Seeing blossoms in February is a treat, and that is what our witch hazel tree provides. If you have one, prune after it blossoms and before the leaves come out. (Little gardening advice!)

I grew up with my mom and grandmother both using witch hazel on insect bites. It burned less than alcohol and it worked as well. Until I researched witch hazel, I didn’t know it came in a bar and is recommended to help with poison ivy itching and burning. It is also used to treat acne.

Native Americans boiled the bark and used it to treat a variety of skin irritations. The colonists learned how to use herbs, bark and roots from the natives in making teas to treat many ailments.. My grandmother talked about making poultices from onions and other natural ingredients in treating pneumonia. She wanted my mother to make one for me, but my mother used Vicks instead. If you read the Vicks ingredients you’ll see eucalyptus oil is listed along with other natural ingredients.

I have a bottle of witch hazel in my cupboard and still use it on insect bites. I read some of the things people use it for and was surprised. One person claims it removed the dark circles under her eyes and another said it lightened the dark spots on her hands and face. It can also be used on hemorrhoids if you’re interested. Amazing stuff!

When our witch hazel blooms, I know it won’t be too long until spring. For you gardeners, you can now sow grass seed until mid-March. The freezing and thawing of the soil works the seed into the soil until it germinates. Apparently it works, so I’m trying it this year. I’ll let you know the results!