Witch Hazel

Autumn's uses Witch Hazel in many of its skin care products. The native Americans were well aware of the wide uses of Witch Hazel from medicinal as well as for its use as an astringent. It was document in the United States Herbal Association listings as early as the late 1800's but as been use much further back in time. Whether as a rub or a antiseptic, foraging for your own Witch hazel and creating a product comes with its own rewards. In doing so we keep alive customs of our forefathers and keep the recipe fresh in our minds.
Identifying Witch Hazel is relatively easy as it blooms from early fall to spring. It's rounded lace shaped leaves make it an easier herb to identify. In the fall the leaves stand out as a golden yellow. The leaves and young branches are best used for their astringent properties.

Choose healthy clean leaves and fresh twigs from the Witch hazel shrub as soon as it has begun to flower. You can either hand chop the twigs or send them through a mulch machine. Depending on how much you would like to make 1 gallon, 2 gallon or larger pot will be needed. Cover the plants with enough water, I use spring water that has been tested but if you have no access to tested spring water you can purchase distilled water. Make sure all of the branches have been covered and bring to a boil. Lower the temperature and cook for a minimum of six hours on low heat, added water as needed to keep the branches covered. Strain the liquid through a cheese cloth and allow to cool. This method of infusion without alcohol has a short shelf life. To extend the shelf life approximately ten ounces of grain alcohol to 24 ounces of witch hazel. Vodka can be used but is a rather expensive way of preserving your tonic.
If you don't have access to natural herbs and would like to try our all natural skin care products, you can call 724-883-3080 or order on line seasonal, so keep checking for the newest products at www.autumnsboutique.com

It is important to identify your witch hazel shrub with visual images. I look to upload some of our own witch hazel soon.


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