Hamamelis+virginiana

 // Hamamelis virginiana // Common Witchhazel




 * __Identifying the Common Witchhazel __**
 * Native of East and Central United States.
 * The flower is yellow and spiderlike with 4 petals. It blooms in October and November.
 * The fruit is a 0.5" capsule.
 * The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical.
 * The bark is smooth and is grey to brown in color.

__**Historical Background**__
 * Native Americans used to use this herb to treat tumors, eye problems, and to heal wounds.

__**Medicinal Uses**__ 
 * It is an active ingredient in eyedrops, skin creams, ointments, and skin tonics.
 * It is used externally and can be applied to bruises, sore muscles, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, and inflammations.
 * The bark is also used medicinally. It's used for treating diarreah, colitis, dysentery, haemorrhoids, internal bleeding, and prolapsed organs.
 * Leaves can be used to reduce inflammations, treat piles, internal hemmorhages, and eye inflammations.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The bark is also sedative, astringent, and tonic.

Works Cited

[|www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/n/hamvir1.html] [|www.ibiblio.org/paf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Hamamelis+virginiana] []