Menu
  Du Jardin Beauty
  • Home
    • Workshops & Events
    • Spotlight
    • Reviews & Testimonials
  • Shop
    • Best-Sellers
    • Luxury Skincare
    • Herbal Haircare
    • Multi-Purpose Utility Soaps
    • eGift Cards
  • GIVING BACK
    • Wild & Locally Sourced
    • Charity: New Hope Midcoast
    • Fair-Trade Items
  • LEARN
  • About Us
    • FAQ's & Policies
    • Contact
    • Services
  • Wholesale
  • Home
    • Workshops & Events
    • Spotlight
    • Reviews & Testimonials
  • Shop
    • Best-Sellers
    • Luxury Skincare
    • Herbal Haircare
    • Multi-Purpose Utility Soaps
    • eGift Cards
  • GIVING BACK
    • Wild & Locally Sourced
    • Charity: New Hope Midcoast
    • Fair-Trade Items
  • LEARN
  • About Us
    • FAQ's & Policies
    • Contact
    • Services
  • Wholesale

Du Jardin Learning Center

Herbal Spotlight: Witch Hazel, Extract & Liniment Recipes

4/21/2020

8 Comments

 
PictureHer striking, spidery, yellow flowers open in late fall, providing a striking splash of color to the bleak Winter landscape.
Witch hazel [Hamamelis virginiana] has a long history of medicinal use as an antiseptic & astringent, & is an indispensable household staple. Uses of this plant were passed onto American colonists by the Native Americans, who worked with it medicinally for hundreds of years. A deciduous shrub, it grows easily in the North East. While its leaves, flowers, & seeds all have lovely properties, it is in its bark that the most useful qualities live. Through its bark we can capture the strong astringent & healing compounds, called tannins. This bark is best harvested by pruning the shrubs in late Fall or early Spring. Right now is the perfect time to prune the shrubs & use these branches to make your own witch hazel extract.

PictureA freshly pruned bundle ready to make extract with!
While witch hazel extract is widely available in drugstores, commercially produced varieties are often adulterated with synthetic alcohols & chemical compounds, or produced through distillation. Many of the beneficial compounds from witch hazel bark do not survive traditional distilling processes & are best captured through infusion. Plus, if you make it yourself, you are 100% sure of the quality & ingredients! The extract you make with the following recipe will create an extra-strength witch hazel base that can be used directly, or to craft a myriad of wonderful products & potions-- definitely worth your time!
​Once you become accustomed to high quality witch hazel extract, you will not want to be without it.

USES:  I’d like to take a minute to review some of this extract’s many uses. Its calming, soothing properties not only reduce swelling, but promote healing of the skin & even fight bacteria; it is one of few botanicals recognized by the FDA as a drug due to this. Truly indispensable to the home first-aid kit, it is wonderful for treating cuts, bruises, scrapes, burns, bug-bites, & sunburns by easing pain & promoting fast healing. It is also a wonderful remedy for varicose veins & hemorrhoids, as well as easing the pain of episiotomy or perineal tears after childbirth. Some rub it into their underarms where it kills odor-producing bacteria & works as a natural deodorant. 
​Additionally, it is used widely in skin-care products & is suitable for all skin types -- I use it in all of our facial toners & aftershaves. 
Explore The Products Crafted With Our House-Made Witch Hazel

Exfoliating Willow Bark Herbal Tonic

Shop

Restorative Body Mist With Wild-Foraged Apple Blossom

Shop

Bug-Ger Off Protective Balm With Wild-Foraged Witch Hazel

Shop

Balancing Herbal Elixir Facial Mist

Shop

Jasmine Radiance Herbal Mist

Shop

Soothing Restorative Herbal Mist

Shop

Refreshing Herbal Aftershave

Shop
Picture
Hamamelis Virginiana grows wild through the North East.
Witch hazel extract is truly a must have & the key to an endless supply may well be in your yard or neighboring woods! Please be sure to prune shrubs with care so as not to injure them; the shrubs will grow better for having had a ‘haircut’ & will continue to supply you with bark for years to come. Bark & pruned branches can be chopped, peeled, & stored for later use, but the fresh bark will always yield the most potent extract. [Witch hazel bark can also be purchased from many herb houses if you don’t have access to fresh]
​My recipe can be adjusted for quantity easily, depending how large your stockpot is & how much plant material you have on hand. 

Extra-Strength Witch Hazel Extract​

  • Large stock or lobster pot
  • 1 lb branches of witch hazel [Hamamelis virginiana]
  • Distilled Water to cover 1” above branches [about 1 gallon]
  • Alcohol* [if you desire to make it shelf stable]
PictureAdd small twigs whole; peel some bark from larger branches.
Using pruning shears & a sharp veggie-peeler, chop the branches & twigs to small pieces & begin filling your pot. Use branches of varying size & peel or scrape bark off the larger branches. Be sure to throw the peeled branches in your pot as well as the scrapings; the inner bark contains the highest concentration of tannins. This combination will produce the strongest extract.
Cover with distilled water so the level is about 1” above the top branches & bring to a boil on your stovetop. Once your pot is boiling, reduce heat to simmer & cover it. Simmer for 2 hours. Remove from heat & allow the covered pot, branches, & tea to sit & steep overnight.

Picture
The following day, prepare the jars & bottles for your extract, ensuring they are clean & sterile. Remove the large branches & pieces of bark, then strain your extract. I prefer to do it twice, using a medium gauge strainer, then a fine mesh strainer. Compost the plant materials. You now have a super-strong witch hazel base! You may be surprised at the brown color, as most store bought witch hazel is completely clear. This  illustrates how diluted the commercially made products are, for it is the tannins that provide all the benefits! In its pure form like this, it'll keep for about 2 weeks in your refrigerator. Should you wish for it to last longer or not require refrigeration, I recommend adding alcohol in a 2:1 ratio. [for 8 oz of extract, you would add 4 oz alcohol]  The type of alcohol you choose to use is up to you. You can add pure grain/ethyl alcohol or vodka. You may also choose to add isopropyl/rubbing alcohol, though many prefer not to add this synthetic version to their natural base.

PictureMy haul from a recent double-batch!
 In this form you can use it directly for first-aid by applying it on cotton pads or as a poultice. If you wish to use it for a facial toner, you would need to dilute 2 TBS of this base into about 4 oz of distilled water. The addition of some essential oils to this is lovely & beneficial as well. Many people like to add essential oils to witch hazel to soften its smell, which is a bit strange. I have grown accustomed to the scent & find it does dissipate quickly.
One of my favorite ways to use this strong extract is to make an herbal liniment for muscle & joint pain with it.

Now some of you may be saying “Liniment? There's an ’old-timey’ concept!” but I stand strongly by this usage. As many of you know, I am a big proponent in finding herbal answers & solutions, as well as a strong believer that your grandmother’s grandmother had it right! For those of you who have never used a liniment, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised at how effective & flippin’ lovely they are! 
Seriously -- give it a go & prepare to be delighted!
STAY TUNED-- We are brewing some up to share with y'all too!
Picture
A liniment is a topical remedy for relief of stiff or sore muscles &/or pain. Alcohol or witch hazel based liniments are super effective because they are so quickly absorbed by the skin & can carry the benefits of other herbs along with them. Some people like to use it as a splash, others apply with cotton pads to affected areas, or prefer to apply it as a mist & then rub it in -- All valid ways to use them. There are many different types of liniments, & an endless combination of herbs that can be used to make them. I like to use a combination of herbs with both ‘cooling’ & ‘warming’ properties to give it that icy-hot effect. Please note that due to the menthol in my recipe, it is not recommended for use on broken skin.

The following recipe is a GUIDELINE. There is no wrong or right here. The herbs I am adding all provide their own benefits, but none of them are mandatory & there are certainly TONS of other herbs you could substitute that would also be lovely. Let your judgement & nose [& possible allergies!] guide you.
​Don’t let lack of ingredients in hand stop you from trying your hand at making a liniment.
Get a little witchy with it, be creative, & enjoy!

Herbal Muscle & Pain Relief Liniment

  • 1 cup witch hazel base [shelf stable with alcohol is ideal here]
  • 1 tsp menthol crystals
  • 2 TBS willow bark
  • 2 TBS dried yarrow
  • 2 TBS dried calendula
  • 2 TBS dried chamomile
  • ½ tsp cayenne 
  • 1” peeled ginger sliced [or .5 oz ginger tincture]
  • 1 oz mint tincture or 25 drops peppermint essential oil
Add fresh ginger [if using] & menthol crystals to a clean jar [amber if possible.] Cover with dried herbs. Add the witch hazel base & shake to combine, ensuring all materials are covered with liquid.  Allow to sit covered for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
​Strain to completely remove all plant material [throw them in your compost] & then add tincture/s or essential oils. Pour into either a spray bottle or splash bottle to store & use.

​Use as needed on stiff & sore muscles or painful joints [great for arthritis] by misting, splashing, or applying on cotton. Rub to penetrate; it will evaporate quickly on skin.
Again, use this only on unbroken skin.
This liniment will be shelf stable for years. If you have very sensitive skin, you may wish to leave the menthol out. You can use whatever herbs you choose in a similar ratios.
​The herbs I have chosen provide the following benefits:
  • Cayenne & Ginger:  help relieve pain, great for arthritis, joint pain, & sore muscles.
  • Chamomile & Calendula:  help to soothe pain & reduce inflammation.
  • Willow Bark: pain relieving herb with anti-inflammatory properties. It was actually an original ingredient in aspirin & works topically to relieve pain.
  • Mint & Menthol: naturally cooling & soothing.
  • Yarrow: used as an analgesic & anti-inflammatory.

Whew!  This is a long one! Thank you for joining me. I hope this info is helpful to you.
​Hopefully, it will inspire you to get out there, get creative, & get making! 
Please share with me how it goes & what herbs you decide to use --
I love to hear what you are all up to!   Take care!
​Explore Our Collection of  Herbal Facial Toners, body mists & Aftershaves, each  Crafted With Our House-Made Witch Hazel

Orange Blossom Hyaluronic Facial Mist

$26.95 - $46.95
Luxuriously hydrated & protected skin! This decadent facial mist provides antioxidant hydration all day long. Manuka Honey, Wild Carrot Seed [Queen Anne's Lace], & Immortelle defend against aging skin stressors, while pure aloe & hyaluronic acid minimize the appearance of fine lines & pores. Orange Blossom Hydrosol & Hyaluronic acid intensely hydrate; botanical extracts nourish & replenish skin's microbiome, giving skin a dewy incandescence.
Our hyaluronic acid is derived through fermentation. Always free of phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, & sulfates. WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT OUR PACKAGING BACK FOR REUSE OR REPURPOSING.
​
Who For:   All skin types especially dry, & mature.
Treats: Dullness, tightness, uneven skin, signs of aging..
Shop

Restorative Body Mist With Wild-Foraged Apple Blossom

$19.95

Comfort & replenish your skin with this all-over treat! Provides soothing nourishment & restorative moisturization; perfect post waxing or shaving, after a day at the beach, or anytime your skin needs a lift. Wild-Foraged Apple Blossoms & Witch Hazel bring their calming anti-inflammatory properties & promote healing. Green Tea & Manuka Honey work to counteract sun damage caused by free radicals, while Chamomile & Calendula infused Aloe cools & pampers. Leaves angry, stressed skin feeling pampered & happy. Always free of phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, & sulfates.

This is a wildcrafted product, made in small batches when the herbs are available. As such, be advised that it may not always be in stock. 8oz Fine Mist Bottles. WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT OUR PACKAGING BACK FOR REUSE OR REPURPOSING.

Who For: All skin types including sensitive

Usage: Mist over body to soothe & replenish skin's microbiome. Particularly helpful after sun exposure & post-hair-removal.

Shop

Soothing Restorative Herbal Mist

$10.95 - $49.95

Soothing Restorative Herbal Mist, Chamomile & Rose Hydrosol With Calendula & Aloe: A gentle mist that soothes, & softens, leaving skin dewy & glowing. Use to prepare skin for further treatments, set makeup, & provide an instant boost in radiance to the skin. Always free of phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, & sulfates. Ultra-gentle, ultra soothing! WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT OUR PACKAGING BACK FOR REUSE OR REPURPOSING.


Who For:  All skin types including sensitive & aging skin.

Usage: -Spray over face & neck as toner before applying serum or moisturizer to lock in benefits, or any time of day for an immediate boost.

     -Spray on cotton pad & apply to concentrate the effects

    -Apply between your foundation & powder to set makeup.


SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE

Shop

Jasmine Radiance Herbal Mist

$10.95 - $49.95

Jasmine Radiance Herbal Mist, Jasmine & Orange Blossom Hydrosol With Calendula & Neroli: Packed with botanicals known for their hydrating & nourishing properties, humectants like glycerin, & pure essential oils that ease anxiety & promote well-being, this facial mist hydrates, nourishes, & leaves skin dewy & glowing, while relaxing the mind & pushing the day’s stress away. Use to prepare skin for further treatments, set makeup, & provide an instant boost in radiance to the skin. Always free of phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, & sulfates. WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT OUR PACKAGING BACK FOR REUSE OR REPURPOSING.


Who For: All skin types including sensitive

Treats: Dullness, dehydration, stressed skin.

Shop

Bug-Ger Off Protective Balm With Wild-Foraged Witch Hazel

$16.95

This easy to apply balm delivers a powerful synergy of bug repelling essential oils directly to the skin, creating a protective barrier. 

Protecting yourself, your family, & pets from ticks, mosquitoes, & fleas is more & more important as their numbers grow & the diseases they carry increase. Finding an effective, safe way to do it without dangerous toxins is a priority. Our blend is made with carefully selected people-&-pet-safe ingredients to deter fleas, ticks, mosquitoes & biting flies.

2.4 oz eco-friendly, compostable push-up tube packaging. Always free of phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, & sulfates.


Usage: Apply directly as needed to skin & hair. Safe for use on dogs, horses, & goats. Avoid use on cats. Oil may stain clothing.

Shop

Balancing Herbal Elixir Facial Mist

$10.95 - $49.95

Balancing Herbal Elixir Facial Mist, Aloe & Orange Blossom Hydrosol With Lemon Balm & Mint: A balancing & toning mist providing a perfect mix of hydration & astringency. Use to prepare skin for further treatments, tightens pores, set makeup, & provide an instant boost in radiance to the skin.​ Always free of phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, & sulfates. WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT OUR PACKAGING BACK FOR REUSE OR REPURPOSING.


Who For: All skin types including sensitive

Treats: Dullness, dryness, uneven texture, breakouts, patchiness.

Usage: -Spray over face & neck as toner before applying serum or moisturizer to lock in benefits, or at any time of the day for an immediate boost.

-Spray on cotton pad & apply to concentrate the effects

-Apply between your foundation & powder to set makeup.

SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE

Shop

Refreshing Herbal Aftershave

$12.95 - $29.95

Soothe, Stimulate, & Refresh! Loaded with 14 powerful botanicals, our aftershave reduces ingrown hairs & razor bumps while soothing & replenishing skin. Bee Propolis, Cucumber Hydrosol, & wild-foraged Witch Hazel bring antiseptic, anti-inflammatory relief to soothe & cool skin, reducing redness & providing immediate relief. Our house-made, Willow-Bark derived Salicylic Acid gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin, freeing skin-trapped hairs & preventing new ingrown hairs from forming. Leaves skin feeling toned & invigorated; the perfect way to complete your shaving ritual. 


Available in gorgeous, 100% recycled glass bottles: 3oz, 5oz, & 8.5oz. Formulated for all skin types. WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT OUR PACKAGING BACK FOR REUSE OR REPURPOSING.

To use: Apply to face & throat after shaving, massaging gently, to soothe & refresh skin. Shake Well Before Use.

Shop

Exfoliating Willow Bark Herbal Tonic

$10.95 - $49.95

Exfoliating Herbal Tonic, Aloe & Cucumber Hydrosol With Willow Bark & Lemon Balm: A gentle exfoliating tonic that sloughs off dead cells, leaving skin fresh, clear, & radiant. White willow bark provides natural salicylic acid to treat skin without dehydrating, while preparing it to better accept serum & moisturizers. Provides an instant boost in skin brightness, while refining the surface of the skin. Also fabulous post-shaving for ingrown hairs as well. Always free of phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, & sulfates. WE ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT OUR PACKAGING BACK FOR REUSE OR REPURPOSING.

Perfectly compliments our Elderberry & Willow Refining Facial Bars  & Elderberry Refining Face Mask.

Who For: Blemished skin, combination, ageing.

Treats: Dullness, breakouts, patchiness, & uneven tone.

Usage: - Apply cotton pad & sweep over face & neck, then pat over blemishes & uneven skin to concentrate the effects before applying serum or moisturizer to lock in benefits.

SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE

Shop

8 Comments
Nadine Ropp
12/10/2020 10:35:49 am

I made an alcohol free witch hazel tincture - soaked in half distilled water, half vegetable glycerine.
The website where I got the recipe from has disappeared, and I was planning to gift to some friends for Christmas with some recommendations or suggestions as to how to use..
Any suggestions/shelf life/storage would be appreciated!!
Will be sure to bookmark and save new recipes in the future!

Reply
Susan Chalmers
12/10/2020 02:52:18 pm

Hello Nadine--I am Susan of Du Jardin. Glad you have found our post helpful! If your infused witch hazel is pure without any alcohol to preserve it, it'll keep for about 2 weeks in your refrigerator. Should you wish for it to last longer or not require refrigeration, I recommend adding alcohol in a 2:1 ratio. [for 8 oz of extract, you would add 4 oz alcohol] The type of alcohol you choose to use is up to you. You can add pure grain/ethyl alcohol or vodka. You may also choose to add isopropyl/rubbing alcohol, though many prefer not to add this synthetic version to their natural base. Hope that helps- Cheers!

Reply
moringa benefits link
3/19/2021 02:46:23 am

This is a brilliant post, thank you for sharing about herbal spotlight witch hazel extract liniment recipes and high rise homes. We always tend to change something or the other in our house, thanks for this great advice.

Reply
Gina Perfetto
7/4/2022 03:28:00 pm

Can a person make a SALVE from witch hazel for varicose veins? Would it work and how might I make one? Ant advice would be appreciated. I have coconut oil which it antimicrobial and solid at room temperature but I'm a newbie!!
Thanks so much, gina

Reply
Susan Chalmers link
7/5/2022 10:10:24 am

Hello Gina! In its liquid extrct form, witch hazel would be challenging to add to a salve-- mixing "water & oils" requires a strong preservative agent of some kind to prevent mold. [coconut's properties on their own are not enough to stop mold adding liquid would grow...] You could infuse the witch hazel BARK in your coconut oil to receive witchhazel benefit without using a liquid, then use that oil to make a salve. OR, You could also use the liquid witch hazel on the affected areas, then massage your oil over the top of it to avoid the preservative neccessity. Hope that helps!

Reply
Kristen
4/14/2023 04:22:54 pm

Can I use witch hazel leaves instead of bark?

Reply
Susan Chalmers
4/16/2023 09:51:35 am

Hello! I am sorry, you really need the bark in order to get true witch hazel extract-- the tannins found in the bark are what provide all the fabulous properties. Cheers!

Reply
Cooking by Charles link
6/28/2024 12:37:29 pm

Thanks grreat blog post

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Events
    Homesteading Tips
    Informational
    Ingredient Spotlight
    New Products
    Pet Care
    Recipes & Ingredients
    Soaps


    Picture
    Beautiful AND Responsible

      Sign Up Here For Our Newsletter

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Picture
    Meet the Centuries-Old, French Cleaning Classic ​with A Modern Twist

    Author

    My husband & I were blessed with 2 beautiful girls. When I was diagnosed with MS, I couldn't keep up the pace working retail. We decided on a simpler life, built a cabin in the woods, & moved to mid-coast Maine ​


    Picture
    Treat Yourself To Our Amazing, Handcrafted Extracts

    Archives

    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    November 2022
    October 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019

    Picture
    Discover Luxury Herbal Skincare For All Skin Types
    Picture
    Our Multi-Purpose Utility Soaps Are Our Best Sellers For A Reason! Find Out For Yourself!
Always Free of Phthalates, Parabens, Formaldehyde-Releasers, Petro-chemicals & Sulfates.
Store Hours:
Wednesday 11 am - 4 pm
​Thursday 11 am - 4 pm
​Friday  10 am - 4 pm
Saturday 11 am - 3 pm
Damariscotta Farmers Market:​
May 16 - Oct 31 2025

Interested In Being A Stockist?
 Click Here for Wholesale Info
contact us:

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter:  Recipes,
    Special Events, Promo Codes

Subscribe to Newsletter

207-563-6256      [email protected]       © Du Jardin 2019 

127 Elm Street  Suite #2 -  Damariscotta, Maine 04543