What is Witch Hazel?

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is a type of plant, specifically it is a North American shrub called "Witch-hazel shrub" or Hamamelis virginiana. The leaves as well as the bark of the shrub are used to make the compound referred to as "witch hazel" it is an astringent anti-inflammatory. Witch hazel is a simple and inexpensive item that has many different uses. It is a great addition to your home first aid supplies. Just like with any product, if you have concerns about whether or not you should use a new product always ask your doctor or your medical provider if it is right for you.

How to Use Witch Hazel at Home:

Itchy Bug Bites:
Witch hazel has anti-itch as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Itchy bug bites can be soothed by dabbing a witch hazel moistened wipe directly to the bug bite.

Sunburn:
Witch hazel can be used to heal the inflammation associated with sunburns. When you combine witch hazel with aloe you can soothe and treat sunburned skin.

Contact Dermatitis:
Contact dermatitis, commonly caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac is itchy and uncomfortable. Witch hazel because it has drying and anti-itch properties can help the skin irritating experience associated with coming into contact with these unfriendly plants. When you are hiking it is a great idea to have some witch hazel pads on hand because they can be used for contact dermatitis, sunburn, and bug bites.

Razor Burn:
Razor burn is when your shaving causes irritation of your hair follicles which results in itchy bumps forming. These itchy bumps can be soothed by witch hazel. In some cases using witch hazel right after shaving can prevent razor burn from forming at all. If you prefer, you can prep the area before you shave with a witch hazel wipe as well.

External Hemorrhoids:
Witch hazel is most commonly used in hemorrhoid relief for a good reason, it works. The anti-itch properties, anti-inflammatory, and the way it tightens skin, all work together to make witch hazel pads perfect for hemorrhoid relief.

Acne and Blemishes:
Witch hazel is used to reduce swelling and inflammation which is why it is a popular acne treatment. To reduce the swelling and irritation associated with blemishes just dab the witch hazel moistened wipe directly to the pimple. You can do this daily to help prevent future breakouts as well as reducing the healing time of current blemishes.

 

These are just some of the uses that people have found for witch hazel. When you combine the astringent anti-inflammatory qualities of witch hazel with skin protecting glycerin in an easy to use per-moistened hygienic pad  it is no surprise that you have an easy to use and versatile product. What uses have you found for witch hazel?