What is the origin of the term Witch Hazel?

The term witch hazel is the common name for the Hamamelis plant.

The witch of the plant’s name comes from wice, an Anglo-Saxon word for a plant with flexible branches.

It is unclear who first used the leaves and bark of witch hazel in toiletries and tonics.

Some believe it was the Anglo-Saxons; others think the American Indians first explained its medicinal uses to the Pilgrims.

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