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HAZEL NUT CORYLUSA VELLANA Good to help an old cough. This variety of Hazel Nut makes a small tree which produces several nuts together on one stalk, covered with a husk. The branches are smooth, tough and pliable and the leaves large and round, but indented at the edges. The male flowers are presented as yellow, drooping catkins. Where to find it: A common occupant of woods and coppices. Flowering tirne: Late spring. Astrology: Under the dominion of Mercury. Medicinal virtues: The dried husks and shells are powdered and two drams(3.5 g) taken in red wine to stay the laxness of the bowel and women's courses. The skins have a similar virtue. To help an old cough, the kernels are made into an electuary with mead or honied water. With a little pepper added, rheum is drawn from the head. Modern uses: Hazel nuts, Cob nuts and Filberts are related. The latter two are selected strains which are grafted on to stocks of the Common Hazel. Nuts are rich in protein and unsaturated fatty acids. Hazel nuts are particularly rich in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and copper, and are best used as a food. |