Definition of "witch hazel" []

• Any of several deciduous shrubs or small trees of the genus Hamamelis, especially H. virginiana, of eastern North America, having yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn or winter. (noun)
• An alcoholic solution containing an extract of the bark and leaves of this plant, applied externally as a mild astringent. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Just continue to use that soothing Epifoam or line your pad with a couple witch hazel pads and take it easy for a couple weeks."
• "Toothaches were relieved by applying the hot, aromatic, and astringent leaves of witch hazel the “tooth-ache tree” to the teeth and gums or by applying a hot compress of animal fat and powdered corn."
• "What does help ease the pain are the tools your nurse will give you—a squirt bottle, witch hazel pads, and Epifoam."