Organic and herbal skin care... home grown herbs, pesticide and chemical free

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

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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Dates

Festival dates rib fest, mason dixon, rain day, avalon ,

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2009

Festival dates rib fest, mason dixon, rain day, avalon ,

This is not a complete list of events. We will add as the events are secured.


July 4th Monongahela Chamber of commerce Celebration
5pm till fireworks



July 18 th West Virginia Rib Festival


It's that time of year again! Come join us for a day of family-friendly fun at Mylan Park right outside of Morgantown, West Virginia!

The area's best rib cook-off with live entertainment, kids' activities, and great food! And it all benefits a great cause!


Saturday, July 18th, 2009
11:00am - 7:00pm

Mylan Park

Admissions: Adults:$5
Children 12 & under: FREE

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June through October
Wednesday 5th Annual Farmers Market
American legion parking lot East Green street
Waynesburg Pa 3pm to 6 pm
724-627-7817
visit www.waynesburgpa.org
Every wednedsay through fall
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Art Blast on the Mon
Greensbor 10 am to 5 pm
Mary shine 724-943 4462
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August 1st and 2nd Bruno Field in Sewickley twp Parks


August 22nd 23
Mason Dixon Park, Mt. Morris at 10 am
www.masondixonpark.com
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Rain day festival July 29 th

Waynesburg Pa
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Star Trail City Duck festival
Details at a later date
August 1 st
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Avalon Paw Paw West Virginia

724-627-8111

August 7th 8th and 9th
Music and entertainment and a great all natural setting
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September Labor Day Festival
West Moreland Park
September 6th and 7th
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White covered bridge
Greene County Pa
September 19th and 20th
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September 26th and 27
Arts in the Park
Ryerson Station
Greene County Pennsylvania
10 am till 6 Saturday
and Sunday from 10 am till 5pm

Cedar Creek Park, Bell Veron Route 51
Native American Pow Wow
10th and 11th of October
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Ladies of the shriner 9am to 4pm
Syria Mosque The Pittsburgh Shriners 24 th of
October

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Harvest Festival Greene county musuem
17 and 18 th of October
more information to follow
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HillCrest Cristian Academy
November 7th
7 am to 3pm
South hills assembly Church
2725 Bethel Church Road
Bethel Park, Pa 15102
412257-2737
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