How to Make Witch Hazel Extract

Witch hazel has been medicinally for over 200 years. Native Americans used the bark to treat skin ailments, teas to heal coughs and dysentery, decoctions to massage into sore muscles, and astringents to soothe insect bites. Witch hazel extract is still widely used today, produced by factory distilleries. You can make witch hazel extract at home using simple kitchen utensils.

Things You'll Need

• Branch tips from witch hazel shrub
• Pruning shears
• Large stainless steel pot
• Distilled water
• Cheese cloth or wire strainer
• Bottles or jars with lids

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut one pound of fresh branch tips from witch hazel shrub. Remove any flowers and leaves. Cut remaining pieces into mulch with pruning shears.

• 2

  Place pot on stove. Add mulch with enough water to cover. Boil contents. Reduce to simmer.

• 3

  Add water occasionally during simmering to keep mulch covered. Continue process for eight hours. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

• 4

  Strain contents of pot through cheese cloth or wire strainer. Discard mulch left in cloth or strainer. Pour extract into bottles or jars of choice. Seal lids tight.