Gardens

Witch Hazel Extract: Make Your Own

Eastern Connecticut is the witch hazel capital of the world. Why is witch hazel important? 1. Native Americans used witch hazel teas and tinctures to treat cuts and scratches, insect bites, poison ivy, bruises, swelling, and sore gums, among other ailments. 2. Witch hazel extract can speed healing of blisters, cold sores, shaving nicks, and […]

A hand holding a branch with yellow, ribbon-like witch hazel flowers.

Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine

Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Witch Hazel
 
Photo Credit : Bidwell, Julie
Eastern Connecticut is the witch hazel capital of the world. Why is witch hazel important? 1. Native Americans used witch hazel teas and tinctures to treat cuts and scratches, insect bites, poison ivy, bruises, swelling, and sore gums, among other ailments. 2. Witch hazel extract can speed healing of blisters, cold sores, shaving nicks, and sunburn. 3. If you have normal-to-oily hair, you can even use witch hazel as a substitute for hairspray. 4. The white interiors of witch hazel seeds are edible, and taste something like pistachio nuts. Try this recipe for witch hazel extract from Yankee‘s sister publication, The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Read the Yankee November/December 2008 story about the brush cutters of Eastern Connecticut, who know just where to find a supply of witch hazel. For more information, go to: witchhazel.com www.whazel.com

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  1. The labels on witch hazel products typically don’t specify the part of the shub the extraction is from. Is the user to assume it is the bark? Do extraction techniques make a difference if the witch hazel is distilled? Distillation is distillation.