Witch Hazel

Why You Need It

• Soothes Internal Inflammation: The high tannin content helps reduce swelling and irritation in the digestive tract.
• Relieves Diarrhea: It acts as an astringent, helping to dry up excess fluid and firm up stool.
• Supports Hemorrhoid Relief: When taken internally, it can help shrink swollen blood vessels.
• Antioxidant Protection: Contains gallic acid and flavonoids that fight oxidative stress.

Deep Dive

Witch Hazel works primarily through a mechanism called astringency. When you ingest it, the tannins bind to proteins in your tissues, causing them to contract and tighten. This is why it is effective for stopping minor bleeding and reducing swelling. Unlike harsh chemical treatments, Witch Hazel offers a gentle, natural way to calm internal irritation. It is particularly popular for those suffering from varicose veins or hemorrhoids, as it helps strengthen vessel walls and reduce pooling of blood.

Natural Sources

Unlike vitamins found in specific fruits or vegetables, Witch Hazel is a plant extract. You cannot 'eat' it directly like an apple. However, you can prepare it from the leaves and bark of the Witch Hazel shrub. The most effective internal preparations use the bark or leaves brewed into a strong tea or distilled into a liquid extract.

Supplementation

Dosage: A common dose for internal use is 2-5 ml of distilled Witch Hazel liquid, taken up to three times daily. For tea, steep 2-4 grams of dried bark or leaves in hot water.

Who should take it? It is ideal for individuals experiencing acute digestive upset (diarrhea) or discomfort from internal swelling (hemorrhoids).

Important Safety Note: Witch Hazel contains a chemical called methanol (wood alcohol). Commercial preparations are generally steam-distilled to remove this, but raw or homemade extracts may contain it. Always use products specifically labeled for internal use.