Natural Skin Ointment - Hamamelis Witch Hazets Delicate but hard nut

The petals are filigree, as narrow yellow threads they protrude in small clumps from the calyx. But they are tough. They defy cold and snow. And if the flowers decorate with white snowflakes, that looks really magical. We're talking about witch hazel. But the name does not really touch. Rather, it goes back to the fact that the small nut-like fruits ripen for about one and a half years. Therefore, one can see flowers and fruits on the branches at the same time, which is rare in the plant kingdom.
"Hama" comes from the Greek and means together or at the same time, "Melon" stands for apple or fruit. Hence the scientific name "Hamamelis". When the small capsules are ripe in autumn, they suddenly open and hurl the seeds several meters. The bursting can sometimes even hear.

The witch hazel - witch hazel. Image: A_Bruno - fotolia

Not only with the fruits, the witch hazel leaves a lot of time, it grows very slowly at all. Therefore, it is also relatively expensive and should not be planted where it is exposed to flying balls and raging children. It works best when it stands alone and can develop its almost funnel-shaped shape unhindered. It does not tolerate and needs a pruning. Instead of reaching for a pair of scissors, it is better to sniff the flowers and enjoy the delicate fragrance.

In summer, witch hazel adorns with round leaves that resemble those of hazelnut, in autumn they are yellow, orange and fire red. Indians boiled branches and branches and used the extract as a wound remedy, even today Hamamelis is used in skin ointments. The magic nut can not only make children's eyes sparkle in winter, but also inspires them all year round. (Anne Staeves, aid)