Page 267 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

though cheesecloth to remove the petals. Pack the jar Rose Water: You’ll need fresh rose petals, spring
again with fresh rose petals and return the oil to the jar water to cover, and a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
to repeat the process. After the second steeping, strain Fill a saucepan with rose petals and cover with water.
the oil and add a 1/4 teaspoon of natural vitamin E as Bring the water to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for
a preservative. The oil should have a mild rose fra- 5 minutes. Allow the rose water to cool naturally, then
grance. Store the oil in a cool, dark place and use it strain out the petals, squeezing to remove all moisture.
alone or to make ointments, balms, and salves. Pour the rosewater into a glass jar and store in the re-
frigerator.

Witch Hazel,

Hamamelis virginiana

Witch hazel is such a welcome sight in the winter, as its
bright yellow flowers appear in the late fall, and often
until early spring. Hamamelis virginiana is a tall
shrub or a small tree, which is usually 20 to 30 feet (6
meters) high and spread as wide. It is native to Eastern
North America and is in the Hamamelidaceae (Witch
Hazel) Family.

Identification: It is quite easy to identify witch ha-
zel because of its unique canopy-like shape and its
elongated, 3 to 6-inch-long (7.5 cm to 15 cm) alternate bark develops rough patches and becomes scaly as the
leaf with a dark green upper layer and a pale-green tree ages.
lower surface. Leaves have coarsely toothed margins. Edible Use: The capsule-like fruit of the witch hazel
My favorite way is to look for the plant is to hunt in the tree can be opened to expose the edible nutty seed.
dead of winter. It is usually the only tree blooming.
Mark the location and come back whenever you like. Medicinal Use: Skin Care: For cosmetics and
skin/personal care products, Witch Hazel Astringent,
The plant grows with multiple trunks and forms a dis- made from the bark of the tree, works as a skin condi-
organized cluster. It has bright yellow flower with tioning agent that is used as a toner on dry and dam-
strap-like petals and becomes leggy when it does not
aged skin to restore the suppleness of the skin. It re-
duces inflammation and irritation and soothes the
skin.
Sore Muscles: Applying witch hazel to sore muscles
relieves pain and inflammation. You can also boil the
bark in water use it in a sauna or steam bath. Add
pieces of bark or small twigs onto hot rocks for a relax-
ing and soothing steam bath.

Colds and Coughs: Witch hazel bark is a tannin-
containing astringent. It tightens the tissues and re-
duces mucous and inflammation from a cold or flu. It
soothes inflamed airways and reduces swelling. Warm
(not hot) witch hazel tea can be applied as a compress
Witch Hazel Flowers, Wikipedia Commons
get enough sunshine. The bark and twigs are usually for respiratory illnesses, including coughs, colds, and
light brown and gray, depending on the habitat. The even asthma. Place the compress on the chest and
throat and breathe in the vapors.

266