witch hazel
Soothing bark extract
Witch hazel is a North American shrub with yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn, or the astringent liquid extracted from its bark and leaves.
The extract is used as a skin toner and mild antiseptic: She dabbed witch hazel on the mosquito bites.
The forked branches were traditionally used as divining rods to locate water—the "witch" likely refers to this association with dowsing rather than sorcery.
Astringent plant compounds
tone · clarify · dab · pat · apply · sting · cooling · aftershave
Reducing distress or discomfort
- remedyCurative treatment or fix
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
- anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent
- astringentTissue-contracting agent
salve · balm · poultice · relief · treatment · bruise · rash · irritation
Forked branch for finding water
- dowsingLocating hidden water underground
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
spell · potion · herbalism · cunning folk · charm · warding · protection · ritual
Small woody plant
- deciduousSheds foliage seasonally
- yellowHue between green and orange
- fragrantEmitting pleasant smell
- flowersPlant reproductive structures
native · ornamental · understory · woodland · North America · Virginia · bark · twigs
Substance for removing grime
- acneInflamed skin condition
- blemishVisible flaw or mark
- poresMinute dermal openings
- sensitiveEasily affected emotionally
oily · facial · complexion · beauty · cosmetic · serum · moisturizer · dermatology
tannins
Astringent plant compounds
shrink · tone · clarify · dab · pat · apply · sting · cooling · aftershave · compress
soothing
Reducing distress or discomfort
- remedyCurative treatment or fix
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
- anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent
astringent · salve · balm · poultice · relief · treatment · bruise · rash · irritation · itch
divining rod
Forked branch for finding water
- dowsingLocating hidden water underground
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
magic · spell · potion · herbalism · cunning folk · charm · warding · protection · ritual · hex
shrub
Small woody plant
flowers · native · ornamental · understory · woodland · North America · Virginia · bark · twigs · pollination
cleanser
Substance for removing grime
sensitive · oily · facial · complexion · beauty · cosmetic · serum · moisturizer · dermatology · exfoliate
- plant extractsaloe vera, almond extract, vanilla extract, lemon extract, orange extract
- vintage toiletriescold cream, face powder, rouge, pomade, hair tonic
- American PlantsAmerican elm, aster, azalea, bluebonnets, bluebonnet
- forest plantsfern, birch, oak, maple, beech
- hardy plantssedum, hellebore, juniper, daylily, snowdrops
- home remedieshoney, lemon, ginger, garlic, turmeric
witch hazelmoisturizer
Hydrating skin cream
hydrating serum · emollient · facial oil · hyaluronic acid · glycerin
witch, witchcraft, bewitch, bewitched, bewitching, hazelnut, witchy, hazelnuts, hazing