Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a member of the Hamamelidaceae family, native to Eastern United States, Eastern North America, and Southeastern Canada. Traditionally, its bark, resin, and leaves have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

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

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Witch Hazel
Scientific Name	Hamamelis virginiana
Plant Family	Hamamelidaceae
Genus	Hamamelis
Species	virginiana
Native Range	Eastern United States, Eastern North America, Southeastern Canada
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Resin, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Hamamelis virginiana
Common Name: Witch Hazel
Synonyms / Alternative Names: American Witch Hazel, Virgin'S Hazelnut, Hamamelis
Plant Family: Hamamelidaceae
Genus: Hamamelis

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 3 to 8 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with serrated margins, upper surface yellow-green, lower surface pale green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are yellow with two pairs of elongated petals arranged in a clustered inflorescence, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry, and bearing distinctive claw-like structures at the base of each petal.
Stems: Erect, woody, simple branching, glabrous surface, four-ranked leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Astringent: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling astringent, for skin-related applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a mild anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a calming tonic, for long-term use contexts.

Active Compounds

Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Toxicity related to this herb has been documented in available sources.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.
Extract: This method isolates plant compounds using alternative solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

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