Corylus avellana L.
The name Corylus derives from the Greek κράνος which means helmet, due to the shape of the envelope covering the fruits. Instead, the specific epithet derives from the Latin nux abellana, that is Avellino nut, for the wealth of hazelnuts of that territory since ancient times.
In ancient times it was believed that the Hazel allowed to get in touch with the good spirits of nature and facilitated dreams. For the Celts, the fruits of this plant represented the symbol of wisdom.
The Hazel wood is still used today to make the rods of the water seekers: the diviners.
Bibliography:
CATTABIANI A., Florario. Myths, legends and symbols of flowers and plantse, Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, Milan 1998
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Corylus avellana L.
Use: Rosy white wood was used to make small rustic objects: handles, sticks, kitchen spoons, baskets; it is still used for charcoal.
Corylus avellana has numerous cultivated varieties; plants of Corylus maxima and Corylus colurna are used for the production of large fruits.
Hazelnuts are excellent food rich in calories and nutrients. However, the presence of hazelnuts, even traces of it, must be indicated on the food labels in order to avoid possible food intolerances.
Properties: edible officinal species. Hazel leaves have astringent, tonic and purifying properties. Hazelnut oil has a high content of unsaturated lipids, and easily penetrates the skin without greasing it, for this reason, it can be used as a cosmetic in creams and masks for fat skin.
Attention: pharmaceutical indications are for information purposes only, therefore we decline any responsibility for their use for curative, aesthetic or food purposes. All parts of the plant must be used following medical advice.
Bibliography:
AA.VV., Scoprire, riconoscere, usare le erbe, Fratelli Fabbri Editori, Milano 1880
https://www.floraitaliae.actaplantarum.org/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=3927