Witch Hazel is prepared from the bark and leaves of Hamamelix virginica, an indigenous shrub inmost of the US.  It has been used as an astringent, sedative and tonic. Frederick Humphrey, M.D was born in 1816 and established Dr. Humphreys Specific Homeopathic Medicine Co. in 1844.  By 1877 the company relocated to its William and Anne Street address.