No, it’s not an ingredient for a magic potion (unfortunately). Witch hazel, or at least the kind most commonly used for alternative treatments and medicine, is a North American plant with an astounding amount of uses in its leaves and bark. American Indians often used the shrub for medicinal purposes if it grew on their territory, and European colonists began using it after observing its potency. Today you can find witch hazel in a number of over-the-counter skincare and other naturalist remedies, or on its own as an extract.
So what exactly makes this herb so incredibly useful to have around the house? WonderHowTo explains in this informative illustration:
Featured photo credit: witch hazel/sea turtle via flic.kr
