WITCH HAZEL

WITCH HAZEL

Witch hazels, Hammelis, are a genus of flowering plants in the family

Hamamelidaceae, with four species in North America, mexicana, ovalis, virginisna,

and varnalis, one in Japan, japonica, and China , molis, all aka winterbloom.

Witch hazels are a deciduous shrub growing to 10 to 25 feet, leaves are oval, The 'virginian' blooms September to November, other species, January to March. It's twigs

are used as a divining rod. Residue oil's are a remedy for psoriasis and eczema , as a

deydration of skin salve, insect bites and poison ivy lotions and in aftershave lotions.

The extract includes calcium oxalate, gallotannins, safrole , used externally on

hemorrhoids and minor skin irritations. The extract is obtained by boiling the stems to

produce decoction which was first sold in Essex, Connecticut in 1866.

Abstract: In reference to Laurie Stuchlik's photo March 26^th, 2019, Cape Gazette.

Reference WIKIPEDIA.