Hazel as an Herb

(Corylus spp)

See also: Witch Hazel

Hazel's forked branches are used for divining, and the wood makes wonderful magickal wands. Hazel nuts hung in the house will bring luck, and can be carried to improve fertility. Eat the nuts to bring you wisdom when solving a problem.

Witch hazel, basically a forest tree, is indigenous to Canada and eastern areas of the United States, but is now cultivated commercially in most parts of Europe. Witch hazel can be propagated either from hardwood cuttings or from the seeds of the tree.

Medicinal Uses for Hazel

This is a superb astringent herb, with slight aromatic properties and is used to curb bleeding, reduce inflammation, lessen mucus discharge and has local haemostatic qualities.

Almost all pharmacies carry some type of witch hazel preparation in the form of lotions, hemorrhoidal pads, and suppositories. Besides their use topically for hemorrhoids and veins, witch hazel lotions are useful on rough, swollen, gardener's or carpenter's hands. You can also use witch hazel internally to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, or a prolapsed uterus, although not the witch hazel/isopropyl alcohol preparation frequently found in drug stores.

Its ability to shrink swollen tissue makes witch hazel appropriate to treat laryngitis as well. And a throat gargle of witch hazel, myrrh, and cloves reduces the pain of an uncomfortable sore throat.

Koflet is an all-natural formula that helps soothe bronchial mucous membranes and sore throats. It also supports the body's normal immune function against common allergens.

If you have watery stools or blood or mucus in your stools on a regular basis, your physician may suspect colitis or irritable bowel syndrome and recommend witch hazel to reduce intestinal secretions associated with these conditions. A tea made from witch hazel, chamomile, mint, and a bit of thyme can be very effective for diarrhea that accompanies an intestinal illness, or what we often call stomach flu.

A teaspoon of strong Witch Hazel tea with a drop of Clove oil and a drop of Myrrh can be used to sooth swollen gums associated with teething.

Tincture: Use 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon, two to six times a day.

Witch hazel is not recommended as a general daily beverage, but it may be consumed for cases of hemorrhoids, diarrhea, or weak, lax uterus, veins, and intestines.

Folklore

Holly (Ilex sp.) and hazel (Corylus avellana) In Norse mythology, holly and hazel also belonged to Thor the Thunderer, and were thought to protect people from his thunderbolts. Holly trees were planted a little distance from homes to attract lightning strikes away from the house. In Christian times, holly taken into the church for Christmas celebration (or hazel for Easter) was carried home and hung up to ward off lightning the rest of the year.

Culinary

Generally not recommended for culinary purposes; however, the seeds of the Witch Hazel are edible.

Tea: Tea is a very popular way for administering witch hazel. To create a witch hazel tea, add 2 to 3 grams of witch hazel leave to boiling water for about 15 minutes. Witch hazel tea can be taken two to three times a day. As a tincture, take 2 to 4 mL three times a day.

Cautions

When taken internally it may reduce the absorption of drugs.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.