Make your own homemade Witch hazel lotion

Here is a recipe for a witch hazel lotion that can be used as an astringent or apply in a cold compress to a fevered brow.

To make 1½ pints/850ml

• 4 tablespoons fresh witch hazel leaves and/or bark
• 1 6 floz/450ml purified water
• 8 floz/225ml rubbing alcohol

Rinse the leaves well, then chop them coarsely. Bring the water to a boil in an enameled saucepan, add the leaves and simmer for 15 minutes. Leave the witch hazel to infuse until cool, then strain and stir in the alcohol. The lotion will keep for 4-5 days if tightly covered and refrigerated.