7 Uses for Witch Hazel
Does witch hazel sound Greek and Latin to you? Then you must read up on this natural gift that has innumerable uses and is a remedy to many problems. Witch hazel is a natural astringent and besides working wonders for your skin, the shrub has several other uses and applications.
1. Fights against acne
Witch hazel is very popular for minimizing acne and blemishes. This is perhaps one of the biggest and most effective uses of the shrub. Witch hazel brings down pimple inflammation and daily use controls the formation of acne. Several drug manufacturers make use of this in many over-the-counter skin care products. Used in the form of astringent, the shrub is gentle on the skin and does not dry it out.
2. Astringent
In the form of liquid astringent, witch hazel is used on swellings, bruises and sores. You can use it several times in a day to offer relief from injuries. The healing period for any bruise is made quicker with this shrub. Witch hazel is also an amazing cleansing agent. It cleanses skin of bacteria and germs and also brings down inflammation. This is one of the reasons why you see tattoo artists cleaning the newly tattooed area with witch hazel.
3. Treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins
Witch hazel has been found to be effective in treating hemorrhoids and varicose veins. This herb can bring down bulging varicose veins and also offer relief from the conditions because of its anti-inflammatory properties. In the form of pads, the herb offers relief from hemorrhoids. Soaking a clean cloth in witch hazel and placing it on the legs brings down swelling and associated pain. The herb has the ability to tighten skin and the veins and relieves from discomfort. Combining the herb with aloe and glycerin and rubbing the mixture on external hemorrhoids is an excellent way to reduce itching substantially.
4. Soothes skin conditions
Many skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are treated with witch hazel. Both the conditions are unsightly and painful and therefore the herb helps to minimize visible symptoms that are characteristic of both psoriasis and eczema. Other skin conditions such as sunburns are also suitably treated with the shrub. And hence, many topical creams make use of witch hazel.
