Herb info.

WITCH HAZEL
( hamamelis )
witch hazel is one of my favorite herbs . it has soothing and healing properties , is an anti -
inflammatory , antioxidant , and radiation protective .
externally , it helps heal insect bites , burns , bleeding wounds , hemorrhoids
varicose veins , bruises , sprains , and acne .
internally it helps stop bleeding , treats bronchitis , flu ,
cough and stomach ulcers . you can use it as a mouth wash for conditions of
the mouth and throat and bleeding gums .
caution - when taking internally it may reduce the absorption
of drugs .

tincture :

scrape off bark , then soak it in twice it's weight of dilute grain alcohol
( ethyl ) thats 50 % distilled water . store in jar for about 2 weeks.
shake 1 or 2 times a day . then strain , bottle , and store .
before use dilute with at least 2 parts distilled water .

witch hazel water :

soak bark in water for 1/2 hr , bring to a boil , then reduce to
a simmer and cover for 10 min . remove from heat , steep
for 10 min . and strain when cool and bottle .
dab some on a cotton ball and apply .
this will probably stay potent for a few days .