Herbal Remedies for Horses - Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a winter blooming tree indigenous to Canada and the eastern parts of the United States. Bright yellow flowers from September through to December add cheerfulness to a garden. It is a traditional remedy of the native American Indians who used it as a decoction in poultices for bruising, inflammation and venous problems (including piles).

European settlers in the 18th century noted Witch Hazel’s medicinal qualities, its use soon spread to Europe. Commercial sources originate in the Blue Ridge Mountain region (Virginia), North Carolina and Tennessee.

Witch hazel contains large quantities of tannins. Tannins have a drying astringent (tightening) effect. The external skin forms a protective covering after the tannins have tightened the proteins and underlying blood vessels thus reducing inflammation. Unlike arnica, witch hazel can be used on broken and damaged skin, it is mildly antiseptic and soothing.

Do not take internally, as the strong tannins could affect your digestive tract.

A decoction made from the bark is excellent used externally on varicose veins, inflammation and bruising. Soak pads of cotton wool until well wetted in the decoction then bandage loosely and leave all night.

To make the decoction: Take 25 gms of dried twigs OR 50 gms of fresh twigs, add 750 mls of cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes reducing the liquid by a third to 500 mls. Remove from the stove. Apply cold. For external use only.

If you are lucky enough to have a tree in your garden, twigs can be collected in autumn on a dry day and dried indoors in bunches hung up in a warm kitchen.

Unfortunately, the commercial Witch Hazel Water sold today in chemists very often does not contain authentic witch hazel extracts but traces of wintergreen oil in distilled water and alcohol.

Tincture of Witch Hazel 1:5 in 25% alcohol B P. Available from The Equine Herbalist @ £15 for 500 mls.

Use: 10 mls of tincture in 100 mls of boiled cold water. Soak cotton wool pads in solution, bandage loosely. Apply to bruises, inflammations and varicose veins.

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