The Wonderful World of Witch Hazel

The Wonderful World of Witch Hazel

You may have noticed that I've been on the hunt for a miniaturized version of Witch hazel, namely the Hamamelis virginiana or "Little Suzie", which is a compact cultivar of the common Witch hazel.  It only grows 4-5 feet tall and wide, making it great for small gardens.  It blooms late fall to early winter with beautiful yellow flowers that brighten the landscape when nothing else is growing.  It is deer resistant and can take a little bit of abuse too.  I love the spiral blooms.  Well, I finally found it after searching everywhere in vain.  I had to order one off of Etsy.  When it arrived, I quickly found a sunny spot out front.  It prefers moist, organically rich, yet acidic soil.   

The Witch hazel plant (Hamamelis) is a shrub that should be highly valued.   Why not love it?  The fragrant blooms that smell spicy and sweet, pop out during the colder months.  The bushes are interesting and bring a pop of color.   It is one of the rare shrubs that actually blooms while the other plants are going dormant.  It is low maintenance, resistant to pests and diseases and requires little in return besides an occasional prune.  And it has value medicinally too.

There are actually five types of Witch hazel to choose from.  The first and most common is the Hamamelis virginiana, native to North America with big bright yellow flowers.  Next is Hamamelis vernalis or Vernal Witch hazel.  This is found in the central U.S. and its' late winter flowers range in color from yellow to copper red.  Next up is Hamamelis mollis or Chinese Witch hazel, famous for its very large, yet sweet scented blooms.  Then there is Hamamelis japonica, or Japanese Witch hazel, which also has striking yellow blooms.  Last there is a hybrid combining both the H. mollis and H. japonica, called Hamamelis x intermedia, with vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, red or orange.

Once you have chosen your type of Witch hazel that will work for your garden and area, and it begins to grow, you can use the leaves, bark and twigs which contain tannins that have been used traditionally for skin care, for reducing inflammation and for soothing minor wounds.  There are a wide variety of things you can do with it; treat hemorrhoids, fight acne, ward off infection and more.  Most commonly it is used as an astringent. It has been useful for many years.  Native Americans have used Witch hazel for various ailments, including sore throats, diarrhea, and bruising. It has also been traditionally used for treating tumors, eye inflammations, hemorrhoids, burns, and colds. However, evidence for some of these uses is limited. 

So how do we prepare and use this wonderful plant for our home usage?  Here's a recipe where you can make it by using the alcohol extraction method.  There are recipes out there for a Quick Decoction method using water, however it isn't shelf stable for long without the alcohol and this method requires it be stored in the refrigerator.

Homemade Witch Hazel Astringent (Alcohol Extraction Method)

Witch Hazel Herb: • ½ cup of fresh or dried witch hazel leaves, bark, and small twigs (if using fresh, ensure they’re thoroughly washed to remove any dirt).

Liquid Base for Extraction: • 1 cup distilled water • 1 cup clear alcohol (such as vodka or another 40–50% alcohol; this helps extract active components and acts as a preservative)

Optional Enhancements: • 3–5 drops of essential oils (e.g., tea tree or lavender) for additional antimicrobial or soothing benefits

Instructions:
Prepare the Witch Hazel:

If using fresh plant material, rinse it well and chop it coarsely. If you’re using dried witch hazel, you can measure it out as is. The larger the pieces, the slower the extraction, so chopping helps to release more of the active compounds.

Combine the Ingredients:

Place the witch hazel pieces into a clean, sterilized glass jar.

Pour in the distilled water and the alcohol, ensuring the herb is completely submerged.

At this stage, if you’re adding essential oils, mix them in now.

Next, infuse the Mixture:

Seal the jar tightly.

Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, give the jar a gentle shake every day to help redistribute the liquid and promote an even extraction.

Strain and Bottle:

After the infusion period, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the herb material into another sterilized container.

Squeeze or press the plant material to extract as much liquid as possible.

Pour the strained liquid into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light. Label the bottle with the date of extraction.

Usage and Storage:

This witch hazel astringent is now ready for use. Simply apply a small amount to a cotton pad and swipe it over cleansed skin. It’s great as a facial toner, a spot treatment for minor irritations, or even as a soothing compress.

Store the bottle in a cool, dry place. Because of the alcohol content, the astringent should keep well for several months.

Always do a test on a small patch of skin to ensure no adverse reaction occurs.

Alcohol not only extracts more of the astringent tannins but also acts as a preservative, ensuring your remedy lasts longer. If you opt for the decoction, remember that the water-only extract will be less potent and have a shorter shelf life.  Customizing Your Astringent: Experiment with adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils. For example, tea tree oil offers extra antimicrobial properties, whereas lavender can enhance soothing benefits. Just be mindful of potential sensitivities. Beyond Witch Hazel: If you’re interested in expanding your herbal remedy collection, consider blending witch hazel with other botanicals. A mix with rose water or aloe vera might create a multifaceted toner that not only tightens but also hydrates and calms your skin.

If You’re Considering a Gargle
Some herbal enthusiasts have explored the idea of using a very diluted witch hazel solution as an external gargle to temporarily soothe throat inflammation. However, this approach must be handled with extra caution. The ingredients in Witch hazel may irritate the mucous membranes of the throat or upset the gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.  As a diluted gargle, it should be okay.

Preparation:

Dilution Is Key: If you’re set on trying this remedy, you would need to dilute witch hazel significantly. For example, you might mix 1 teaspoon of unscented (no essential oils added) Witch hazel with at least 8 to 10 ounces of warm distilled water.

Avoid Ingestion: Use the solution strictly as a gargle. Swish it briefly (about 20–30 seconds) in your mouth, ensuring that it reaches the back of your throat, then spit it out immediately. Do not swallow even a small amount.

Safety First:

Test for Sensitivity: Before any attempted gargle, perform a patch test on your skin to confirm you do not have an adverse reaction to the witch hazel.

Consult a Professional: Given that internal use is not suggested for witch hazel, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider or a herbal specialist who can advise you based on your specific health needs.

It is such a useful herb, but one I feel has been over-looked by many venturing into the world of healing plants.  If you can make room for it in your landscape, I most certainly recommend it.  Its' beauty and usefulness make it well worth it.