Also known asHamamelis virginiana. Hamamelis, Winterbloom, and American Witch Hazel.IntroductionWitch hazel is a leather-leafed deciduous shrub native to eastern United States. The bottoms of its leaves are dull gray, but the upward facing surfaces of the leaves are shiny green.Witch hazel is easy to recognize in the woods in autumn because as other trees are losing their leaves, witch hazel is covered with threadlike, golden-yellow flowers. Both the bark and the leaves are used in herbal medicine.ConstituentsAscorbic acid, acetaldehyde, astragalin, beta-ionone, choline, gallic acid, hamamelidin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol, myricetin, phenol, quercitin, quercitrin, safrole, spiraeoside.Parts UsedLeaf and bark.Typical PreparationsTeas, tinctures, creams. Witch hazel bark water is made with alcohol, but witch hazel leaf water can be made without alcohol.PrecautionsUse only until symptoms subside. Do not give witch hazel teas by mouth to children for more than 3 days at a time.For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.