You must have heard of witch hazel or seen products made of it in some health stores. However, are you familiar with its use?


What is Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a leaf extract and bark of the Hamamelis Virginiana plant and it had been used a lot by American Indians for treating various ailments, some of them fever and hemorrhoids.

1. Witch Hazel for Skin Irritations

Razor burn, diaper rush or bug bites cause inflammation. These are localized but they are still very painful. The infection is caused when free radicals act on the skin cells. Witch Hazel has potent anti-inflammatory powers and as such it reduces the damage caused by the free radicals.

2. Witch Hazel has Antiviral and Antimicrobial Properties

Witch hazel is especially good for treating fungal and bacterial infections. It has been traditionally used as a cure for poison ivy or to soothe the itch of chicken pox. A component of witch hazel, tannis is very effective antiviral.

3. Witch Hazel is a Powerful Astringent

Tannis is also a powerful astringent, it stops the bleeding and fastens the natural healing process of the skin.

4. Witch Hazel for Cold Sores, Eczema and Canker Sores

The treatment of these conditions can be really painful, especially if the infections are recurring. Witch hazel possess antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which make it realistic treatment for conditions like these. Witch Hazel can be used as a mouth wash as well.

5. Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins

It is known for a long time that witch hazel is helpful in treating varicose veins in the legs and hemorrhoids by improving tone and circulation and improving the connective tissues strength.

6. Witch Hazel for Sensitive Scalp

Some people who suffer from sensitive scalp have noticed that their symptoms, such as skin irritation, improved after using shampoo based on witch hazel.

7. Witch Hazel for Treating Acne

There are no clinical trials which have verified the effect of witch hazel as a treatment for acne. However, a lot of people who suffer from acne or outbreaks use witch hazel as a skin toner in order to soothe the inflammation.

8. Witch Hazel as a Lotion for Kids with Skin Disorders

Witch hazel is totally safe and natural ingredient which has been proven to be very effective in treating skin disorders found in kids.

9.      Witch Hazel for Sunburn

The compound tannis and its anti-inflammatory actions treat both the burn (the redness) and the peeling of the skin and the itching which happens afterwards. It is especially effective when it is used as an after sun treatment for children with skin disorders.

10. Witch Hazel for the Crohn’s Disease

According to studies, intake of extra tannis can result in decreased diarrhea when there are acute flare-ups. Since witch hazel is rich in tannis if you suffer from Crohn’s Disease you should use it, but you should consult your doctor prior to taking other supplements.

Choosing the Right Witch Hazel Product

When choosing a witch hazel product you need to purchase a product with as high percentage of witch hazel as possible. You may choose to buy product which has witch hazel and alcohol extract and they have longer shelf life than those that do not contain alcohol.


Get more stuff like this
in your inbox
