Your Guide To The Metaphysics & Virtues of Witchhazel

W I T C H H A Z E L

Hamamelis Virginiana

Winter Bloom - Spotted Alder - Snapping Hazelnut

GENDER: Masculine
ELEMENT: Fire
PLANET: Sun, Saturn
ZODIAC: Scorpio
DEITIES: Hecate, Artemis, Persephone
EDIEBLE: Yes

G E N E R A L

Witch Hazel is a perfect addition to any witch’s toolbox, blending its powerful physical and metaphysical properties to aid in everything from healing and protection to divination and transformation. Whether you use it in your magical workings or your daily skincare routine, this ancient herb offers an abundance of benefits, empowering you to live your most balanced, vibrant life. Witch Hazel is governed by the Sun, bringing light and clarity to any work. Its solar energy enhances personal power, self-confidence, and vitality. The planet Saturn, known for its discipline and structure, is also linked to Witch Hazel, particularly in its protective qualities. It assists in banishing negativity and clearing obstacles, aligning with Saturn’s theme of overcoming challenges and establishing strong foundations.

Witch Hazel is edible, but with caution. Its bark and leaves have traditionally been used in herbal teas and remedies. However, it's important to clarify that only the distilled extract from the leaves and bark is typically used in small amounts for medicinal purposes, not the raw plant itself. While Witch Hazel is commonly used for external applications, its internal use should be approached with care, as it can be quite astringent and may cause irritation or other adverse effects if consumed improperly or in large quantities. Caution: While Witch Hazel is generally safe for most uses, always perform a patch test before applying it topically to avoid allergic reactions. For internal use, consult a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition. 

M E D I C I N A L   B I O H A C K I N G

Witch Hazel is celebrated for its powerful blend of metaphysical and medicinal benefits. Medically, it’s renowned for its astringent properties, making it effective in treating skin ailments, reducing inflammation, and soothing conditions like acne, hemorrhoids, and minor wounds. In all of its uses, Witch Hazel provides both immediate relief and supports the healing process by addressing the underlying inflammation that causes discomfort and damage to tissues. Its combination of astringent and anti-inflammatory qualities make it a go-to remedy for various skin issues.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Witch Hazel is often used topically for its anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce swelling and irritation in a variety of conditions. Anti-inflammatory means that Witch Hazel has the ability to calm and reduce the body's inflammatory response—this is important because inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and redness in tissues. 

• For conditions like hemorrhoids, Witch Hazel can provide relief by soothing the inflamed tissue around the anus, reducing the swelling and discomfort associated with this condition. 

• In the case of varicose veins, where blood vessels become enlarged and twisted, causing swelling and discomfort, Witch Hazel’s ability to improve circulation and decrease inflammation can help ease symptoms. By reducing the swelling in the affected areas, it can provide some relief and help promote better blood flow.

• For minor burns, the cooling effect of Witch Hazel helps to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and calm the inflammation that typically follows a burn. It works by drawing out heat and reducing the inflammatory response, allowing the skin to heal more comfortably.

A  NATURAL  ASTRINGENT

Witch Hazel helps tighten skin and blood vessels, making it useful for treating cuts, bruises, and sprains. It’s often applied to reduce swelling and support the body’s natural healing process. Its astringent properties help tighten and tone the skin, which may reduce bleeding and irritation. 

MILD CLEANSING ANTISEPTIC

Witch Hazel is valued for its mild antiseptic properties, which make it an excellent natural remedy for cleansing wounds and preventing infections. Antiseptics are substances that help prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, which can lead to infection. When applied to minor cuts, scrapes, or abrasions, Witch Hazel helps cleanse the wound by removing dirt and debris, while also reducing the risk of infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. This makes it an essential addition to any first-aid kit, especially for treating minor skin injuries in a natural, gentle way. Witch Hazel’s ability to disinfect without causing excessive dryness or irritation makes it especially beneficial for sensitive skin. For those looking for a more natural alternative to synthetic antiseptics, Witch Hazel provides a gentle yet effective option that supports the body’s natural healing process. Its presence in first-aid treatments not only aids in cleansing but also provides ongoing care to maintain skin health and integrity.

LIVER and KIDNEY DETOX

Witch Hazel is known for its natural detoxifying properties, making it a valuable herb for supporting the body’s internal cleansing systems, particularly the liver and kidneys. The liver plays a crucial role in filtering toxins from the bloodstream, while the kidneys work to remove waste and excess fluids from the body. Witch Hazel’s mild diuretic effects help to stimulate urination, supporting the kidneys in flushing out toxins more efficiently. By promoting this process, it helps to reduce the burden on the kidneys, especially after times of overindulgence in food, alcohol, or other substances.

For the liver, Witch Hazel helps promote blood circulation and ease the detoxification process by supporting the liver’s ability to metabolize and eliminate harmful substances. Regular use of Witch Hazel, particularly in the form of tea or extracts, can assist in maintaining optimal liver function and promoting overall internal purification. While Witch Hazel is not a substitute for a full detox regimen, its ability to support these vital organs makes it a gentle and effective aid in the body’s natural detox process. By encouraging detoxification and reducing inflammation, Witch Hazel contributes to healthier digestion, a more efficient elimination system, and better overall vitality.

SOOTHING FOR COUGHS and RESPIRATORY ISSUES

Witch Hazel can be a gentle yet effective remedy for easing coughs and soothing sore throats, making it a valuable addition to your collection of natural cold remedies. When brewed into a tea, Witch Hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties work to calm the irritated tissues in the throat, reducing redness and swelling. This makes it particularly beneficial during the onset of a cold or after prolonged coughing, as it helps soothe the discomfort often associated with inflammation of the throat. In addition to soothing sore throats, Witch Hazel can help alleviate coughing by relieving congestion and promoting mucus expulsion, thus helping to clear the airways. Its mild astringency works to tighten the mucous membranes, which can reduce post-nasal drip and the irritation that triggers coughing.

While Witch Hazel is often used alongside other herbal remedies like honey, ginger, and lemon, it’s particularly helpful for individuals seeking a natural, non-invasive way to ease respiratory discomfort. Regularly consuming Witch Hazel tea during cold and flu season can support overall respiratory health, helping to relieve symptoms and promote faster recovery. 

D A I L Y     U S E S

Create a face wash: Witch Hazel is known for its ability to tighten the skin and reduce inflammation. Use it daily as a gentle, natural astringent to cleanse and tone your face, especially for those with acne or oily skin.

Apply as acne treatment: Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make Witch Hazel an excellent natural remedy for acne. Apply it directly to blemishes to reduce redness and irritation.

Treat bug bites & razor burn: Witch Hazel soothes the skin after bug bites or shaving, reducing swelling and preventing infection.

Treat diaper rash: Witch Hazel is a safe and effective remedy for soothing diaper rash in infants, thanks to its gentle yet powerful healing properties.

Fade stretch marks: Regular use of Witch Hazel on the skin can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars, promoting healthier skin regeneration.

M E T A P H Y S I C A L   Q U A L I T E S

• Increases Clairvoyance

• Chastity

• Protection

• Attraction

• Purification

• Banishment

• Divination

M E T A P H Y S I C A L    U S E S

Witch Hazel is an incredibly versatile herb, often called upon for its powerful metaphysical and medicinal properties.

For Healing Broken Hearts: Use Witch Hazel in a sachet or talisman to heal emotional wounds, especially from heartbreak or betrayal. Its ability to absorb and release negative energy makes it ideal for emotional purification.

As A Divination Tool: The pliable wood of Witch Hazel is perfect for crafting divination wands. It channels intuitive energy and enhances your connection to higher realms during readings.

For Purification & Protection: Witch Hazel can be used in ritual baths or smudging blends to cleanse your aura, clear stagnant energy, and protect against harmful influences.

For Attraction: The herb is also known for its power to attract positive energies and people into your life. Use it to amplify your desires and draw in opportunities that align with your spiritual goals

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In Banishment & Reversal Rituals: Witch Hazel has the ability to remove blockages, banish negative energies, and reverse curses or hexes. It is a go-to for clearing paths and creating a safe space for new beginnings.

Harnessing Astringent Properties: Witch Hazel’s astringent qualities make it excellent for purifying not only the spirit but the body, drawing out toxins and tightening the skin.

F O L K L O R E

In Wicca folklore, Witch Hazel has been revered as a powerful tool in the creation of divination wands, thanks to its strong connection to the spirit world. It is said to be especially effective in water dowsing, where its twigs are used to locate underground water sources. Witch Hazel’s ability to hold on to fruit from the previous year while blooming anew during the current year earned it the name "Hamamelis," which translates to “Together with fruit.” This resilience symbolizes the duality of transformation and growth, as well as the balance between past and present energy.

Posted in Alchemy, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Artemis, Astringent, Detox, Elements, Fire, Greek Culture, Hecate, Persephone, Planets, Saturn, Sun, We Love Herbs, Witchhazel, Yellow