Witch hazel is a popular medicinal plant that possesses strong healing properties. It has been used since a long time for treating a wide range of skin disorders. From mild bruises, insect bites to severe hemorrhoids, witch hazel extract is effective for promoting quick healing. It aids in tightening, drying and hardening of damaged skin tissues.
What is Witch Hazel?
With hazel is a deciduous plant that exhibits shrubbery or a small tree habit. The unique feature of this plant is development of new leaves, blooms and fruits at the same time, in autumn. The flowers are bright yellow to orange-red in color and borne in clusters. Flowering starts in autumn and continues throughout winter, when other garden plants are in their dormant state. Because of the attractive blooms and long flowering duration, witch hazel is mostly preferred by hobbyists for growing as ornamental plants. The seeds are edible and contain high amounts of oil.
Witch Hazel Astringent
Coming to medicinal application of witch hazel, the foliage and bark of Hamamelis virginiana (common name, North American witch hazel) are harvested for use as astringent. In commercial market, the term 'witch hazel' is used to denote astringent derived from this plant. The astringent action of witch hazel is attributed to the presence of tannins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, catechins and other essential oils.
Skin Care: Witch hazel is a much preferred herbal product for regular skin care. Rubbing it in face reduces excess sweating and oil secretion by the sebaceous glands. You can apply it after shaving, waxing and any kind of skin care regimen.
Tightening Pores: People who have large pores, overactive sweat glands and oily skin benefit from regular application of witch hazel astringent. With routine usage during skin care, the pores tighten considerably, resulting in smooth textured skin.
Treating Acne: Using witch hazel for acne treatment is highly appreciated in herbal medicine. The astringent and anti-inflammatory action of this extract is effective to prevent development of acne as well as treat existing acne and pimples. This is the reason why, it is frequently used in acne skin care products.
Reducing Skin Allergy: Another approach for usage is treating psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, diaper rash and poison ivy rash in the natural way. What you can do is wet a clean rag with this extract and place over the affected skin areas. Repeat this two times daily for getting impressive results.
Combating Skin Conditions: Witch hazel astringent is one of the best herbal remedies for alleviating painful sunburns, windburns, hemorrhoid symptoms and chickenpox blisters. You can also place a cotton ball dip in witch hazel extract over closed eyes to get rid of redness, swelling and bags under eyes. Find out more information on skin creams.
Thus, using witch hazel as an astringent is very popular in today's date. The major advantage of this product is getting positive responses with negligible side effects. It is sold as a distillate form in groceries, pharmacies and department stores. The only concern with its usage is selecting the right brand that contains no added impurities. For internal and external use, make sure you opt for alcohol free astringent products containing pure witch hazel extract. Witch hazel side effects are rare, but if at all you notice unusual symptoms after applying it, discontinue using and consult a dermatologist.
