Witch Hazel Benefits for Treating Benefits

Witch hazel is a native North American low growing shrub which has a long history of medicinal use. It is also found in many parts of central and southern Europe. Witch hazel is used in preparations ranging from tinctures to soothing creams. It acts as an astringent and firms and tightens the tissue. The bark, leaves, and twigs of the shrub are high in tannins, which give it its astringent properties. It also works by reducing itching and irritation. It decreases the irritation on tissue surface through a form of numbing and reduces inflammation on the surface. The astringent creates a kind of barrier against the infection, which aids in treatment of wounds and burns. Witch hazel also contains soothing, anti-inflammatory agents such as procyanadins, resin, and flavonoids. Witch hazel preparations are available in most pharmacies in the form of hemorrhoidal pads, suppositories and lotions. The tincture of witch hazel is used externally to treat several conditions such as inflammation of the skin, sunburn, insect bites, bruises, scratches and eczema.

In order to relieve the pain of hemorrhoids and bruises, you can soak a cloth in strong witch hazel tea and apply to the affected areas. Witch hazel may also be combined with arnica to make an effective topical remedy for treating traumatic bruises, as it relieves the pain and speeds up the healing process. It is also sometimes combined with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for external use on skin lesions. Witch hazel also acts by reducing bleeding when applied to a wound. You may also apply distilled witch hazel to bruises two or three time a day. Taking a soothing bath with witch hazel mixed into the bath water will improve blood circulation which helps bruises to heal faster. Witch hazel also heals damaged veins. It can also be used in ointment form to treat bruises and cuts. However witch hazel is recommended for external use only as it can cause nausea, vomiting and constipation if taken internally.

In addition to treating bruises, witch hazel is also known to ease headaches. Due to its astringent properties, it is also used cosmetically as a facial skin freshener, for tightening enlarged pores, as a make-up remover and also to reduce bags under the eyes. Witch hazel brewed to make a tea can also be used for conditions such as cuts, colds, heavy menstruation, eye inflammation and tumors. Witch hazel tea can be made by adding 2-3 grams of witch hazel leaves to boiling water for around 15 minutes.