Grades. Fortschritte der Medizin, 1992, 110:135-138.
27. Reynolds JEF, Prasad AB. Martindale, the extra pharmacopoeia, 30th ed. London, The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
28. Steinhart GP. Anorektale Beschwerden: viele Symptome und was tun? Ärztliche Praxis, 1982, 34:963-964.
