How to Cut and Preserve Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a flowering shrub native to America. Native Americans are familiar with the astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel's bark and leaves. The bark is widely used as an ingredient in commercial acne astringents today. The astringent stops the itch of insect bites and sunburn. It can ease hemorrhoids and excessive bleeding. When the leaves are prepared in a tea, they can help ease diarrhea. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Large pot
- Microwave
- Paper towels
- Plates
- Pruning shears
- Storage jars
- Small kitchen knife
- Water
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate a witch hazel shrub. Cut off two or three smaller branches of witch hazel using pruning shears. Cut at an outward-slanting angle close to the junction between the small branch and the larger branch it grows from to prevent excessive moisture from gathering at the cut area.
-
2
Remove the witch hazel leaves from the branches and set aside. Soak the branches overnight in a large pot to soften the bark. Use pruning shears to cut the branches to fit in the pot. The next day, remove the bark by peeling carefully with a small kitchen knife like you would peel a vegetable.
-
-
3
Dry the cut witch hazel bark pieces thoroughly on plates lined with paper towels. Put the dry bark pieces in glass jars for storage until use. Tape a label to the jar with "Witch Hazel" and the date written on it. Store the jar in a dry area away from sunlight.
-
4
Put the witch hazel leaves on a microwave safe plate between two paper towels. Make sure they are spread out so that none of the leaves are touching each other. Microwave on high for 2 or 3 minutes. Make sure the leaves are not wet prior to the procedure or they will "cook" not dry. The leaves should be brittle and dry. If they are not, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until they are dry. The easiest way to dry herbs, however, is to hang them upside-down in a brown paper bag in a dry, warm place out of the sun and let them air-dry in a good breeze.
-
5
Put the dry leaves in glass jars for storage until use. Tape a label to the jar with "Witch Hazel" and the date written on it. Store the jar in a dry area away from sunlight.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Witch hazel is easily recognizable in the wild. It is a peculiar species in that its bright yellow flowers bloom in the winter. They have long stringy petals which make them look like mop heads.
Great home astringent recipes using witch hazel bark can be found on Bella Online. A great recipe for witch hazel tea can be found on Fit Watch.
Homemade witch hazel astringent will keep for three weeks in the refrigerator. Homemade witch hazel leaf tea should be discarded after one week.
Check with your doctor before using witch hazel on a regular basis.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
