witch hazel (redirected from sweet gum)

witch hazel /witch ha·zel/ (wich´ ha´z'l) the deciduous bush Hamamelis virginiana, or any of various preparations of its twigs, leaves, or bark, which are used topically for their astringent effects and also have various uses in folk medicine and in homeopathy.

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witch hazel (wch)

n.

1. Any of several deciduous shrubs or small trees of the genus Hamamelis, especially H. virginiana, of eastern North America, having yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn or winter.

2. An alcoholic solution containing an extract of the bark and leaves of this plant, applied externally as a mild astringent.

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witch hazel

Etymology: AS, wican, to bend; Ger, hasel

1 a shrub, Hamamelis virginiana, indigenous to North America, from which an astringent extract is derived.

2 also called hamamelis water. A solution comprising the extract, alcohol, and water, used as an astringent.

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witch hazel,

n Latin name:
Hamamelis virginiana; parts used: bark, leaves; uses: antioxidant, anti-viral, prevention of skin aging, astringent, venous insufficiency, hemmorhoids, antiitch, antiinflammatory, gargle, oral health; precautions: pregnancy, lactation, children; harmful if ingested. Also called
snapping hazel, spotted alder, tobacco wood, or
winterbloom.

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witch hazel,

n a shrub,
Hamamelis virginiana, indigenous to North America, from which an astringent extract is derived.

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witch hazel

an extract from the leaves of Hamamelis virginiana, containing gallic acid and tannins, used topically as an astringent. Called also hamemelis.