• Witch hazel has been used for many years to treat a wide variety of health issues


• One of the most overlooked uses for witch hazel is to maintain healthy skin


• Here is some information about witch hazel and how it should be a part of everyone’s skin care regimen

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is a shrub that grows in North America and produces yellow flowers. It can grow to approximately fifteen feet tall. The leaves and bark are used to make tinctures, creams, and other types of lotions. These lotions and creams have a strong astringent quality, meaning they help tighten and firm the skin, can reduce swelling and provide relief from minor aches and pains.

Witch hazel branches were often used to make dousing rods, which were thought to lead people to water. People didn’t need long to realize that witch hazel also had properties that dry the skin, making it a great choice for a healthy skin treatment program.

Witch hazel has been used for centuries for many different health problems, including sprains, laryngitis, the perineum after childbirth, and hemorrhoids. It also can be used on mouth sores to relieve pain, as well the swelling associated with the tonsils during tonsillitis. Witch hazel is also effective in treating swimmer’s ear and insect bites.

Witch Hazel and Skin Care

However, one of the most effective uses for witch hazel is in a skin care regimen. It can help reduce the breakouts associated with acne because of the cleansing properties in the plant. It can remove the dirt and oil that can cause disruptions in the skin. It also dries the skin, which often helps ease the occurrences of acne.

Witch hazel can also help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. It has excellent skin-firming qualities and can help improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles. With daily use, you will see an improvement in your skin.

Where You Can Find Witch Hazel

Many pharmacies carry witch hazel products. However, these are not recommended for internal use, as most also contain isopropyl alcohol. You can find many concentrated tinctures online, often available in the form of cleansing pads or wipes. No matter which you choose, you can easily reduce the pain and swelling of many of your aching body parts, as well as help keep your skin healthy.

A Few Final Thoughts

Witch hazel has long been touted as the “catch all” for treatment in many health conditions. Its astringent properties can help firm and tighten the skin, as well as reduce swelling and irritation. This product should retain a place in everyone’s medicine cabinet for a wide variety of uses.

There is still ongoing research on all of the wonderful properties of this shrub. More uses for this incredible plant will no doubt be discovered in the near future.