The efficacy and function of witch hazel

Witch hazel has a long history, and up to now, witch hazel has more and more uses. I wonder if you guys know about its other effects. Let us introduce it in detail below, hoping it will be helpful to you guys.

【English name】 Root of Chinese Witchhazel

[Other names] Mulixiang, Niu Taguo (Xinhua Materia Medica Compendium).

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of Hamamelis virginiana of the Hamamelidaceae family.

[Original morphology] Hamamelis is a deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 8m tall; the twigs have star-shaped hairs when young. Leaves are alternate; petioles are 6-10mm long and pubescent; stipules fall off early; leaf blades are papery, broadly obovate, 6-12cm long, 3-7.5cm wide, with short acute apex, unequally cordate base, wavy teeth on the margin, light green with short hairs above, densely gray stellate pubescent below, and 7-9 pairs of lateral veins. Short spike inflorescence axillary, with several flowers; flowers bisexual; calyx short, calyx teeth 4, persistent, stellate hairs; petals 4, yellow-white, ribbon-shaped, about 1.5cm long; stamens 4, alternate with staminodes; ovary nearly superior, 2-chambered, styles 2, 1-1.5mm long, separate. The capsule is oval, 1.2 cm long and 1 cm wide, densely covered with yellow-brown stellate hairs. The seeds are oval, about 8mm long, black and shiny. The flowering period is May and the fruit ripening period is October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: It often grows in mixed woods on hillsides, thickets, or beside stream valleys and forest edges.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The root is conical, with a diameter of 1-4cm and varying lengths. Surface is dark grey. It is hard and not easy to break, with a fibrous cross section. The bark is dark grey and the wood is white to yellowish grey. Slight odor, light taste.

【Chemical composition】 Contains kaempferol, quercetin, astragalin, etc.

【Nature and flavor】 sweet; neutral

【Meridian】 Spleen meridian

【Functions and indications】Tonify Qi. Mainly fatigue

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g; fresh product 60-90g.

[Note] Avoid sour, spicy food, mustard greens, radish, etc. when taking the medicine.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": It is mainly used to treat fatigue caused by overwork.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above is an introduction to the effects and functions of witch hazel. If you want to consume witch hazel, it is best to consult a Chinese medicine practitioner. I hope this helps you all.