Tag: Hamamelis virginiana

While the name 'witch hazel' might sound deceiving, it’s important for consumers with sensitivities to understand the facts. A common misconception is that witch hazel is a nut or derived from a nut, but the plant is not related to true nut-bearing trees like the hazelnut.

Containing tannins that cause a drying and puckering sensation in the mouth, witch hazel is overwhelmingly bitter and astringent, not a pleasant flavor at all. So, does witch hazel taste good? The answer is a definitive no, and for most common applications, it is not meant for internal consumption.

Historically, Native Americans utilized witch hazel for various medicinal remedies, but understanding exactly what part of witch hazel is edible is critical for modern foragers to avoid toxicity. The distinction between safe and unsafe parts lies primarily in the concentration of tannins found throughout the plant.