WITCH HAZEL Hamamelis Virginiana

Posted by Tricia on 12 September 2011 | 0 Comments

Tags: witch hazel, hamamelis, virginiana, haemorrhoids, varicose, veins, tannins, astringent, toner

It's a funny shrub, my hamamelis virginiana. The skinny branches arch up in an ungainly manner, reminding me of an awkward teenager. No longer a cute little kid and not yet a robust and fully developed adult. Even when it wears it's spiderlike flowers it still manages to look out of place somehow. I suppose it is out of place here in my garden. This variety originates from North America as an under-story plant in great forests. It was a favourite of the Indian Nation. One of their trusted medicines quickly adopted and commercialised by the colonials. Becoming a staple as the essential ingredient in 'Ponds' cream. Back in the day I used witch hazel extract to cleanse and tone my skin. That's all there was, and as a little girl I remember watching my mum apply 'Ponds' cream to her face every night. I don't know if it was the 'Ponds' but her skin is wonderful and she still has hardly a wrinkle! One of the most appreciated attributes of this plant is it's astringent activities, the bark being high in tannins. This makes it brilliant for healing and soothing haemorrhoids and varicose veins. It makes more sense to me now as I look at the long spindly branches, and clumps of strange flowers. It's signature is there as clear as day for the observant eye. For more details read the full post.

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