1. Natural Astringent
High
concentrations of tannins in witch hazel make it an excellent
astringent which means it has the ability to remove excess oil from skin
and shrink down pores. Health-wise, those who are exposed to lots of
environmental pollutants may apply witch hazel to the face in order to
reduce the amount of contaminants that enter pores and, consequently,
the amount and severity of blemishes. Also, because astringents remove
excess oil, regular use of witch hazel may further prevent blemishes,
especially black heads which result from dried sebum build-up in pores.
2. Fade Bruises and Blemishes
Witch
hazel may also be used to treat blemishes already present on the face
or other areas of the body. Apply witch hazel with a cotton ball or
cosmetic pad to reduce irritation and appearance of acne or other
inflammatory skin conditions. Witch hazel applied to bruises can also
help to fade discoloration and speed up the healing process of any
underlying damage.
3. Brighten Around Eyes
The
ability of witch hazel to tighten skin and reduce inflammation makes
this an ideal natural remedy for treating discoloration and puffiness
under and around eyes. Just make sure not to get any of this natural
astringent on the eyes themselves as it will result in significant pain
and lingering discomfort from dryness.
4. Shrink Swollen Veins
Soak
soft terry cloth in witch hazel and lay over skin affected by varicose
veins to temporarily reduce swelling and pain. Also, remember to prop
up the areas to be treated as high as possible. This will decrease
blood pressure in swollen veins and maximize the effectiveness of your
treatment.
5. Stop Bleeding
Witch hazel naturally tightens skin and promotes faster healing. Apply organic witch hazel
to minor cuts and scrapes to stop bleeding. Store-bought witch hazel
also often contains isoproply alcohol which disinfects, making it a
popular choice for cleansing wounds before bandaging.
6. Post Hair-removal
For
both men and women, witch hazel is a great follow-up to shaving any
part of the body. Not only will it stop bleeding from nicks or cuts,
anti-inflammatory witch hazel can also work to prevent razor burn.
Furthermore, those who employ hot wax treatments for hair-removal may
also apply witch hazel as an anti-inflammatory post-waxing or use it to
stop bleeding from damaged hair follicles.
7. Hemorrhoid Relief
Witch
hazel is great for easing the pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding of
hemorrhoids. In fact, it’s a common ingredient used in many commercial
hemorrhoid creams. Just mix witch hazel with a carrier like Aloe Vera
gel and apply to affected areas for fast relief.
8. Ease a Sore Throat
Due to its astringent properties, an herbal tea of witch hazel
(not the store-bought kind which almost always contains isopropyl
alcohol) can help to ease the discomfort of a sore throat. Gargle with
witch hazel tea to reduce swelling, dry up excess mucus, and ease pain
caused by laryngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, or other throat maladies.
9. Treat Damaged Gums
A witch hazel mouth rinse
(again, don’t use witch hazel that contains isopropyl alcohol) can help
to reduce pain and swelling of irritated or infected gums. Witch hazel
can be used stop minor bleeding of the gums and mouth. Try a teaspoon
of witch hazel tea with one drop each clove and myrrh oil to safely
relieve teething pain for infants. The same treatment may also be used
to soothe pain caused by emerging wisdom teeth or after oral surgery to
reduce discomfort and inflammation.
10. Dry Up Swimmer’s Ear
Otitus externa
– commonly known as ‘Swimmer’s Ear’ – is caused by microbial infection
of the ear canal. Use an eye dropper to insert several drops of witch
hazel into each ear to dry up pus, clear away excess oil, and break up
wax and debris that may be clogging the ear canal. Allow ears to drain
then clean gently with a cotton swab or cosmetic pad. Follow up with a
natural anti-microbial like basil oil, apple cider vinegar, or tea tree
oil.
11. Soothe Diaper Rash
Anti-inflammatory
properties of witch hazel make it an effective and safe remedy for
soothing pain from diaper rash. Regular application will also assist in
healing damaged skin faster, further reducing your baby’s discomfort.
12. Cool Down Sunburn
Mix
some witch hazel in with your Aloe Vera gel the next time you need to
treat a sunburn. The anti-inflammatory power of this incredible plant
extract will aid your skin in healing while it and the Aloe help to cool
the burn. This treatment can also help to prevent skin from peeling in
the days following a bad burn.
13. Neutralize Contact Dermatitis
Because
of its drying and anti-itch power, witch hazel can also be used to
counter the effects of skin-irritating plant compounds like urushiol,
the sap oil contained in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac that
causes contact dermatitis in about 85% of adults who come in contact
with it.
14. Bug Bites and Stings
Just
as witch hazel can be used to ease pain and itching from poison ivy and
its cousins, the same works for bug bites and stings. Yet another
reason to carry a small bottle of this awesome remedy with you the next
time you plan to spend a day outdoors!
Source: naturallivingideas.com
