Witch hazelis grown primarily for the yellow flowers that appear in autumn when the leaves begin to fall off the trees. Butwitch hazel is used not only because of its decorative qualities. Discover the valuablehealing properties of witch hazel , learn more about its possible uses and see whatwitch hazel cultivation looks likein the garden!
Witch hazel in autumn, during flowering
Witch hazel - properties
Witch hazel(Hamamelis virginiana) is a tall shrub or small tree up to 3-4 m tall. It has obovate leaves 8-15 cm long. They turn yellow in autumn and stay on shrubs for a long time. The flowers are pale yellow, smell nice, appear in October-November. The fruits ripen in the fall of the following year. Then they burst, throwing out black, shiny seeds several meters away.
ValuableWitch hazel leaves and bark show healing propertiesWitch hazel leaves contain tannins, flavonoids and essential oil. Leaf extract is used internally for chronic venous insufficiency and for hemorrhoids, and externally for dermatological problems. The witch hazel bark also contains tannins that have anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties and help patients with hemorrhoids.
The healing properties of witch hazelcan also be found inwitch hazel water. It can be taken from freshly cut witch hazel branches at the end of winter. It has an anti-inflammatory effect in skin irritation caused by UVB rays.
Witch hazel - application
Witch hazel is usedprimarily in cosmetics and medicine. Witch hazel used to be planted in parks because of its original flowers and unusual flowering time.
Witch hazel - Hamamelis virginiana
Witch hazel extracts, i.e. dried and fresh leaves and dried bark, are used in, among others. in anti-acne creams and ointments for small skin lesions, bruises and sprains, local inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Witch hazel raw materials, as ingredients of creams, have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and soothing properties in dermatological diseases. The use of witch hazelwas already described in ancient folk medicine. It was used to treat colitis, diarrhea and painful periods.
Witch hazel - cultivation
Witch hazel cultivationis not very absorbing. This witch hazel grows best in a sunny position, in fresh and moist soil, rich in nutrients, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Witch hazel is very resistant to low temperatures, but sensitive to drought. It grows slowly but lives a very long time.Young witch hazel specimens should not be cutas they spontaneously exhibit a natural balance when branching.
When deciding toplant witch hazel in the garden , it is worth paying attention to the varieties of witch hazel and medium-sized hybrids, such as, for example, witch hazel 'Jelena'. They are characterized by larger reddish flowers and profuse flowering.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
