Witch Hazel is one of the few herbs that is so accepted for medicinal properties that it is a major ingredient in a number of over-the-counter treatments for a variety of conditions.  It is used for treating varicose veins, hemorrhoids and congestion.  It's astringent properties make it useful for cleaning the face.  It is used for eye injuries, treating minor pains and bruises, and provided some UV protection.  It is used to stop the itching of sunburn, windburn and shaving irritation and as a treatment for dandruff.  It is often used for treating insect bites.  Add it to your bath for treating restless legs or varicose veins, or just dampen a washcloth with it and rub it on the area.  Internally, it is used to treat laryngitis, sore throat and mouth sores.
    Note: The witch hazel commonly sold in drugstore is for external use only.  For internal use, get it from a herb shop or health products store.

Witch Hazel in legends and folklore:

Which hazel branches are commonly used to make dowsing rods.

Some claim it's name comes from it's use in witches concoctions, but more likely it is a misspelling of the old word "wych" meaning flexible, or having many uses.

Native Americans used the blooming of witch hazel to tell that the last frost had occurred and it was safe to plant crops.