Re: Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana, or Witch Hazel, is an extract of the bark of the tree, yielding high amounts of tannins, alkaloids, and essential oils. The tannin content makes it a natural astringent, able to significantly decrease mucous membrane proliferation by parietal cells and also serves as an effective antimicrobial. Extract of Hamamelis have been used traditionally and clinically to decrease hemorrhoid size; this action is attributed to its noted vasoconstrictive effect.
(Hehehee...now you just have to go searching for my journal sources!)

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RN, RH Medical Herbalist! woot!
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