WITCH HAZEL - NativeTech: Indigenous Plants & Native Uses in the Northeast

NativeTech: Native American Technology and Art
Indigenous Plants & Native Uses in the Northeast

WITCH HAZEL
(Hamamelis virginiana)

WITCH HAZEL

Medicine: An excellent astringent when the bark, leaves and twigs are distilled and mixed with alcohol and water. Used as a liniment and eyewash and treatment for hemorrhoids. For internal hemorrhages and excessive menstrual flow.

Technology: The bendable forked branches have been used as divining rods in the search of water or minerals.

Note: Also called Snapping hazel because in the fall when flowers appear the seed capsula split open and will shoot their seeds sometimes 20 or 30 feet.

<<- Previous Plant

->> Next Plant

Return to Plants Gathered in the Northeast

Return to Gathering Walk

Plant Bibliography and Books to Order On-line


	Text and Graphics © 1994 - Tara Prindle unless otherwise cited.