Benefits of Witch Hazel

Did you know that one of the benefits of witch hazel or hamamelis virginiana is its ability to treat hemorrhoid? Most of hemorrhoidal medicated pads use witch hazel extract as its main ingredients. Witch hazel extract is also used in deep cleansing pore strips. It helps clean the skin, remove blackheads, whiteheads and minimize pores.

A witch hazel tree is a small flowering shrub that seldom grows over 10 meters. The bark contains the highest amount of tannin compared to the leaves. Tannins are chemical substances that have astringent properties. They assist in drying, shriveling and constricting body tissues and blood vessels when applied topically. They also have hemostatic properties and can help stop bleeding.

Besides tannins witch hazel contains polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins. These compounds help soothe, moisturize and tone the skin. Witch hazel plant also contains gallic acid which produces an antioxidant effect and has anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Catechins and procyanidins which are powerful antioxidants are also present.

Back in the 1870s, the distillate or witch hazel hydrosol was obtained by boiling the stems. It was used to treat bruises, cuts, inflammation and insect bites. Today, this herb is still used as a remedy to treat those conditions. Witch hazel uses now include the treatment of acne, blemishes, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, boils and spots.

Because of its positive effects on the skin, hamamelis virginiana is also used in after shave lotions, deodorants and also to treat diaper rash.

One of witch hazel remedies is under eye bags treatment. What you need to do is soak cotton is witch hazel liquid extract and leave them on your eyes for 15 minutes. For more effective result, mix witch hazel with rosewater

Witch hazel is also used in the treatment of varicose veins. Applying witch hazel extract topically several times a day for about three weeks may help solve or reduce the enlarged veins problem.

Another one of the benefits of witch hazel is its effectiveness in soothing laryngitis and swollen gums. You can do this by gargling witch hazel liquid extract mixed with water.

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