A.k.a.
hamamelis virginiana, spotted alder,
winterbloom or snapping hazelnut. It's a
shrub whose
leaves and
bark have medicinal properties. Native North Americans used it as
poultices for painful swellings and tumours. Works well on
eczema and
hemorrhoids as it is a fairly powerful
astringent. Pretty good anti-
inflammatory too, and studies have shown it helps strengthen
veins!
It's usually found in a
liquid form, although many types of
creams and
ointments exist. Sometimes its combined with
horse chestnut.
Don't drink it, put it on your bum.