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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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Prep Methods :External applications
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- Aromatherapy foot spray
- Dog Ear Wax removal
- Frozen witch hazel
- Herbal compress for eyestrain
- Lemon Balm Toner
- Peppermint Lemon Toner
- Roid Blend
- Rosewater
- Witch Hazel
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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. |
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 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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Eye care - Vision |
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Although the majority of commercial witch hazel products are clear-colored and do not contain tannins, they are soothing and refreshing. At one time the AMA listed witch hazel as a treatment for eye inflammation. Use in a compress alone, or in combination with other herbs. (White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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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 |
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A general and all purpose remedy for scrapes, cuts and abrasions, scalds, sunburns and other inflammatory conditions of the skin. |
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Facial and Skin care |
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One of the best all purpose astringents, witch hazel decreases inflammation, cools and soothes the skin. The key is high quality, most commercial witch hazel does not contain tannins and are mostly alcohol.
(White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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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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Hamamelis virginiana 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 pliable branches of witch hazel were a favorite among dowsers. The flowers sometimes emerge on Halloween, another witchey connection. |
Common Misspellings:
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Essential Oils
