witch hazel
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Related to witch hazels: Hamamelis, witch hazel plant
ham·a·me·lis
(ham'ă-mē'lis),A shrub or small tree, Hamamelis virginiana (family Harmarmelidaceae), the bark and dried leaves of which have been used externally as an application to contusions and other injuries, in headache, and for the cure of noninflammatory hemorrhoids; the water, popularly known as "extract of witch hazel," is made from the bark and contains 14% alcohol.
Synonym(s): witch hazel
[Mod. L., fr. G. hama- mēlis, fr. hama, together with, + mēlon, apple]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
witch hazel
n.
1. Any of several deciduous shrubs or small trees of the genus Hamamelis, especially H. virginiana of eastern North America, which has delicate 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.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Herbal medicine Hamamelis virginiana, snapping hazel, snapping hazelnut, spotted alder, winterbloom A shrub that contains choline, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and fixed and volatile oils; it is astringent, and has been used topically for cuts and bruises, sore throat, dysmenorrhea, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. See Herbal medicine
Homeopathy See Hamamelis
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.