What is Witch Hazel?
Witch Hazel (also know as
Hamamelis) is a flowering plant
popular for its health benefits and ornamental purposes.
It grows in beautiful clusters of rich yellow to orange-red flowers.
Its North American species are also known as Snapping Hazel, Spotted
Alder, Tobacco Wood, and Winterbloom since the flowers begin to grow in
the autumn and continue to expand throughout the winter.
Due to its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities the extract derived
from the twigs, bark, and leaves of Witch Hazel is often used in skin
ointments, astringents, aftershave lotions, soaps and shower gels.
The seeds of Witch Hazel, also known as Hazel Nuts, are edible and are
used to extract oil used in the treatment of many skin and health
conditions.
What are the Benefits of Witch Hazel?
Witch Hazel has been used in the treatment of many health conditions by
the Japanese, Chinese and Native Americans for centuries.
The tannins, volatile oils, gallic acid, resin, flavonoids
(procyanidins), and other natural components in it give Witch Hazel its
astringent, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
qualities.
Therefore, Witch Hazel teas, oils, and extracts are widely used in the
treatment of many skin conditions such as:
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns
- Itchy and irritated skin
- Puffy eyes
- Insect bites and bee stings
- Acne
- Dermatitis
- Blemishes
- Cold sores
- Eczema
- Boils
- Poison Ivy
The plant has also been found to be useful for many other non-skin related health conditions, including:
- Bleeding and sore gums
- Dandruff
- Diarrhea and dysentery
- Ulcers
- Hemorrhoids
- Arthritis pain
- Sprains
- Stiff muscles
- Varicose veins
- Heavy menstruation
The antioxidant and anti-aging properties of Witch Hazel may also be
helpful with UV radiation damage, wrinkles, and other aging symptoms.
Uses of Witch Hazel
Skin Problems
Studies have shown that Witch Hazel possesses anti-inflammatory,
anti-bacterial and astringent properties which may be beneficial in the
treatment of boils, pimples, acne, blemishes, razor cuts, bruises,
insect bites, poison ivy, dermatitis, porous facial skin, carpenter's
hands, cracked heals, nail and foot infection, eczema, cold sores, and
wrinkles.
Witch Hazel extract or oil can be applied directly onto the affected
area or can be mixed in equal portion of Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol
before the application.
For sensitive skin, Witch Hazel can be diluted in equal portion of
water, Arnica Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil and applied 2-3 times daily.
Also, the application of ointments and creams with Witch Hazel extract
may be beneficial in the treatment of many of these skin ailments.
However, it should not be applied on seriously ruptured skin.
Hemorrhoids
A few studies show that the Flavonoids, Tannins and other chemicals in
Witch Hazel may help in tightening, constricting and healing of the
distressed and damaged blood vessels responsible for causing
hemorrhoids.
A simple home remedy is to make Witch Hazel tea by boiling one teaspoon
of Witch Hazel in one cup for 15-20 minutes or until water is reduced to
1/4 cup.
Take a couple of round cotton balls no bigger than a walnut in size or a
few small squares made with 3-4 layers of cotton gauze or clean
unbleached cotton cloth.
Dab one piece of cotton ball or cotton cloth in lukewarm Witch Hazel tea
and apply it for 2-3 minutes onto the hemorrhoids and then replace it
with a new and fresh piece.
Repeat the process for 10-15 minutes after every bowel movement and at
night before going to bed.
By repeating it at regular intervals the anti-inflammatory and
anti-bacterial properties of Which Hazel may reduce the swelling in a
few days.
Note that the tea can be replaced with Witch Hazel non-alcoholic water
which is available at most herbal food stores.
If your hemorrhoids are due to constipation, it is also important to
consume plenty of fiber and drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day
to help soften the stools.
Post-natal Tearing (or Episiotomy) of the Perineum
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Witch Hazel oil
may help heal and relieve the pain and inflammation caused by the
tearing or episiotomy after birth.
Simply put a few drops of the oil onto a sanitary pad before applying it
over the perineum area.
You can also fill a peri-bottle (squirt bottle) with a glass of lukewarm
water and add 5-6 drops of Witch Hazel oil in it.
Mix it well and use this water as a rinse after urination and defecation
to cleanse and avoid any bacterial infection and inflammation.
Pat dry or air dry the perineum area.
Varicose Veins
A few studies have found that Witch Hazel contains polyphenols and other
important herbal and chemical components which may help with swollen
and knotty Varicose Veins and damaged blood vessels under the skin.
Simply soak a wash cloth in a solution made by mixing 10-15 drops of
Witch Hazel extract into a cup of lukewarm water and apply it over the
affected area.
While applying the soak, keep your legs flat on a straight surface.
Repeat this process 2-3 times daily for 10-15 minutes especially before
going to bed.
After the soak, Witch Hazel mixed in equal amount of Horse Chestnut oil
may be applied to enhance its effectiveness.
Also wearing support stockings can be helpful.
However, any kind of massage or applying of pressure is not recommended
for Varicose Veins.
Diaper Rash
Witch Hazel has been used in the prevention and treatment of minor diaper rashes for ages.
Simply wipe the affected area with diluted Witch Hazel tea or oil after every diaper change.
Sore Gums, Sore Throat, Laryngitis
The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent activity of Witch Hazel
may help shrink and heal inflamed and sore throats, gums and larynx.
A simple home remedy to treat Gingivitis, Laryngitis and sore throat is
to make a tea by boiling one teaspoon of Witch Hazel in one cup of
boiling water for about 10 minutes.
Or mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Witch Hazel extract and 2-3 drops of Clove
Oil in a lukewarm cup of water.
Use this concoction for gargling and as a mouth wash 3-4 times daily.
Sprains and Bruises
Witch Hazel is considered a wonderful topical home remedy for treating bruises, inflamed and painful joints, and sprains.
Simply apply Witch Hazel oil following the directions on the package onto the affected area daily.
At night, put a few drops of the oil on a piece of cotton strip and wrap it around the sprained or inflamed joint overnight.
Diarrhea and Dysentery
Witch Hazel tea made in combination with these herbs has shown to be
beneficial in the treatment of Diarrhea, Stomach Flu, Colitis or
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Dysentery and other intestinal
illnesses.
To relieve the discomfort caused by these intestinal conditions, make a
tea by adding 1 tbsp each of dried Chamomile, Mint, Witch Hazel and
Thyme to a boiling quart of water.
Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes and sip one cup throughout the day.
The rest of the tea can be refrigerated for a few days.
If all the other ingredients are not available, a simpler tea can be
made using only one teaspoon of Witch Hazel mixed into a cup of boiling
water and simmered for 5-7 minutes.
What are the Side Effects of Witch Hazel?
In the USA, Witch Hazel is an FDA approved herbal product for medicinal
purposes.
There are not any known severe side effects of using this herb.
However, oral overdose of Witch Hazel may cause allergic reactions such
as rash, itchiness or inflammation, trouble breathing, dizziness, nausea
or upset stomach.
Therefore, oral consumption should be done only under close supervision
of your health care provider and if you feel any kind of adverse
symptoms, contact your physician immediately.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is highly recommended that you
consult your doctor before using Witch Hazel.
Where and How to Buy Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel can be purchased at herbal food stores, pharmacies and many
department or grocery stores.
It is strongly advised to read the package labels closely since Witch
hazel is available in formulas which are made separately for external
and internal use.
The Witch Hazel which is packaged for external use often contains
isopropyl alcohol.
When buying it for facial use, look for 100% Organic Witch Hazel
Hydrosol, since it is milder and more beneficial for sensitive skin.
The Hydrosol version is also distilled slowly and under low pressure
with pure water which helps preserve all the herbal and medicinal
components of the plant.
