Hazelnut (Corylus avellana)

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) is a member of the Betulaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its fruits, bark, and seeds have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Hazelnut
Scientific Name	Corylus avellana
Plant Family	Betulaceae
Genus	Corylus
Species	avellana
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Bark, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Corylus avellana
Common Name: Hazelnut
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Chestnut, European Hazelnut, Corylus
Plant Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Corylus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 5 to 10 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface lighter green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences consist of unisexual catkins with actinomorphic flowers, each bearing two stamens and a single pistil, arranged in a cylindrical spike, with male flowers clustered at the base and female flowers towards the apex.
Stems: Woody, erect, simple branching, glabrous surface, with lateral buds covered by scale-like structures.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a warming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a cooling diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Astringent: Historically regarded as a mild astringent, for surface-level applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Available information does not clearly establish general precautionary concerns for this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Culinary Use: A preparation involving the use of plant parts in cooking or food production.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.