W
DEM); Tumor (f; BGB; CRC); Ulcer (f; CRC; HHB); Varicocele (f; MAD); Varicosis (2; KOM;
PNC; PHR; PH2; SHT); VD (f; DEM; MAD); Virus (1; MAB); Wound (2; KOM; PHR; PH2;
SKY); Wrinkle (1; MAB).
Dosages (Witch Hazel) — 2 g dry leaf, or in tea, 3 ×/day (CAN); 2 g leaf or bark 3 ×/day
(MAB); 7–14 ml/day fluid leaf extract (1:2) (MAB); 2–4 tsp (1–2 g) leaf decoction 1–3 ×/day
(APA); 1 tsp (2–3 g) bark decoction 1–3 ×/day (APA); 2–4 ml liquid bark extract (1:1 in 45%
ethanol) 3 ×/day (CAN); 10–15 drops liquid bark extract 3 ×/day (MAD); 2–4 ml bark tincture
(APA; PNC). Few sources seem to stress topical use only. Even the Herbal PDR (PH2) says that
witch hazel bark is available as a comminuted drug or as an extract for internal and external
uses (PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Witch Hazel) — Class 1. Tannins (AHP).
None known (KOM). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages”
(PH2). “It is not recommended that these extracts be taken internally because the toxicity of the
tannins has not been well defined... Doses of 1 g of witch hazel will cause nausea, vomiting, or
constipation” (LRNP, Sep, 1990). In susceptible patients, irritation of the stomach may occur
occasionally. In rare cases, witch hazel tannins may cause liver damage (BIS). In view of the
tannin content, excessive use, especially during lactation and pregnancy, should be avoided.
“There are no known problems with the use of witch hazel during pregnancy...” (CAN). No
contraindications, drug-drug interactions, or side effects are known (SHT). “May cause minor
skin irritation in some people when applied topically” (SKY). Witch hazel water is not intended
for internal use. Teas can be brewed from leaves and twigs, but their safety is not defined (LRNP,
September 1990). APA lists the carcinogen safrole, but in minimal quantities (APA). Tannins,
many of the same ones promoted for tea today, explain nearly half of the indications.
WOLFBERRY (Lycium chinense Mill.) ++Chinese Wolfberry (Note: according to Foster and Yue, the Chinese use L. barbarum L. and L.
chinensis interchangeably, so where they were not specific, I have entered indications, etc., in both
accounts). A union of both entries might be in order. HH2 maintains them as distinct.
Activities (Wolfberry) — ACE Inhibitor (1; PH2); Analgesic (1; FAY); Antiaging (1; JAF49:3106);
Antibacterial (1; FAY); Antipyretic (1; FAY; HH2); Bitter (f; LMP); Depurative (f; LMP); Hemostat
(f; FAY); Hepatoprotective (1; X10960900); Hepatotonic (f; FAY; PH2); Hypoglycemic (1; FAY);
Hypotensive (1; FAY; PH2); Immunosuppressive (1; PH2); Mydriatic (f; FAY); Nephrotonic (f;
LMP; PH2); Radioprotective (1; X10197745); Tonic (f; PH2).
Indications (Wolfberry) — Asthma (f; FAY); Atherosclerosis (1; JAF49:3106); Backache (f; FAY);
Bacteria (1; FAY); Bleeding (f; FAY; HH2); Cachexia (f; DAA); Cancer (f; JLH); Cardiopathy (1;
PH2); Circulosis (f; LMP); Cough (f; HH2; LMP; PH2); Diabetes (f; FAY; PH2); Dizziness (f;
FAY); Eczema (f; HH2; PH2); Epistaxis (f; FAY; HH2; PH2); Fever (1; FAY; HH2; LMP; PH2);
Hepatosis (1; LMP; PH2; X10960900); High Blood Pressure (1; FAY; PH2; JAF49:3106); Hyper-
glycemia (1; FAY); Hyperhydrosis (f; PH2); Infection (1; FAY); Inflammation (f; PH2); Malaria
(1; FAY; PH2); Nephrosis (f; PH2); Neurosis (f; LMP); Night Sweats (f; LMP); Nyctalopia (1;
JAF49:3101); Odontosis (f; HH2; LMP); Ophthalmia (f; LMP); Osteosis (f; LMP); Pain (1; FAY;
HH2; PH2); Pertussis (f; PH2); Pneumonia (f; LMP); Pulmonosis (f; LMP); Pulposis (f; HH2;
PH2); Rheumatism (f; HH2; LMP; PH2); Spermatorrhea (f; DAA); Stroke (1; JAF49:3106); Thirst
(f; LMP; PH2); Tinnitus (f; FAY); Toothache (1; FAY; LMP; PH2); Tuberculosis (f; LMP); Vertigo
(f; FAY); Vomiting (f; PH2).
Dosages (Wolfberry) — 9–15 g fruit/day in tea (FAY); sip tea through the day for pertussis (PH2).