Witch hazel
Witch hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, with four species in North America (H. ovalis, H. virginiana, H. vernalis, and H. mollis), and one each in Japan (H. japonica) and China (H. sinensis). The North American species are occasionally called winterbloom.
Pronunciation
- /ˈwɪtʃ ˌheɪzəl/
Etymology
The name witch hazel is believed to have come from the Middle English wiche, from the Old English wice, meaning "pliant" or "bendable", and hazel, referring to the similar appearance to the hazel tree.
Description
Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching about 6 m in height found in damp woods throughout most of North America. It has oval, serrated leaves, and golden yellow flowers that bloom in late fall. The fruit is a two-part capsule containing a single glossy black seed in each of the two parts; the capsule splits explosively at maturity in the autumn about 8 months after flowering, ejecting the seeds with sufficient force to fly for several meters.
Medicinal Uses
Witch hazel is mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling. The plant, including the bark, leaves, and twigs, is used in traditional medicine. It is astringent and soothing to the skin. It is used in skincare products and is useful in treating acne, insect bites, blisters, and other skin conditions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Witch hazel
- Wikipedia's article - Witch hazel
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