witch hazel
Witch hazel is a low-growing shrub native to North America. It has a long history of medicinal use, and cultivation of the forest spread across Europe for that purpose. Preparations ranging from tinctures to soothing creams are available at most drug stores as well as specialty skin care stores. The plant acts as an astringent, firming and tensor of the tissues and acting to reduce itching and irritation. Other properties have also been attributed to witch hazel, making it an excellent all-purpose addition to the medicine cabinet.
Witch hazel can help control the appearance of acne.
Four species of witch hazel are included in the genus Hamamelis. All plants have alternate single leaves with wavy edges and bright yellow flowers that appear in fall. At the same time, the fruit of the previous year’s flowers ripens. When the seeds are fully ripe, the fruits break explosively, expelling the seeds into the surrounding area. This trait led to another common name, hazelnut.
Some shaving products contain witch hazel, commonly used as an astringent.
Some people mistakenly believe that the name of the plant is related to witches. In fact, the origins are a bit more mundane. The “witch” is just a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon word wych, which means flexible. The branches of this plant are well known for their flexibility. However, the plant does have some mystical associations, as the branches are considered very suitable dowsing sticks.
Witch hazel can help reduce itching, redness, and irritation caused by mosquito bites.
Distillations, tinctures, and teas from the witch hazel plant have been used for hundreds of years to treat a wide variety of ailments. To create a distillation, the plant is steamed to extract the valuable volatile oils. Tinctures are made from bark suspended in alcohol to extract its useful compounds, and teas are made from leaves, bark, and flowers boiled in water. For indoor applications, tea is used. Tinctures and distillations are intended for external use.
Witch Hazel toner can help dramatically improve skin.
Research on witch hazel suggests that it works in several ways. As an astringent, it can eliminate irritation caused by insect bites, sunburn, and muscle aches. It can also be used as a toner on the face and body, or to soothe irritated tissues. It also appears to have some surface-numbing properties, which is why it’s used on sore muscles. Some lotions and skin creams contain witch hazel, as do shaving products. It can also be purchased as a pure extract or tincture.