Of Medicine and Magic - Witch Hazel

If the forest could tell a story
This wood would be your ally
Showing the water for your family
And a safe path for your journey

Most of us, myself included, have purchased witch hazel in our favorite first aid section.  We barely give this common remedy a second thought as to its origin, history, and energy.  This ancient Native American remedy is created from an under story shrub that is native to the Eastern half of the United States of America.

While the most common purchased form of witch hazel is a preparation of isopropyl alcohol, the oldest is a decoction of bark and leaves boiled in water.  Two other methods of preparation are a vodka tincture and steeping the plant material in oil.  All of these are used to soothe skin irritations, burns, bruises, and minor wounds.

This unusual shrub is a bright bit of sunshine as the season is turning towards the darkest time of the year.  When nothing else is blooming, witch hazel puts on a show of small golden flowers.  This show of life in early winter and its medicinal uses give some hints of the energetic properties of this plant.

Witch hazel is a reminder that the cycle of life continues, even when it is hidden.  The leaves and bark are believed to protect against evil and to heal the wounded heart.  Upon perusing the article on witch hazel on The Druids Garden, I found that this plant is believed to bring hope and lightness to the darkest times.

The name "witch hazel" most likely comes from the use of this plant as a divining rod for dowsing.  The old term for this practice was "water witching".  A skilled dowser is capable of finding water, metals, and/or ley lines with a forked branch of witch hazel.  Some people find what is hidden or lost with this plant.  It is also known as a path finder for your journey whether it be a physical journey or a journey through the uncertain times of your life.

I love witch hazel and usually keep some on hand.  Most often, I use it as a facial and skin wash to soothe the irritations of hot and sticky summer weather.  The research for this article has given me even more reasons to love this plant and to make sure that it is growing near my home.

Additional sources for this article include:
webmd.com
healthline.com
aglab.ars.usda.gov
thedruidsgarden.com
The Native American Herbalists Bible 
     by Christina Bennett
The Rodale Herb Book
​     edited by William H Hylton