Witch Hazel Benefits

Witch hazel benefits are varied and many! When you realize that this distilled plant infusion has been sold in the U.S. for 150 years you know that there's a whole bunch of help in this inexpensive remedy!

Witch hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) is a small tree or shrub native to the eastern United States. It's just a little to cold to grow here in Minnesota but I would if I could! The parts used are the leaves, bark and sometimes small twigs. It's main claim to fame is it's astringent properties that help to reduce inflammation.

The Native Americans brewed a tea from witch hazel leaves and bark to treat mouth and throat irritations, reduce fever and relieve menstrual cramps but because the distilled witch hazel you can buy at your local drugstore is preserved with isopropyl alcohol it's for topical use only. Even so, witch hazel benefits are many!

So you have this bottle of witch hazel in your medicine cabinet, just what could you use it for? So many things! Just apply with a cotton ball, pad or piece of cotton fabric straight from the bottle!

• Hemorrhoids - Did you know that witch hazel is the main ingredient in Preparation H and Tucks? Your inexpensive bottle of witch hazel can reduce the burning, itching, inflammation and bleeding just as well.
• Skin Irritations - Dab some on to relieve insect bites, contact dermatitis (yes, even poison ivy), burns and even eczema.
• Bruises - Witch hazel can reduce the discoloration of bruises and speed up the healing time.
• Arthritic Joints - May help reduce the inflammation and discomfort.
• Puffy Eyes - Dabbed beneath the eyes it works for me! Careful not to get it in the eyes, of course.
• Cleansing Small Wounds or Cuts - Witch hazel tightens the skin and the alcohol in your store bought bottle disinfects so naturally wounds heal faster.
• Stops Bleeding - Again, it's skin tightening properties can greatly reduce bleeding. Cut yourself shaving? Give it a try!
• Acne & Blemishes - Witch hazel is a great toner and can help skin blemishes fade much faster than without.
• Varicose Veins - Prop up those legs and use a witch hazel compress. It may help reduce swelling and pain.
• Skin Toner - It's great for oily skin and may even help reduce wrinkles. :-)
• Sunburn - Dab on to reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Swimmers Ear - Using an eye dropper put a couple drops in the troublesome ear to help dry up excess water.
• Headaches - Some people have had success getting rid of headaches by using a witch hazel compress on their forehead. Don't get it in your eyes though!

WITCH HAZEL WILD WEST AFTERSHAVE RECIPE

1/2 cup witch hazel

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon dried sage leaves

1/8 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon whole allspice

Mix all together in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks.

After 2 weeks, strain off the liquid and pour into a clean jar.

After shaving, pour a small amount into hands and pat on face.

Your cowboy will love you and smell awesome!

If you want a high quality, organic witch hazel

You can find it at Mountain Rose Herbs!

Have any Witch Hazel Benefits to share?

Witch Hazel Benefits was found under First Aid

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