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The graceful birch, lady of the woods, is one of the most sacred trees of northern European traditions. In Scandinavian countries it is deemed as a tree of life. In Britain it is considered sacred to the Maiden Goddess Bridha /Bridget, the shining one who guards over the waters of life.

Birch indeed has an affinity with water. Despite its fragile appearance it is a tough and resilient tree, a pioneer tree that fearlessly populates even quite inhospitable places, bogs and swamps where few other trees would set root. Magically, birch is highly regarded for its life-giving properties. Birch twigs are hung over the stable doors to protect the cattle and ensure the flow of milk. A broom fashioned from birch twigs has special magical powers that can clear out negative energies and to protect against the evil doings of witches.

Folk-magical healing practices recommend birches to restore a failing manhood and to take away the aches and pains of rheumatism, gout and arthritis, usually by weaving a spell into its branches, thus transferring one's own suffering to the tree. The fact that birches were thought to protect against witchcraft did not stop witches from utilizing them for their own purposes and birches were a choice source material for their brooms. Today, the only relic of these ancient beliefs that has survived, is the custom of using birch as a May-tree, the ever popular symbol of fertility around which children still twine their symbolic dance of life.

Medicinal:
The therapeutic inner bark of the Birch tree is an important herbal diuretic for urinary tract health. Its natural compounds promote joint comfort; Birch Bark also makes an effective external preparation for skin and muscle health as well. Birch bark plays a prominent role in North American culture. From making beer to its inclusion in many of today’s popular natural toothpastes and hair care formulas.

Magical:
Birch wood is believed to ward off evil, banish fears, and build courage.

Associated with beauty and tolerance, the Birch's vibration heightens tolerance of oneself and others. Use a Birch Broom to brush out the old year on the morning after Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Add the cut bark to protection spells or drink birch beer if you feel you are under psychic attack.

Stripped of its bark, Birch is the traditional Yule Log. Traditionally, Birch twigs were used to light the Beltane fires, and couples paired off to the Birch forests. Later, they began to make the Maypoles out of Birch, setting them up and decorating them as the focal point in the villages. The traditional broom of the Witches was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once made from birch wood for the sole purpose of protecting helpless children.

Birch is sacred to the Maiden Goddess Bridha, the bringer of light. They convey fertility, female power and endurance in adversity, especially with regards to overcoming the growing pains of new beginnings. Birch can serve as a symbol of hope, light and energy that help us get through the dark times. Its affinity with water teaches us to let go of all that is hampering us and blocking our flow.

The Spaniards learnt the uses of this plant in the 16th century from the Native Americans of the West Coast States, where Cascara is at home. The Natives called it 'Sacred Bark', which the Spaniards simply translated into their own tongue and so it became Cascara Sagrada. It is in fact a cousin of the British Alder Buckthorn tree, though much milder in action. Like Alder Buckthorn bark, Casacara also has to age for at least a year before it can be used. Since 1890 it has been official in the American pharmacopoeia.

Traditional
Cascara sagrada is an excellent laxative, which gently stimulates the peristaltic movement of the intestines while simultaneously stimulating the bile flow and other digestive juices. It is not cathartic in the dramatic sense of the word, but gentle and resolute, making it suitable even for the elderly. There are many underlying causes that can result in constipation. Cascara can overcome any of them and is particularly useful where bowel tone is lacking. However, although Casacara is extremely gentle in its action and not harmful to the bowels, it is never a good idea to use laxatives continuously for more than a couple of weeks since the body gets habituated to the external stimulation. Cascara sagrada is best mixed with licorice bark, which does a good job of masking the bitter flavor.

Magical
Cascara can be used to move through spiritual blockages. Constipation is often a sign of holding on, bottling up, getting stuck, or being prevented from expressing ourselves, resulting in frustration and pent up anger. Cascara can help us release those blockages, it helps with the process of letting go. Cascara is the plant helper that can turn frustration into action and empowerment.

Hailed as a wonder-herb from deep within the Amazonian rainforest, Cat's Claw is a scrambling vine that can climb up to 30m high into the canopy. It derived its name thanks to the little claw like protrusions along its stem which indeed look like cat's claws.
Also known as 'Una de Gato' (Cat's Claw in Spanish), it has long been used as a traditional medicine of the Ashaninka Indians and other tribes of Peru who have employed it for a wide range of conditions. But it was an Austrian Doctor who became aware of this plant and started his own research into its healing properties. His findings were most interesting and suggested that Una de Gato could be usefully employed to treat many degenerative conditions that plague modern life. It did not take long for the fabulous tale of this wonder herb to make its way around the world. Today, Cat's Claw preparations come in every conceivable form, but few places offer the raw inner bark itself.

Medicinal: Una de Gato can be described as an alterative, a remedy that helps the body to regulate its functions and restoring proper balance rather than affecting bodily systems with some kind of shock effect. Native people describe it as a gate opener, referring to its properties of clearing obstructions of the gasto-intestinal system. It can therefore be used as a supportive medicine in many chronic conditions, as well as a supportive cancer remedy that helps to alleviate negative side-effects of chemotherapy while supporting the healing process with its own anti-tumor and immune system enhancing properties.
The plant seems particularly useful in the treatment of chronic problems of the digestive system and has helped where other herbs have failed to break patterns of digestive disorders, especially if these involve cramps and convulsions, as the plant has a relaxant effect on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Cat's Claw has proved useful as an antioxidant, preventing cell damage from scavenging free radicals and showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. While it does not appear to reduce the swelling of arthritic joints, it does reduce their painfulness.
Today it is employed in a wide range of chronic conditions, including stomach ulcers, Crohn's disease and other intestinal and bowel disorders, genital herpes, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer and HIV. He found 4 oxindole alkaloids that Una de Gato enhanced the immune system by extending the half-life of the lymphocytes, the white blood cells responsible for fighting infection, rather than having a direct effect on their proliferation. They also seemed to enhance their actual ability to fight disease causing organisms.

Magical: Peruvian shamans regard Una de Gato as a balancer that can restore equilibrium to a system that has become unhinged. It clears obstructions from he various channels, physical and spiritual, that block our flow, the harmonious flow of 'Chi' as the Chinese doctors would say. It can help restore the spiritual balance and release old ties that bind.

For centuries, the indigenous people of South America have used various natural herbal remedies to treat all sorts of ailments.
When European sailors exploring South America came down with malaria, many sought treatments from the continent's indigenous healers, which lead to the discovery of Cinchona bark as a natural treatment for malaria symptoms. Today, cinchona bark is commonly used as a natural digestive aid and many find it useful in easing muscle cramps.

Also known as: Cinchona Bark, Fever Tree, Jesuit's Bark, Peruvian Bark, Quina-Q

While It's easy to get excited about using cinchona bark as a natural remedy, it does in fact contain quinine which may cause serious health concerns at high levels.
Also, those with heart conditions should consult a physician before use.

NOT TO BE USED DURING PREGNANCY

Cramp bark, also known as Guelder Rose is a very decorative shrub, which is often grown in gardens for their showy white flowers and pretty leaves, which turn bright red in the autumn. The red berries persist into the winter. There are about 150 species in this genus. Viburnum opulus is called 'European Cramp Bark' to distinguish it from its close relative Viburnum opulus var. americanum. There are also a number of other closely related Viburnum species that are at home in North America and which have long served in as Native American remedies.
In medicine it is usually the bark that is used, although the berries are very rich in vitamin C and have sometimes been made into a kind of medicinal jam, their taste when eaten raw is rather bitter. The tart flavor and the looks of the berries have also earned this plant the nickname of highbush cranberry, although of course it is in no way related with real cranberries. Instead, it is a distant cousin of the elder tree
. In Siberia, a liquor is distilled from the berries. Upon drying the berries turn black and can be used to make ink. Native Americans have been known to smoke the bark of Viburnum and occasionally add it to their kinnikkinnik mixture.

Traditional
Cramp bark is an excellent relaxant remedy, with anti-spasmodic action on the smooth and striated muscles. It can be used in all conditions where tension needs to be eased to give pain relieve, e.g. in crampy painful menstruation, colic and other spasmodic digestive troubles such as stomach cramps or liver and gallbladder colic. It can be used in cases of threatened miscarriage and also in excessive bleeding as a symptom of menopause. Native Americans also used Cramp bark as a diuretic and diaphoretic and employed it to reduce swollen glands as in cases of mumps. They also used the fruits and leaves to treat bladder inflammation, scurvy and diabetes. However, the berries may cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Magical
Cramp bark is deeply relaxing. It can be used as an aid to meditation, to let go of the stress and tension of the day in order to reach higher ground and a more relaxed and detached perspective. When one is feeling all uptight and tied up in life's problems and anxieties cramp bark loosens the shackles of angst.

Magnolia is an ancient genus of plant having evolved even before bees appeared on the timeline. The giant blossoms on this tree developed to encourage pollination by beetles first. Some fossilized specimens have been found to date back approximately twenty-million years!

In ancient China where the plant was called Yu-lan (Jade Orchid), only the Emporer was entitled to own a Magnolia and he would occasionally give a root as a sign of imperial favor. The ancient Aztecs also knew of the Magnolia tree, naming it Eloxochitl or "Flower with Green Husk". One superstition tells that a blossom placed in the bedroom will kill anyone who sleeps there.

In flower symbolism, the Magnolia represents nobility, perseverance and a love of nature. Indeed, this plant has been known to survive ice ages, mountain range formations and continental drift and still rises regally among other flowering trees with some of the most magnificent foliage. Dreaming of Magnolia symbolizes beauty, grace and elegance. It can also represent a need to feel protected and safe, or to be recognized.

Wands made from Magnolia will help to encourage a regal but gentile demeanor. There is an almost hypnotic and languid quality to this wood that is at once commanding but unhurried. It will help the practitioner to make wise decisions and develop patience and endurance. Magnolia will inspire a graceful and elegant application of will and encourage one to see the beauty of nature everywhere.

The most impressive health benefits of magnolia include its ability to treat menstrual cramps, improve respiratory health, detoxify the body, boost cognition, soothe the digestive system, stimulate the appetite, reduce stress, and protect against severe allergic reactions

TCM: In traditional Chinese medicine (known as Hou Po), the bark is used for regulating Qi (life-force) and resolving stagnation. It helps with coughing, vomiting and bloating.

Native Use:
The Aztecs already knew of the Mimosa tree during pre-Columbian times. The name Tepeszohuite, which is now common in Mexico is derived from the Aztec tepus-cuahuitl “metal tree,” a reference to the tree’s extremely hard wood. Until recently it was thought that the Jurema cult had died out, but it is now experiencing a great renaissance.

For many centuries, the Aztecs and other indigenous groups used the Mimosa hostilis/tenuiflora root bark to treat skin burns and wounds. They also used it to make tea.
Mimosa hostilis/tenuiflora also is an excellent body paint or natural coloring agent for textiles.
This tree has played a major role in the traditions of different indigenous tribes in both South, Central and North America.

Medicinal aspects:
This species came to the attention of scientists just over 150 years ago, although it was hardly studied until the 1980s. Now much is known about this tree.
Currently, Tepezcohuite / Jurema is used throughout the world as the subject of medical, pharmacological, preclinical and clinical research on its various healing effects, antibiotic and regenerative effects on epithelial cells and for the elaboration of different medicinal products and standardized extracts. It has been combined within sophisticated formulas to produce cosmetic and entheogenic products
. In recent years, Mimosa hostilis has been popularly used as an important element for the preparation of modern analogs of Aya brews.

Common names: Jurema, Tepezcohuite, Jurema Preta, Calumbi, Yurema, Ajucá, Cabrero, Jurema negro, Tapescahuite, Vinha da jurema, Espineiro, Tepescohuite, Veuêka, Carbon.

Pau d'Arco, also known as Taheebo, Palo d'Arco or Lapacho is at home in the tropical regions of Central and South America. As a member of the Bignoniaceae or Trumpetflower trees, it is related to the Catalpa, which is a commonly grown decorative garden species, appreciated for its beautiful flowers.

Native tribes of Central and South America have long valued this tree, not only for its strong, fungus and insect resistant wood, but also as a medicine. The Guarani Indians fashion their hunting bows from the wood in the hope that the tree's vigor will be transferred to both, bow and hunter.

The medicinal use of Pau d'Arco is most common in Brazil where it is regarded as a virtual panacea.
Medical practitioners began to take note, when a hospital doctor started to treat his dying brother, who was suffering from cancer, with this herb. Apparently, his treatment was successful and soon other doctors at the clinic joined his empirical research.
Subsequent clinical research has focused on isolated constituents of Pau d'Arco, as these can be more easily standardized and patented. However, these studies produced unsatisfactory results and were soon dropped.
Since then reports on the efficacy of Pau d'Arco have varied widely, ranging from miracle claims, to warnings about potential dangers, leaving even the most discerning user somewhat baffled.

One of the reasons for such variant reporting may be due to the fact that the supply of commercially available Pau d'Arco is not subject to stringent controls. Thus, a number of related species, some of which have no medicinal uses at all, are all sold as Pau d'Arco and processed into a variety of products, since the inner bark shavings of the red Pau d'Arco tree are a by-product of the timber industry.

Medicinal:
Pau d'Arco is said to have anti-fungal, anti-microbial and immune stimulating properties, which are employed in the treatment of numerous conditions ranging from the common cold to HIV.

Most commonly Pau d'Arco is used to treat Candida, an intestinal yeast infection that often causes vaginitis. It is also used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

The immune response stimulating properties seem to be most prominent at low doses. Not all active constituents of Pau d'Arco are easily soluble in water and the bark must be prepared properly as a decoction. Even so, some herbalists claim that pills or tincture are more effective.

Pau d'Arco is also used as a supportive remedy in kidney and bladder infections and to treat rheumatism and arthritis. Some people appear to have had good results when using this herb as an anti-cancer agent, though it is difficult to verify such reports.

Magical:
Native shamans use Pau d'Arco in energizing aphrodisiac concoctions and as an adjunct plant in Ayahuasca brews. It is used in healing rituals and is generally regarded as rejuvenating tonic.

Red willow bark is a primary ingredient in most native smoking mixes. This bark is the basic ingredient of traditional Plains Indian smoking mixtures.
Known as the “canasa” to the Lakota, Red Willow Bark is a spiritually important herb within the Native American culture.

Red Willow Bark is seasonal, and is only gathered after hard freezes in the fall and only until the first Thunder sounds in the spring or when the trees sap production decreases. It comes from the inner bark of the Red Osier Dogwood tree. The bark has a sweet woodsy aroma.

Native American uses of Red Willow Bark

• Smoking Mixture: Red Willow can be smoked by itself or blended with tobacco and other herbs like bearberry, osha, and sumac. Used alone*, the bark produces a mild and pleasant smelling smoke; when mixed with tobacco**, this woodsy smelling smoke adds depth to the overall aroma.

• Sacred Pipe: When combined with tobacco and smoked in a sacred pipe, this dried bark has been used to end conflicts between individuals or seal agreements between leaders of different groups. Used with the sacred pipe, Red Willow can also be used to make offerings to the spirits during times of prayer.

*Red Willow smoke is not addictive like tobacco. It has not been found to cause mood alteration or other psychogenic activity.

Ideal season for Red Willow Bark: Winter
Red Willow Bark is an especially popular herb at this time of year, as it is usually gathered during the winter months “when thunder is not present” (or when the tree’s sap production decreases); typically between the first frost and the first thunderstorm of the spring.

Medicinal Uses of Red Willow Bark
Red willow bark is a popular medicinal plant used by Native Americans in many forms. It can be made into tea or tincture, or can be chewed raw. It can also be smoked or puffed like a tobacco or cigarette for effects in the lungs, air passage, stomach, eyes, ears and the bloodstream. Although the effectiveness and safety of red willow bark has not been proven, many Native Americans regularly make use of the plant.

• Remedy for Coughs, Colds and Fevers: The red willow bark is often made into tea as a remedy for colds. It is also used as an emetic for coughs and fevers. The bark is boiled in water, then the decoction is strained and drunk warm.
  According to Fredda Paul, a member of the Passamaquoddy who practices traditional tribal medicine, smoking red willow rolled into a cigarette is effective in cleansing the body and relieving coughs and colds as it goes directly into the lungs and into the bloodstream.

• Relieving Headaches and Migraines: As a relief for headaches and migraines, the red willow bark is usually mixed with wild sage then smoked a couple of puffs at a time every two hours. It can also be taken as a tincture or tea. Apart from relieving headaches and migraines, its relaxing effects help those suffering from insomnia to get a good night's sleep.

• Relieving Nausea: Whether ingested or smoked, red willow bark opens the liver and digestive organs, allowing the settling of a queasy stomach almost instantly. A couple of puffs can help relieve nausea. It is also used by people who just underwent chemotherapy to relieve nausea and promote a better physical state.

• Eye and Ear Medicine: Chewing on the dry bark of red willow can be an excellent medicine for the eyes. It can help heal pink eye or conjunctivitis, as well as improve eye function for those suffering from cataracts and macular degeneration. The bark can also be infused into extra-virgin olive oil. The oil mixture is strained carefully and refrigerated prior to use, then one drop is used to massage the eye or eyelid every morning and evening.

The Rowan tree has a long, sacred history.
Since ancient times people have been planting a Rowan beside their home as in Celtic mythology it’s known as the Tree of Life and symbolizes courage, wisdom and protection.

Another legend tells us how the Rowan tree bent over a fast-flowing river and rescued Thor from being swept away into the Underworld.

The wood is strong and resilient, and has, since ancient times, been used to make protective crosses tied with red thread. The Rowan tree’s timber has also been used for carving rune staves, walking sticks, and was especially treasured for its divining properties.

The bark is used much like Witch Hazel for its Astringent Properties. .a decoction (tea) of the bark is given for diarrhea and used as a vaginal injection in leucorrhoea, etc. It also was used to treat Fevers and as an anti-malarial

Slippery Elm derives from the inner bark of an American species of Elm known as Red Elm.
Although Elm was also used in Europe and is even mentioned by Dioscorides, the use of this plant is more common in the United States and the UK, where it was introduced via the Native American Materia Medica.
Elms have become quite a rare sight since the outbreak of the Dutch Elm disease wiped out huge populations of these trees. The fact, that it is the inner bark that is collected for medicinal use, which effectively kills the trees, does not bode well for their future, especially since Dutch Elm disease has also ravaged large populations in the United States and Canada. At present Red Elm is being considered for inclusion in the CITES list, so recent conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable harvest don't come a moment too soon.
Slippery Elm was one of the original herbs included in the famous Essiac mixture, the herbal anti-cancer formula devised by the Canadian nurse Rene Caisse.

Medicinal:
The main benefit of Slippery Elm is its soothing mucilaginous quality, which is equally comforting for a range of inner conditions as it is as an external application.

Internally Slippery Elm soothes a sore throat like no other herb and can be a veritable life saver for singers. It is also excellent as a pacifier for the digestive system when this is in a state of upheaval. It lines the entire length of the mucous membrane of the tract thus reducing any possible irritation, such as may occur when stomach juices come in contact with ulcerated tissue. Thus it can be used in all types of irritable bowel or stomach conditions, ulcers, colitis and similar complaints.
Slippery Elm powder also has actual nutritious properties, which makes it suitable as a food for convalescence, either by itself or mixed with other foods, which it will help to keep down.
Slippery Elm also soothes an irritated urinary tract and may be helpful in inflammatory conditions of the bladder and kidneys.

Externally, Slippery Elm is an excellent herb for poultices to soothe sore and inflamed skin conditions such as diaper rash and sores. Native Americans also use it in combination with other herbs as a wound dressing or to treat burns, boils and ulcers.

Magical: There are no specific magical uses associated with Slippery Elm, however it may be of great service when attending ceremonies that demand long hours of chanting and praying.

No other tree is as full of vitality and self- regenerating power as the Willow tree. Even cut and seemingly dead branches will come back to life when planted into the soil. This quality of unconstrained growth is exploited in the practice of pollarding. The newly sprouting flexible twigs, also known as 'withies', are regularly harvested and woven into baskets and light furniture. The wood itself is susceptible to rot- Willow loves to grow by the water's edge, but it does not resist its destructive power. Willows are sacred to the Triple Moon Goddess, whose mysteries of regeneration are evident in her abundant vitality. This is why sacrifices to the Great Goddess were always offered in wicker baskets - the regenerative power of the tree was magically transferred to the sacrificial offerings contained therein, which were soon to be reborn in the Underworld. Sacred to the Moon Goddess Hecate, Willow is a tree of magic and enchantment and associated with purification and resurrection. Witches fashioned their brooms with the life-giving withies.

Medicinal:
Willows became famous for their salicin content, which is powerfully anti-inflammatory and acts as a pain relief and febrifuge. For a while it was used as a substitute for the expensive Cinchona bark (Quinine) in the treatment of 'ague' (malaria). It also served as the precursor for salicylic acid, the base substance from which Aspirin was derived.
Willow bark is not as powerful as aspirin, but gentler on the stomach and thus better tolerated by most. It is a good nerve tonic and strengthening herb that is very helpful in treating inflammatory conditions such as gout, arthritis and rheumatism. It is good for aching muscles and joints, especially where these are tensed from one-sided use and bad posture. It is a also good remedy for stomach and intestinal catarrh and may be helpful in bladder inflammation. It can be a great supporting herb in feverish conditions such as flu and other infectious diseases.

Magical:
Willow is a tree of witches that has been used in fertility magic to both, increase and decrease fecundity. It is associated with the ebb and flow of the lunar tides, with water and with magic. It is sacred to the Underworld Goddesses and symbolizes transformation, regeneration and rebirth. Elves and water spirits often live near Willows and thus, in popular thought, Willows are considered 'spooky trees'. Native Americans included Red Willow Bark as a sacred herb in their KinniKinnick blends.

In the United States Wild Cherry is a common species. It has many close relations, all of which can be similarly used. The cherries themselves are edible and formed part of the original Native American ‘power bar’, made of dried ground meat, nuts, fat as well as dried berries and cherries. Wild Cherry has beautiful wood and a fine grain, which has earned it its marketing claim as ‘North American Mahogany’. It has been cultivated in Central Europe as a superior timber tree for fine wood working.

Medicinal:
Herbalists use the inner bark as an antispasmodic to soothe the smooth muscles of the upper respiratory tract. It calms the nerves and reduces the cough reflex, making it especially helpful in cases of asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis.
However, Cherry Bark should be combined with other herbs that are better able to deal with the underlying infection.
The soothing and relaxant properties make it a very helpful adjunct remedy in other cases of cramping, tension and irritability, especially where these stand in the way of recovery. The inner bark also has a mild bitter quality that aids sluggish digestion and dyspepsia. Cherokee women used it to alleviate labor pains.
In combination with other herbs it can assist recovery from many conditions, such as hepatitis, urinary irritation, inflammatory febrile diseases, pleurisy, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

If making a tea: Add Licorice root, Orange Peel or Peppermint leaf to improve the taste and to enhance Wild Cherry's effect

Magical:
The wood can be used for making storage boxes for ritual tools or for carving ornaments.
Cherry is a threshold plant. It helps one face unconscious fears and deal with whatever ‘monsters’ are lurking in the inner shadow world and prevent one from moving forward on their soul journey.
Burn as an incense while performing divination to enhance the results, or while performing love spells to find a partner.

Witch Hazel bears striking resemblance to regular Hazel, although the two species are completely unrelated. The leaves almost look the same and even the nuts are very similar. However, unlike regular Hazel, Witch Hazel flowers produces the strangest looking scraggily blooms in the midst of winter.
The name 'Witch Hazel' is derived from the old English word 'wytch', which means 'dowsing' and refers to the Old World use of regular Hazel as dowsing rods to divine hidden water veins or lost treasures.
The pilgrims learned about the use of Witch Hazel from Native American healers. Witch Hazel became popularized through the collaborative efforts of a native Oneida healer and a certain Mr. Pond, a local friend of the tribe. Together they prepared the first commercial Witch Hazel preparation, which they called 'Golden Treasure' and which later became known as 'Pond's Extract'. It is still sold under this name today and is a common toiletry article in most North American bathroom cabinets.

Medicinal:
Witch Hazel is an excellent astringent herb. It can be used for all sorts of swellings, whether they are due to inflammation, e.g. as a gargle for tonsillitis and inflamed gums, or bruises, insect bites or poison ivy rash.
One of the best known applications for Witch Hazel is as a remedy for hemorrhoids, which is said to be very effective.
It is also used for afflictions of the veins, giving support and strength in cases of varicose veins. It makes a great ingredient for various skin care preparations, not just because it soothes and draws together 'spider veins', but also because it contains powerfully active antioxidant agents, which can fight the effects of aging.
Witch Hazel has also traditionally been used to treat all manner of eye infections and inflammations and even temporary blindness caused by blows to the head.

Internally it can be used to astringe inflamed or irritated tissues, especially of the digestive system.
It will curb inner bleeding, diarrhea or leucorrhoea and it has also been used to reduce excessive menstruation or to reduce the loss of blood during child birth.

Magical:
As with common hazel, Witch Hazel twigs are cut and used as dowsing rods Native Americans also used the seeds in certain medicine ceremonies and for divination practice to determine whether a patient would recover.
Witch Hazel has an affinity with water and may be used in weather magic.

The bark contains a higher content of a specific astringent compound, hamamelitannin.