Corylus avellana
Botanical Nomenclature | Corylus avellana |
Common Name | Hazel |
Taxonomy- Family | Betulaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Corylus avellana is a deciduous shrub or a small tree growing from 2 to 6m, with oval, wavy, alternate, green leaves and oval, brown fruits surrounded by a green, cup-like shell. The harvesting takes place a little after the fruiting, which happens in autumn. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruits (Hazelnuts), root, leaves |
Active Substances | Minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium), vitamin A, B, E, albumin, carbohydrates, fatty acids, linoleic acid, oleic acid |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | Hazelnuts are rich in proteins and many health-benefiting nutrients, especially for the children. They have tonic properties and they are consumed by the anemic and the immunocompromised patients, the diabetics and the pregnants. Also, they are recommended to enhance student's memory and to improve the sleep, especially for those who suffer from insomnia. The plant has astringent (root), antipyretic (cortex) and laxative (leaf) properties, while the essential oil is administered for the treatment of helminths, toothache, rheumatism and sciatica. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as dietary supplement in the form of essential oil (few drops). Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Plant's consumption may cause allergic reaction [urticaria (itching)] and vomiting. |
References | 1)http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031942207001343# 2)Marc Sautour, Tomofumi Miyamoto, Marie-Aleth Lacaille-Dubois, Steroidal saponins from Asparagus acutifolius, Phytochemistry, Volume 68, Issue 20, October 2007, Pages 2554-2562, ISSN 0031-9422, 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.02.033. 3)http://www.votanix.com/phiomicronupsilonnutauomicronupsilonkappaiota940.html 4)http://www.dolo.gr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=188&Itemid=51 5)http://www.drugs.com/npp/hazel.html 6)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/c/corylus-avellana=hazel.php |