Hazel Leaf – Corylus L. – Herba Organica

Description

Hazel Leaf (Corylus L.) Dried Herb for Tea, Infusions & Blends

Hazel Leaf Herba Organica provides carefully prepared leaves of Corylus L., a deciduous shrub native to Europe and parts of western Asia. The dried leaves retain their natural green colour, delicate texture, and subtle herbal aroma, making them ideal for infusions, decoctions, and cold macerates. Their mild, earthy-green character allows them to be used alone or combined with other herbs for layered, aromatic preparations.

Historical and Botanical Background

Hazel (Corylus L.) has long been recognised in European herbal traditions for its availability, gentle flavour, and versatility. It grows in hedgerows, woodlands, and gardens, producing broad, rounded leaves and small catkins each spring. Historical records show that hazel leaves were harvested and used in everyday herbal infusions, often alongside other mild green herbs to create subtle, aromatic beverages.

The leaves’ natural aroma and balanced flavour made them a valued botanical in traditional European households, where they were used for simple herbal preparations and in blended herbal compositions. Today, Hazel continues to be appreciated as a gentle, flexible ingredient for both classic and contemporary herbal enthusiasts.

Characteristics of Hazel Leaf

Herba Organica’s Hazel Leaf features finely cut leaves with a uniform texture, ensuring efficient extraction during preparation. When steeped, the leaves produce a light, clear infusion with soft, earthy-green notes and a gentle herbal aroma. Hazel blends well with floral, citrus, and green herbs, creating harmonious, layered herbal preparations suitable for hot or cold extraction methods.

The leaves are versatile and suitable for quick infusions, longer decoctions, and slow cold macerates, providing consistent aromatic results with every preparation.

Ingredients

100% Hazel Leaf (Corylus L.) – free from additives, preservatives, artificial colours, or flavourings. Maintains the natural aroma, colour, and texture of the herb.

Traditional and Contemporary Uses

Herbal Infusions

Hazel Leaf produces a mild, aromatic infusion when steeped in hot water, offering a subtle earthy-green flavour ideal for everyday enjoyment or as a gentle base for blended teas.

Herbal Decoctions

For a more pronounced extraction, Hazel Leaves can be simmered for 10–15 minutes. This method produces a fuller-bodied herbal liquid suitable for combining with other botanicals to create layered herbal preparations.

Cold Macerates

Hazel Leaf can be steeped in cold water for several hours to create a refreshing, mild herbal extract. Cold macerates are perfect for warmer weather or for delicate herbal blends where subtle flavour is desired.

How to Prepare Hazel Leaf

Hazel Leaf Herba Organica offers finely cut leaves of Corylus L., prized for their mild earthy-green aroma and delicate herbal character. Suitable for infusions, decoctions, and cold macerates, this versatile herb provides a gentle, aromatic base for standalone preparations or blended herbal beverages.

Herbal Infusion

To prepare a gentle herbal infusion, add 1–2 teaspoons (approximately 1–2 g) of Hazel Leaves to 200–250 ml of hot water. Cover the cup or teapot to preserve the leaf’s subtle aroma and allow it to steep for 8–10 minutes. Once the infusion has released its delicate earthy-green notes, strain the liquid and serve. The result is a light, aromatic herbal beverage with a mild, balanced flavour that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for blended herbal teas.

Herbal Decoction

For a more robust extraction, place 1–2 teaspoons of Hazel Leaf in 200–250 ml of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the leaves to simmer for 10–15 minutes, giving them time to release deeper aromatic tones. Strain the liquid before serving to obtain a fuller-bodied herbal preparation, ideal for combining with other herbs to create layered, complex infusions.

Cold Macerate

To create a refreshing cold herbal extract, place 1–2 teaspoons of Hazel Leaf in 200–250 ml of cold water. Refrigerate the mixture and let it steep slowly for 6–8 hours, allowing the gentle aroma and mild flavour to infuse gradually. After maceration, strain the liquid to enjoy a soft, naturally aromatic cold beverage, perfect for warmer days or for subtle blends with other botanicals.

Suggested Herbal Blends with Hazel Leaf

Green Harmony Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Hazel Leaf

• 1 tsp Lemon Balm

• ½ tsp Peppermint Leaf

Description:
Combine the herbs in 200–250 ml of hot water and steep for 8–10 minutes. Strain and serve as a mild, aromatic infusion where Hazel Leaf provides a soft, earthy base complemented by bright lemon balm and refreshing peppermint notes.

Floral Green Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Hazel Leaf

• 1 tsp Rose Petals

• ½ tsp Chamomile Flower

Description:
Place all herbs in hot water, cover, and steep for 8–10 minutes. Strain before serving. The subtle earthiness of Hazel Leaf balances the gentle floral notes, creating a layered and aromatic herbal tea.

Mild Cold Macerate

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Hazel Leaf

• ½ tsp Lemon Balm

• ½ tsp Dried Apple Pieces

Description:
Combine ingredients in cold water and refrigerate for 6–8 hours. Strain before use to obtain a delicate, lightly aromatic cold extract with soft herbal and fruity undertones.

Versatile Herbal Ingredient

Hazel Leaf Herba Organica is a gentle, adaptable herb suitable for infusions, decoctions, and cold macerates. Its mild aroma and soft, earthy-green flavour provide an excellent foundation for both simple single-herb preparations and layered herbal blends, making it a valuable addition to any herbal collection.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.