Family Name: N.O. Hamamelidaceae
Botanical Name(s): Hamamelis virginiana (LINN.)
Popular Name(s): Spotted Alder, Winterbloom, Snapping Hazelnut
Parts Used: Bark and leaves
Habitat: Witch Hazel is found in the Eastern United States and
Canada.
Description: Witch Hazel is a shrub which grows to a height 10
to 12 feet and 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The leaves are 3 to 5 inches
long and about 3 inches wide. The leaves drop off in autumn which is
followed by yellow flowers which occur in clusters from the joints. Then
black nuts follow which contain white seeds.
Uses: Witch Hazel's leaves and bark are used as astringent,
tonic and sedative and are valuable in checking internal and external
haemorrhage. They are quite effective in curing piles, diarrhoea and
dysentery and are useful in bruises and inflammatory swellings.