Herb. No. 054 · Hamamelidaceae
Eastern North American woodland understory.
Native · North America
Native Also grown
OpenGentleplant
Witch hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
A winter-blooming shrub whose bark and leaf make the classic cooling astringent.
Hamamelis is a North American understory shrub that flowers as the leaves drop. Tannin-rich bark and leaf are traditional for hemorrhoids, scrapes, and puffy skin. Commercial distilled witch hazel is milder than a home decoction. Internal use is not the modern indication.
Flavor
Astringent, tea-like, and woody — more a wash than a beverage.
Parts used
Bark · Leaf · Twig
In favor
- Superb autumn/winter garden plant
- Easy topical
Against
- Home decoction can over-dry
- Internal tannins are constipating