Uses and Benefits of Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is produced by the North American tree with the same name and it has powerful astringent properties, being used by the American Indians for medicinal purposes. Witch hazel can also be found as essential oil and it is mostly used externally on swelling, bruises and sores. The witch hazel extract usually contains flavonoids, tannin, essential oil, proanthocyanins, gallic acid and much more. It can be found in almost all drug store and healthy food stores. Now, you may want to ask why you should buy it. We’ll offer you the answer in the following paragraphs. So, let’s see how witch hazel can help us.

Blemish and Spot Control

Witch hazel cannot cure severe acne, but if you have a pimple here and there it can make them disappear. Numerous over-the-counter ointments for acne contain witch hazel as a main ingredient because it features anti-inflammatory properties. Put a few drops of witch hazel on a cotton ball ad apply topically.

Reduces and Soothes Hemorrhoids

Witch hazel can only be used for external hemorrhoids as it’s a great anti-itch remedy. When combined with petroleum jelly, glycerin and aloe, it can effectively reduce itching and dry up bleeding.

Removes the Bags under the Eyes

Witch hazel reduces the bagginess by tightening the skin. Apply it regularly with a cotton ball on your bags and dark circles under the eyes and in a couple of weeks, you will notice the effect.

Heals Bruises

Whenever you have a bruise on your arm, leg or any other part of your body, you can efficiently use witch hazel. Dab the affected area three times a day and the healing process will be sped up, making the bruise disappear in no time.

Soothes and Treats Sunburns

Witch hazel is known for immediately treating the damaged skin. Sunburns are much more than that, as they involve skin inflammation. However, witch hazel can treat sunburns and can prevent the affected area from flaking and peeling.

Has Anti-odor Properties

If you will read the ingredients of some deodorants, you will see that they contain witch hazel because it has skin-care and skin-healing properties. It keeps away the odor and moisturizes your skin at the same time.

Treats Bug Bites

If you like camping or going to picnics, you should know that you can never avoid a bug bite. When smoothing like this happens, all you can do is apply immediately some witch hazel ointment. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties and will speed up the curing process.

Beneficial for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin and you are tired of looking for the perfect moisturizing body lotion, you can look no further than witch hazel. Apply it on your skin after showering and this plant will lock in all the moisture so that your skin can look glowing and healthy.

Relief for Varicose Vein

If you have problems with varicose veins, you must soak some large cloths in witch hazel and apply them on your legs. Leave them for a few minutes, and then remove. Witch hazel will reduce swelling and pain and will tighten the veins.