The first European settlers called this bush by the name of "witch hazel" as it reminded them of their hazel tree. The Indians of the south-eastern United States used it in therapeutic rituals, as a sedative to relieve rheumatism, and to treat external inflammations and painful tumors. Since the middle of the 20th century, hamamelis has been widely used to improve blood circulation.
Obtained by steam distillation of the leaves, hamamelis extract, rich in tannins, has astringent and vasoconstricting properties. It tightens skin pores and refines the skin's texture.