58-2 
The many varied uses of a watery infusion of Witch-hazel bark were fully 
known to the aborigines, whose knowledge of our medicinal flora has been 
strangely correct as since proven. Its use in hemorrhages, congestions, inflamma- 
tions and hemorrhoids is now generally known through the medium of an 
aqueous distillate of the bark. 
The U. S. Ph. (1882) has wisely added Hamamelis to their medicaments, 
officinal as Extractunt Hamamelidis Fluidum. \n the Eclectic Materia Medica 
the officinal preparation is Decoctum Hamamelts. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The bark of the young twigs and roots 
is chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed, then two parts by weight of 
alcohol are taken, the pulp mixed with one-sixth part of it, and the rest of 
the alcohol added ; after having stirred the whole well, pour it into a well-stoppered 
bottle, and let it stand eight days in a dark, cool place. The tincture, separated 
by decanting, straining and filtering is by transmitted light of a deep yellowish- 
brown color. It has a sweetish, slightly astringent taste, an acid reaction, and a 
peculiar odor, which, once noticed, will always distinguish it. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—No analysis of this plant has been made to 
determine its principles except as far as tannin is concerned; this body was found 
in small percentage. Water seems, nevertheless, to extract all or nearly all of 
its virtues. The active body, however, must be more or less volatile, as prepara- 
tions of the plant, made without using proper care in regard to this feature, have 
not the action usually sought for. It is also a fact that the bark of the root alone 
is not sufficiently medicinal, and that the curative property of the tincture does 
not lie entirely in the tannin. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Hamamelis, according to Dr. H. C. Preston, 
who first attempted the study of its action, causes a determination of venous 
blood to the head, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Its action would seem to be, not 
upon the circulation itself, but upon the coats of the veins, causing a relaxation, 
with consequent engorgement and exosmosis, this action in many cases proceeding 
to actual rupture of the vessels. The symptoms pointing to the above conclusion 
are produced as follows: Vertigo, venous epistaxis, preceded by severe pressure 
both in the os frontis and superior nares, relieved by the hemorrhage; nausea 
and vomiting, pain and tenderness of the abdomen, with flatulence aid diarrheeic 
passages from the bowels; pulsations in the rectum synchronous with the pulse; 
much lumbar pain, with weakness of the lower limbs and general lassitude. The 
action of hamamelis upon the heart and circulation in general is not marked in 
these expennien tga 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 58. 
. Ene ae branch, Binghamton, N. Y., October ur 1881. 
is 2. Leaves added in June. 
3. Flower (enlarged), the petals broken off. 
4. Fruit. 
5. Pollen grains, side and end view, x 380. 
6. Nutlet. 
