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Witch Hazel Definition
Witch hazel, also known as winter flower or speckled alder, is a common flowering shrub in North America. Its leaves, bark, and twigs are high in tannins.
Tannins find in any natural astringent due to their ability to tighten, dry, and harden tissues.
You can buy the witch hazel at any drugstore is a steam distillation of the bark, leaves, and twigs of the bush itself.
Witch hazel (the astringent) has a delightfully clean smell that is hard to describe. But if I had to choose one of my three favorite scents, the witch would make that exclusive list. It is just an instant lift.
What are the Benefits of Witch Hazel?
1. Treat Acne
- You don’t need to occupy money on harsh chemical toners that claim to “tear Acne to pieces. Witch hazel is a practical, gentle, and natural way to treat acne or oily skin.
- It has cast-off on my skin (mainly during the summer months) for years with great success. So be sure to enhance it to your list of the best natural acne actions.
2. Reduce Puffiness
- If your eyes distend from crying or lack of sleep (or both), soak two cotton pads with hazelnut and place them over your eyes.
- Witch hazel is famous for reducing blood vessels (which is why it is one of Preparation H cream).
3. Heal a Sore Throat
- The uncertainty you are lucky enough to have a hazelnut bush growing nearby can easily make witch hazel tea by steeping some leaves and twigs in a boiling water cup.
- Add a few cloves of garlic for taste and soak for at least 15 minutes. Then strain the solids and gargle with the tea.
- It is an excellent old-fashioned remedy for a sore throat due to witch hazel’s ability to soothe and reduce swelling.
- Reflect adding it to your arsenal of the best natural cold and flu remedies at home.
4. Reduce the Appearance of Varicose Veins
- Soak a fine cloth in witch hazel and place it on your varicose veins.
- Applied daily, this is a natural (and inexpensive) way to reduce varicose veins’ appearance.
5. Heal a Bruise
- It is impressive when it arises to healing bruises.
- Again, steep a thin cloth in witch hazel and smear it to your bruise several times a day until the bruise disappears.
- Your pimple will be gone much faster if you use witch hazel to speed up the healing process.
6. Cleaning and Soothing a Wound
- There is a good reason why many tattooists clean a new tattoo with witch hazel.
- The reason is that it cleanses the skin of germs and bacteria, and it also relieves inflammation.
- You can use witch hazel to clean any wounds or scratches, large or small.
7. Stop an Itch
- If you’re trying not to cut anything from chickenpox to poison ivy to a sunburn, soak a cloth or cotton ball in witch hazel and rub it into your skin.
- Witch hazel works amazingly to relieve itchy skin.
8. Refresh the Skin
- My favorite use for it is as a humble skin reminder in the summer. After being in heat, my skin becomes oily.
- I’m going to soak a cotton ball in it and use it to clean the oil, dirt, and impurities from my skin.
- Not only is it refreshing, but my skin also glows when done. And I smell good too!
9. Refine Pores
- Remember when I said astringents were “tightened”? Well, this goes for your pores too. It is an excellent way to tighten large pores.
10. Seal in Moisture
- Although it removes oils from the skin, it does not dry out like other salable astringents.
- When you use it correctly after a shower, it will help seal in moisture, terrific if you have dry skin in the winter months.
Side Effects & Safety of Witch Hazel
Adult: It is LIKELY SAFE for maximum adults when applied straight to the skin. In some people, it might origin minor skin frustration.
It is POSSIBLY SAFE for maximum adults when minor amounts are taken by mouth. In some people, witch hazel might source stomach upset when taken by mouth. Large amounts might cause liver problems.
It contains a cancer-causing chemical (safrole), but in amounts that are too small to be concerned.
Children: It is POSSIBLY SAFE for children when the user right to the skin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not sufficient reliable data about the safety of taking if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the harmless side and circumvent use.
Dosage of Witch Hazel
The following doses:
Adults
For skin irritation: An after sun lotion covering 10% witch hazel water has a use.
Itching and distress associated with hemorrhoids and other anal disorders: Its water applies up to 6 periods per day or after each bowel program. Suppositories have a place in the anus 1-3 times per day.
Children
For skin irritation: An ointment comprising it sometimes applies per day in children aged 2-11.
Conclusion
It is an astringent that often uses as a natural topical remedy.
It contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may help treat various conditions ranging from acne and scalp sensitivity to hemorrhoids.
More research is still needed to unearth the entire spectrum of potential benefits that this powerful plant has to offer.