Witch hazel is a native New England shrub with tannin-rich leaves and bark traditionally used as topical astringents. This home entry focuses on the leaves so there is no reason to strip bark from a living shrub. Commercial witch-hazel water is usually a distillate made from leaves, bark, or twigs; the simple leaf wash here is a different home preparation.
Medicinal plant
Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
A native astringent for minor skin irritation.
Uses
Skin — Herbs used in topical preparations, or traditionally associated with soothing and caring for the skin.
Properties
Astringent — Tightens and tones tissues; often drying
Vulnerary — Supports healing of wounds or damaged tissue
Energetics
Cooling — Calms heat, irritation, or excess activity. Drying — Reduces excess moisture or secretions. Toning — Firms, strengthens, or tightens tissues.
Similar herbs: Fireweed, Rose, Self-Heal
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Deciduous native shrub or small tree.
Hardiness
Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is hardy in USDA Zones 3–9.
How to start
Nursery-grown shrub. Choose straight-species Hamamelis virginiana.
Starting from seed
Seed is possible but slow; a nursery plant is much easier.
Harvesting
Take a light leaf harvest only after the shrub is well established.
Grow in zone
Plant out — Move a started plant into its final spot outdoorsPlant out: AprilPlant out: MayPlant out: SeptemberPlant out: OctoberHarvest leaves — Gather leaves in these monthsHarvest leaves: JuneHarvest leaves: JulyHarvest leaves: AugustHarvest leaves: September
Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal.
Gardening tools
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Gently simmer the tougher parts of witch hazel — roots, bark, or berries — to draw their properties into water. A simple home topical preparation; this is not the same as commercial distilled witch hazel.
Parts used
LeafGather
- Pick healthy leaves
- Use them fresh, or dry them firstAbout a week spread on a screen somewhere warm, dark and airy, or longer hung in small bunches; 1–4 hours in a dehydrator at 95–115°F. Dry when the leaves crumble and the stems snap rather than bend.
Prepare
- Tear or chop the leaves into a small pot
- Cover with water
- Bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes
- Remove from heat and let cool completely
- Strain very well
- Use as a topical wash, or soak a clean cloth for a compress
- Refrigerate and use within a few days