Thread: Ever wondered about the history of Witch Hazel?

So I was trying to kill the last few minutes of work deciding which kind of alcohol stove to build this weekend and lo and behold I found this article on the Atlantic about the origins of Witch Hazel as well as a brief history of the oldest Witch Hazel distillery in the U.S.
Just thought I'd pass the info along.
The Mysterious Past and Present of Witch Hazel - John-Manuel Andriote - The Atlantic

Spoiler alert: They don't mention it as an aftershave.

Very cool! Great find

Great article, I use witch hazel all the time, shaving, acne, skin rash,, it works.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Great article, I use witch hazel all the time, shaving, acne, skin rash,, it works.

Same here. One of my meds gives me a nasty rash from time to time. Witch Hazel soothes it long enough so I stop scratching it and it can heal up. I've also used it on the kids for nasty diaper rash. Clean them up, splash some on and let the little butt air out. Then once it is dry sprinkle with baby powder and it will usually clear right up. Plus it soothes the little tuckas.

It is nice to see an old remedy that is actually FDA approved AND works. I want to try growing some after reading the article.

I didn't read the story but I know it was used by Native Americans and in folk medicine going all the way back.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I didn't read the story but I know it was used by Native Americans and in folk medicine going all the way back.

Spendur, I figured you were going to tell a tale of a witch named Hazel!

You've been good lately, Tom, staying out of trouble.
You sick???

Originally Posted by Hirlau

You've been good lately, Tom, staying out of trouble.
You sick???

Yup. The crud for 2 weeks and as I was recovering, a bout of food poisoning from a new burger joint in the neighborhood!
Starting to feel my oats again! Thanks for asking, Brother!

I was wondering.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Spendur, I figured you were going to tell a tale of a witch named Hazel!

Well, I could have spun a tale or two about my relations and the things they did with the Witch hazel preps they concocted.