Witch hazel is used in diseases such as: skin inflammation, ulceration, swelling, hemorrhoids, bleeding gums, but also rheumatic pain in the joints, laryngitis, tonsillitis or pharyngitis. What are the properties of witch hazel? What are the indications and contraindications for its use?

Witch hazel( Hamamelis virginiana ) is a shrub, growing up to three or four meters high, with characteristic large (even 15 cm ) dark green or brown leaves and shiny yellow flowers.

In its natural environment, it occurs in North America, but in many parts of the world, including Poland, it is grown in gardens or parks.

It is not a very demanding plant, it can grow in both shaded and sunny places, even in less fertile soil, it tolerates poorly only too long periods of drought.

He alth-promoting properties of witch hazel were discovered by the North American Indians, hence the name of the shrub is often called "Indian Gold".

Witch hazel: valuable ingredients

For medicinal purposes, the bark and leaves of witch hazel are mainly used, which must be well dried. They include, among others :

  • flavonoids
  • tannins
  • saponins
  • gallic acid
  • ellagic acid

which show effects:

  • anti-inflammatory
  • antibacterial
  • antiseptic
  • anti-seborrhea
  • cleansing
  • astringent
  • disinfecting
  • sealing capillaries.

It is thanks to them that witch hazel works in the case of chronic skin inflammations (e.g. eczema, psoriasis), all kinds of ulcerations and burns (including sunburn).

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It is also used when we deal with swelling resulting from an impact (e.g. bruises), but also after insect bites or stings, because it accelerates wound healing, soothes pain, irritation and redness of the skin.

It also helps in the case of hemorrhoids, as it has astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, and at the same time causes the blood vessels to constrict, which reduces swelling.

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Witch hazel is also used in infections of the oral cavity with inflammation of the mucous membranes, it also works well when we are dealing with bleeding gums.

But these are not all of its pro-he alth properties.

It is also recommended in the case of rheumatic joint pains, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and chronic cough or asthma, because it alleviates unwanted symptoms.

Witch hazel in cosmetics

Witch hazel is known not only for its pro-he alth properties, it is also used in the cosmetics industry.

Thanks to the fact that it shows, among others, antibacterial, cleansing, tightening and sealing action of capillaries is perfect for the care of couperose skin, prone to irritation or redness.

It regulates the work of the sebaceous glands by reducing the production of sebum, which is why it works equally well in the case of oily skin, with a tendency to clog pores.

Because it has anti-seborrhoeic properties, it is also recommended for acne-prone skin, as it reduces the number of pimples and reduces the formation of new ones.

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It also eliminates skin inflammation, and at the same time it can be used even several times a day, because it does not dry out and irritate the skin.

Even if you do not have major skin problems, it is worth using witch hazel, because it perfectly cleans the skin of excess sebum, but also all kinds of external impurities, and at the same time regenerates and moisturizes it.

In addition, it contains tannins and flavonoids, thanks to which it protects against free radicals and thus helps the skin to maintain a youthful appearance for longer.

Witch hazel: how to apply?

Witch hazel is most often in the form of a cream or ointment that is applied externally, directly to the affected skin.

You can also buy it in the form of ready-made herbs and prepare a decoction.

To do this, measure out one or two tablespoons of the herb, pour one glass of water, and then cook for 10 minutes, covered. Then the decoction should be set aside, and after 20-30 minutes, strain.

Witch hazel, on the other hand, used in cosmetics is most often in the form of tonics, creams, gels.

Witch hazel: contraindications

So far, no contraindications to the use of witch hazel have been identified, but as with most herbs, it is worth observing in the first period of useskin for any allergic reaction.

Read also:

  • Herbal skin care
  • Recipes for vegetable tonics, masks, conditioners
  • 7 DIY Natural Cosmetics Recipes

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