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Witch hazel can cool a sunburn
When distilled and combined with alcohol, the aromatic oil extracted from the bark of the witch hazel shrub makes a soothing and mildly astringent lotion. A general and all purpose remedy for abrasions, burns, scalds, insect bites and other inflammatory conditions of the skin.
As an acne fighter witch hazel reduces the swelling of minor pimples and blemishes. Witch hazel is an excellent astringent, toning facial cleanser, used to decrease bags under eyes, skin puffiness, and to reduce pore size. It can be used for all skin types, oily to dry and is a valuable ingredient in natural skin care formulations and anti-aging products.
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| Many of the older herbals, including Grieve, (AMH), recommend an infusion of witch hazel for internal bleeding of the stomach and bowels. Witch hazel extracts and teas are found today at many health food stores. James Duke (TGP), warns against this use saying "Consumption can cause nausea and vomiting, and the presence, albeit minimal of safrole and contribute to liver damage. Internal bleeding could be a sign of a serious problem, and you should consult a doctor." |
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Preparation Methods :External applications
 Remedies using : Witch Hazel
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Witch Hazel for :Varicose Veins |
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The active ingredient in witch hazel is a tannin acid derivative called catechol tannin, much like the tannins present in tea. Tannins are vasoconstrictors, they constrict the tiny capillaries and venules below the skin surface. |
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Abrasions/Cuts *
Burns/SunBurn *
Eczema *
Eye care - Vision *
Insect Bites/Rashes *
Psoriasis *
Varicose veins *
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Koehler's Medicinal-Plants 1887
- Flowers: Yellow, fringy, clustered in the axils of branches. Calyx 4-parted; 4 very narrow curving petals about 2/4 in. long; 4 short stamens, also 4 that are scale-like; 2 styles.
- Stem: A tall, crooked shrub.
- Leaves: Broadly oval, thick, wavy-toothed, mostly fallen at flowering time.
- Fruit: Woody capsules maturing the next season and remaining with flowers of the succeeding year (Hama = together with; mela = fruit).
The literature of Europe is filled with allusions to the witch-hazel, which, however, is quite distinct from our shrub. Swift wrote:
"They tell us something strange and odd About a certain magic rod That, bending down its top divines Where'er the soil has hidden mines; Where there are none, it stands erect Scorning to show the least respect."
Many a well has been dug even in this land of liberty where our witch-hazel indicated; but here its kindly magic is directed chiefly through the soothing extract distilled from its juices. Its yellow, thread-like blossoms are the latest to appear in the autumn woods. Netje Blanchan. Wild Flowers worth Knowing (1917)
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 The witch comes from "wyche" and from the old Anglo-Saxon word meaning bend. Native Americans used the shrub for the same kinds of skin afflictions which make it as common item in today's medicine cabinets as it was in our grandmothers time. |
 The pliable branches of witch hazel were a favorite among dowsers. The flowers sometimes emerge on Halloween, another witchey connection. | | |
 Frozen witch hazel is very soothing for insect bites, varicose veins and bruises. | | For hemorrhoids, use a cotton ball dampened with witch hazel. |
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Medicinal Healing Herbs : Properties and Uses
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Common Misspellings:
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| Herbal Spotlight |
Studies have shown ginger to be especially effective in curbing motion sickness, morning sickness, and postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Ginger is an excellent digestive, aiding in the absorbtion of food, and elimination of gas and bloating.
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