Witch hazel is a type of plant; the scientific name is hamamelis viginiana. It is widely used for a variety of medical conditions, particularly after childbirth. Witch hazel is available in several different forms and is very useful in alleviating several common complaints that new mothers experience after a vaginal birth.
Description
Witch hazel grows in most parts of North America in the form of a bush or sometimes a small tree. The plant has yellow flowers, as well as broad leaves. The leaves, bark and twigs are all dried and used to create medicinal formulations, notes Drugs.com.
Properties
Witch hazel has several properties which make it useful in relieving certain conditions. It can serve as an astringent, which means it constricts the area it is applied to. Midwifery Today notes that witch hazel also serves as a mild anti-inflammatory and is very soothing to the skin. Witch hazel has also been found useful to slow bleeding because it helps constrict blood vessels. All of these properties make witch hazel beneficial in postpartum use.
Uses
After a vaginal delivery, mothers often experience hemorrhoids following the pushing phase of the delivery. The Mayo Clinic notes that applying a chilled compress using witch hazel to the area can be soothing. Witch hazel helps to constrict the blood vessels, soothing the hemorrhoids and reducing their size. This also works well to soothe the perineum, which is the area between the vagina and the anus. Women may experience trauma in this area, either due to a tear or an episiotomy. An episiotomy occurs when the perineum is cut during delivery, either to prevent tearing or to make delivery easier. You can also pour witch hazel into a spray bottle and squirt it directly onto the affected area.
Forms
Many over-the-counter hemorrhoid wipes actually contain witch hazel. You can also purchase it in liquid form in drugstores. Health food stores may also carry dried witch hazel that you can steep to make a tea. Once it has cooled, apply it to the affected area.
Side Effects
Side effects when using witch hazel topically in the postpartum period include skin sensitivity. Witch hazel is not recommended to be taken orally, as it may cause nausea and vomiting, notes Drugs.com. Liver damage may also occur when taken internally in large concentrations.
