Hornbeam

Hornbeams are small hardwood trees that belong to the Betulaceae family. They grow to a height of 15-25 meters and have a crooked fluted trunk. They are found in various parts of Western Asia and Europe and grow in almost any kind of soil. The leaves and bark of the hornbeam are used for medicinal purposes to treat and cure both internal as well as external health issues. Hornbeam has effective astringent, antiseptic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory that make it popular in traditional medicine. These trees are commonly used for landscaping and their wood is used in the construction industry.

Nutritional Information and Properties

An important constituent of hornbeam is tannin, which gives it effective antibiotic, astringent, and healing properties. The leaves of hornbeam have haemostatic properties that help in the quick healing of internal and external wounds and ulcerations. It also contains active ingredients like gallic acid and biostimoline.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

Hornbeam is well known for its ability to relieve mental fatigue and physical tiredness. Its medicinal properties help in boosting energy levels and increase vitality. Hornbeam flower essence is commonly used for treating problems like stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other related disorders. Hornbeam also helps in keeping the mind active so that one can perform routine tasks without getting tired easily. It is also commonly combined with other ingredients such as gentian, white chestnut flower, and olive for this purpose.
Hornbeam leaves are popular for their use in external compresses to stop bleeding. Their haemostatic properties also help in the quick healing of wounds, cuts, bruises, burns and other minor injuries.
The leaves of hornbeam are used to prepare distilled water that can be used to treat various eye conditions such as puffy eyes, conjunctivitis, sore eyes, sensitive eyes, and even dark circles. Hornbeam is also used in eye rinses to cure mild irritations and infections in the eye.
Hornbeam contains stimulating properties, which make it an effective treatment for various hair problems. Hornbeam is used internally as well as externally to treat hair fall. This is why hornbeam is one of the most used natural ingredients in many hair loss supplements that are sold commercially. Experts recommend drinking hornbeam tea to stimulate hair growth and for the development of health hair follicles. You can use hornbeam externally as a hair rinse to combat hair loss, and nourish and moisturize the scalp.
Hornbeam is also an effective treatment for common colds, coughs, nasal and chest congestion, sore throats, and headaches. It is usually taken in tea form for soothing the symptoms of these conditions.
The carminative properties of hornbeam make it good for digestion and help in treating digestive system problems such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating, intestinal inflammation, and even piles. Furthermore, it helps in boosting the body’s metabolism and helps eliminate harmful waste products from the body effectively.
Hornbeam is beneficial in correcting menstrual irregularities. Its antispasmodic properties also help in easing menstrual cramps and other symptoms during menstruation.
Hornbeam is widely used in traditional medicine to treat hay fever and various allergies such as asthma, coryza, and allergic rhinitis.

Other Uses

Although rare, wood from hornbeam is used for carpentry work. It is used to make tool handles, carving boards, coach wheels, machinery pegs, and even small parts of musical instruments.
Butchers sometimes use hornbeams as chopping blocks for meat.
It is quite commonly used as firewood because it burns easily.