Witch hazel is an individualist. It blooms in winter when almost nothing else will. And that’s not the only surprise it’s hiding up its sleeve.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of witch hazel - a distinctive woodland shrub with flame-colored flowers that appear in late autumn and winter, earning it the nickname “winter bloom.”

But beyond its striking characteristics, witch hazel also has an interesting history. One that led to its use around the world for its healing properties.

We travel back to the mid-1840s, when Theron T. Pond found his attention captured by witch hazel. That curiosity would eventually help shape the products of the T.T. Pond Company, known today as Pond’s.

You’ll also discover where the plant got its name (it’s not from the supernatural!) and a whole lot more.

Covered in this episode:

• The origin story of witch hazel and Pond’s.
• How witch hazel survives its winter bloom.
• The industrial rise of witch hazel as a healing tonic.
• Surprising historical uses, from dowsing rods to traditional remedies.
• Where the name “witch hazel” comes from.
• The plant’s unique, explosive seed dispersal.
• How to grow witch hazel at home.
• And more…

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

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LISTEN

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Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758 

CREDITS

Script - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)

Research - Adriana Gogolin

Produced by Claricast.