Are the fruits edible? (Witch hazel)

Are the fruits of the witch hazel something special?

The fruits of the Witch hazel Yes, but that is less due to their taste than to their properties. The woody capsule fruit, like the plant itself, is somewhat reminiscent of the hazelnut. Botanically, however, it is not related to it at all. There are two black seeds inside each capsule.

When these seeds are ripe, the capsule bursts and hurls the seeds many meters away from the mother plant. The witch hazel spreads on its own. However, this also makes collecting the seeds a little difficult. Remove the capsules from the plant a short time before the seeds mature if you have one sowing to plan.

Is the witch hazel a useful plant?

The Virginian witch hazel (lat. Hamamelis virginiana) can definitely be counted among the useful plants. It is used in medicine and also for cosmetic products. As a homeopathic remedy, it supports the treatment of skin diseases. In the form of a cream or ointment it relieves itching or helps with wound healing and as witch hazel water it has a very refreshing effect on irritated skin after a shave.

You can make tea from the leaves and bark. The contained tannins have an astringent (astringent) effect. In addition, witch hazel has anti-inflammatory, calming and hemostatic effects. With witch hazel tea you can wash inflamed areas of skin or compress and Envelopes invest. In the event of diarrhea or inflammation of the mucous membrane in the gastrointestinal tract, the tea can also be drunk in consultation with the attending physician.

the benefits of witch hazel:

• Witch hazel water for freshening the skin and in cosmetic products
• Cream or ointment for wound healing and itching relief
• as a homeopathic remedy for neurodermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, etc.
• as a tea for diarrhea or inflammation of the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract