Application
In medieval monastic medicine, witch hazel was used as an emetic and as a diuretic. A decoction of the root has been used against mucus in the lungs, and as an aid in childbirth to expel the placenta. Witch hazel boiled in lye had a reputation for strengthening the brain and memory if the head was washed with the decoction.
Extracts of the leaves have been used against colds and as an emetic.
Witch hazel was one of the wise wives' remedies for inducing abortion.
Ingredients
Toxic, highly irritating essential oil that tastes sharp peppery, resinous and tannic.
Asarum europaeum L.
Photo of page in Joachim Burser's herbarium.
