Witch Hazel

Witchhazel copy
Botanical Name: Hamamelis virginiana
This beautiful shrub has been blooming in my garden through the snow storms of February.
I was amazed by the delicate looking flowers covered with icicles, and how after the ice melt they
retained their beautiful colors.  With Hazel was used externally by Native Americans to heal sprains, cuts, insect bites, skin irritations and hemorrhoids.  Collect the plant in the spring or early summer.  The parts of the Witch Hazel to be collected are: the inner bark and leaves, and twigs less than one half inch in diameter. Carefully strip off the outer bark with a sharp knife!  Steep in rubbing alcohol for 3 weeks and strain into a glass bottle. You now have a wonderful first aid remedy. For external use only!

Enjoy this third in a series of posts about helpful healing herbs.  For more visit my website.

2020 Judith Brooks Acupuncture, LLC