Both the bark and twig, and the leaves of Hamamelis Virginiana are now recognized by the Pharmacopoeia; the former are introduced under the above title and the old hamamelis (U. S. P., 1890) becomes hamamelidis folia.

Dose. - Average dose: 30 grains (2 Gm.), U. S. P.

Physiological Action. - The action of tannic acid is also that of hamamelis, save that the latter has a somewhat different influence upon the circulation.

Circulatory System. - Hamamelis acts on the muscular fibers of the veins, the modus operandi, however, not being satisfactorily determined. Large doses produce severe throbbing headache and a sense of fulness of the blood-vessels.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - For sprains and bruises hamamelis is a favorite application, although some authorities regard it merely as a placebo. Locally, the fluidextract, with the addition of one-third its volume of glycerin, has been used in urticaria, rhus-poisoning, and phegmasia dolens. Owing to its marked sedative properties, hamamelis ointment is extremely beneficial in varicose ulcers, eczema, herpes, seborrhea, and acne rosacea, as well as in checking excessive secretions. It is also efficient in carbuncle, hyperidrosis, lupus erythematosus, burns, and frost-bites.

The local action of the drug is important. The distilled extract, diluted with alcohol or water, is applied to inflamed gums, the nasal mucous membrane after removal of polypi, and in pharyngitis as a spray. As a suppository, or applied by means of a piece of cotton or wool soaked with the fluidextract, hamamelis affords a most grateful relief in bleeding piles, especially the internal variety. In cystitis and hemorrhage from the bladder an injection of the diluted fluidextract or distilled extract is very valuable, besides being a most reliable topical application in capillary hemorrhage from wounds, epistaxis, and bleeding after extraction of teeth. The ointment is used in rectal fissures and ulcers, and the lotion has been employed to some extent in chronic rheumatism, since it relieves the pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. The decoction, with a little boric acid and a 1 per cent. solution of creasote, has been recommended as a gonorrheal injection.

Administration. - The best preparation, both for internal and external use, is the distilled extract, although it is not official. The ointment and lotion are used externally, and the fluidextract internally. The preparations of hamamelis to be found in drug stores are unreliable unless they be perfectly fresh.