Hamamelis. Hamamelis virginica.

Synonym—Witch-hazel.

CONSTITUENTS—

Tannin, volatile oil, a bitter principle.

PREPARATIONS—

Extractum Hamamelis Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Hamamelis. Dose, from ton to sixty minims.

Distilled Extract of Hamamelis. Dose, from ten to sixty minims.

Specific Medicine Hamamelis. Dose, from five to sixty minims.

Specific Symptomatology—Soreness of muscles, muscular aching, a bruised sensation, soreness from violent muscular exertion, soreness from bruises and strains, soreness and muscular aching from cold and exposure, relaxed mucous membranes, dark blue membranes from venous stasis, veins dilated, relaxed, enlarged, and full—varicosis.

Therapy—Internally it is given with the above indications as a remedy for sore throat of whatever kind, with feeling of extreme soreness, and with dark-colored membranes.

It is used in tonsillitis and diphtheria, in phlegmonous ulcerations of the mouth and throat, and in acute catarrh. If there is hemorrhage from the post-nasal cavity, or from the teeth, or from spongy gums, it is a useful remedy.

It is valuable when there is excessive catarrhal discharge from dark, relaxed mucous membranes, and in catarrhal or watery diarrhea with a tendency to passive hemorrhage of dark blood.

It has conspicuous virtue in the treatment of hemorrhoids with the specific indications. The fluid extract in fifteen drop doses every two hours will quickly effect a cure in recent cases, and will greatly benefit chronic cases, its influence being greatly enhanced if combined with collinsonia. In relaxation of the mucous membranes of the rectum and in prolapse of the bowel, it is useful. In these cases the distilled extract should be applied externally while the fluid extract is given internally.

It is a good remedy in relaxation of the vaginal walls with leucorrhea, and in catarrh of the womb, also in passive hemorrhages from these parts, especially if there be soreness or extreme tenderness. Externally the distilled extract is of first importance in soreness of the muscles, or aching of parts. In bruises, sprains and muscular lameness its application gives prompt relief. If applied hot it is particularly effectual. In the general aching, lameness and muscular soreness, following a severe confinement—a source of extreme discomfort, often greatly retarding recovery-this agent applied hot will give immediate relief, a measure it is cruel to neglect to advise, in these cases, as it acts at once. In lame and sore breasts it may be applied, to immediately relieve the soreness, but other remedies should be given for acute inflammatory action.

Its indications would suggest it as an excellent remedy in rheumatism, being of value externally and in conjunction with other remedies.

Applied to burns and scalds it gives prompt relief. Ten grains of menthol dissolved in four ounces of the distilled extract applied to a burn will stop the pain at once and will promote the healing. It is best applied by saturating a soft cloth with which the burned surface may be covered.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.