The Latin name of the herb is Hamamelis virginiana.



It is a sapling that grows up to a height of 1.5-2 meters. Its yellow-coloured flowers appear in January or in February. It has been known for its healing properties for many years. North America Red Indians used it for its astringent properties.



In Greece we can also find other varieties as Hamamelis japonica, Hamamelis virginiana και Hamamelis arborea.

Cultivated also in gardens, its bark and its leaves are used for therapeutic purposes. Among the active substances of American Witch hazel we can distinguish an astringent substance called hamamelitannin as well as traces of saponin and flavonoid colouring substances.



This herb acts as an astringent. We can find it in the market as an extract. In addition, we can use the leave extract or the beverage of the bark. As it happens with all astringents, it can be use in case of bleeding (internal or external).

It is very useful for hemorrhoids. Having a decongestive action, it can be applied in cases such as injuries (bruises) or in case of inflammatory edemas. As a venomotor, it can be used to cure varicose vein problems.

The watery cold beverage deriving from herb’s bark can be used for ophthalmological washes in case of conjunctivitis.

Finally, it can control diarrhea and it helps dysentery problems.

We can use American witch hazel extract to cure light sunburns. We can also use it to stop a slight bleeding, or we can apply on wounds or to soothe insect stings. For hemorrhoids, this herb can be combined with pilewort (zohadohorto).

The extract, the liquid extract and the tincture of American witch hazel are used to activate circulations without causing irritations. Because of these properties, nowadays the above mentioned preparations are used in cosmetics or as tonic energy drink.

Herb’s leaves are prepared as an infusion. In a cup of boiling water we add a teaspoonful of dry leaves and we let it covered 10-15 minutes. We drink this beverage three times a day.