Witch Hazel: Magical Properties & Uses

Witch hazel is the divination herb of waters and emotions: its forked branch finds what is hidden underground, and in magical terms this extends to finding what is hidden in situations, relationships, and the self. It is used in divination workings generally and in the specific practice of dowsing. In workings for the mending of broken hearts and the healing of emotional wounds it is the most appropriate herb, with a long tradition as the companion of the person who has lost something. It is also protective, used in workings to reveal the truth of a situation and to clear the confusion that allows false impressions to persist.

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) bark and leaves contain high concentrations of tannins, particularly hamamelitannin, with genuine astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Distilled witch hazel water is one of the most widely used topical preparations in contemporary medicine and cosmetics, used for haemorrhoids, minor skin irritations, bruises, and as a general skin toner. Its efficacy for haemorrhoids and minor inflammation is well-supported. It is safe for topical use. Internal use of undistilled preparations should be avoided as the tannin content may cause liver damage with prolonged use.

Saturn

The dowser's wand and the broken-hearted witch's quiet companion: witch hazel's forked branches have been used for water dowsing throughout the British tradition, as the wood is said to bend toward water underground. The "witch" in witch hazel does not derive from the craft but from the Old English wice, meaning pliant or flexible: the same root as wicker. In North American indigenous medicine it was one of the most important healing plants of the Algonquin, Mohegan, and other peoples, used for wounds, inflammation, and skin complaints. The distilled witch hazel water was adopted into mainstream American medicine in the 19th century and remains in wide clinical use today.