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Witch HazelWitch Hazel
Hamamelis virginia

This slow-growing shrub or small tree is of Saturn and has a special place for Alchemy Works, because it was the first medicinal plant Harold, our founder, ever learned about. Its name does not come from wit [knowledge], the root of witch,* but from wyche, as in weak, because its branches are yielding and pliable; they made good bows for archers. It is a good astringent, great for cleaning skin, soothing for bug bites, and has sedative properties. Because it chases water, it finds water; divining rods are usually made from witch hazel. It also considered protective.

*Although the dictionary disagrees, a respected linguist told Harold about the relationship between wit and witch. He pointed out that there were parallels in other Indo-European languages, such as Russian, where ved' means knowledge and a ved'ma is a witch (and a medved'--a honey-knower--is a bear). Ved' and Wit are linguistic twins. So don't let anyone tell you that witch has to do with yielding; a witch is one who has wit. Back

Witch Hazel Leaf
1 oz. $4.50


 
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Alchemy Works products are offered for use in spiritual, ritual, meditative, and magical practices, not for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. The information on this website is provided for its folkloric, historic, and magical value. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.