Witch hazel is a popular folk remedy with a long history of use. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, from skin issues to digestive problems. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as an ingredient in skincare products. In this post, we’ll take a look at the potential benefits and how it can be used to improve your skin’s appearance. We’ll also provide some tips on how to use it safely and effectively. Finally, we’ll discuss some of the side effects of using this herb and what to look out for. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of the healing power of witch hazel and how it can help you achieve healthier, more beautiful skin.
Witch Hazel in India
In the market you will find this herb in forms such as astringent, extract oil, cream, toner, pads, disinfectant wash, tincture and liniment. It is a North American shrub and well-known astringent tonic herb. It is easy to find extract in pharmacies, and even some grocery stores. Just make sure it is pure distilled witch hazel made from the bark of Hamamelis virginiana. Witch Hazel is mainly used for minor cuts, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, eczema, skin rash, psoriasis, pimples / acne treatment, under eye bags and dark circles.
- Scientific Binomial: Hamamelis virginiana
- Common English: Winter bloom / Striped elder / Spotted elder
- Ayurvedic
- Unani
- Sanskrit
- Hindi / Urdu
- Bengali
- Marathi
- Telugu
- Tamil
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Oriya
- Punjabi / Sindhi
- Assamese
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Dogri
- Bhojpuri
Home Remedies with Witch Hazel
The twigs and branches of Witch Hazel have been used to find water for centuries. They can also be used to locate lost objects. Hold a twig in your hand, focus on the object you want to find, and it will lead you to it. For protection, hang some branches of this herb over your doorways. If you’ve experienced a recent loss in your life, carry the herb leaves on your person. It will help you overcome your pain and balance emotions in general.
- Pimples and Acne: It is a natural topical treatment to tackle acne and pimples. Its a cleansing herbal tonic to detoxify your system within and is less sensitive as compare to conventional medication. You can try making DIY herbal antiseptic lotion with thyme, yarrow, comfrey and witch hazel. Thyme is antibacterial and antimicrobial while witch hazel is a natural astringent. Yarrow and comfrey are both superb skin healers. Put 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried yarrow and dried comfrey in a bowl and cover with 100 ml boiling water. Cover bowl and steep for 15 minutes. Strain. Pour liquid into a bottle. Add 60 ml witch hazel. To use, shake bottle well and upend onto a cotton ball. Wipe gently over skin. Store in the refrigerator. Use within 10 days.
- Skin Rash: To reduce the pain and swelling of mosquito bites, moisten a cotton ball with the extract and apply it to the affected spot. Extract of Witch Hazel was commonly used in our grandmothers’ days as a general household remedy for burns, scalds, and inflammatory conditions of the skin.
- Varicose Veins: The bark and leaves of this herb are used. This is an ancient remedy and used for both internal and external bleeding. Restores healthy circulation. A poultice made from them will also reduce the swelling of bruises. During pregnancy aside from being uncomfortable, constipation sometimes leads to hemorrhoids, or piles, which are actually varicose veins in the blood vessels supplying the anus and rectum swollen, itchy and painful varicose veins can also appear in the legs or around the genitals. Topical applications of this herb may help relieve the pain and itchiness of both varicose veins and hemorrhoids, and can also stop hemorrhoids from bleeding. Rub witch hazel gel, ointment or tincture into the affected area once a day. It may take up to 3 weeks before you notice any improvements.
- Hemorrhoids: The inner bark of the herb is a potent pain reliever and astringent. It is thought to act on the venous system to stop bleeding and inflammation both internally and externally this is the reason it is particularly effective for intestinal bleeding, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, bruises, sprains and diarrhea. Witch hazel has been taken internally and applied externally for hemorrhoids, especially of the bleeding variety. Rub witch hazel gel, ointment or tincture into the affected area once a day. Talk to a professionally trained herbalist, who can help determine whether internal use of this herb is appropriate for your circumstances.
- Migraine Headache: The herb works magically for migraine headache relief. It is simple and easy to prepare lotion with dried basil and witch hazel tincture. Just take a level teaspoon of dried, ground basil and put into 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes, then strain. When the liquid is cool, add 2 tbsp. Tincture of Witch Hazel that’s been previously refrigerated for awhile. You can get the tincture at your local drugstore or supermarket pharmacy section. Apply the solution as a compress to the forehead and temples.
- Poison Ivy Rash: The herb works best as poison ivy or poison oak spray when combined with jewel weed and grindelia. Add 3 ounces jewel weed and 3 ounces grindelia to a quart mason jar, and cover with 16 fluid ounces of witch hazel. Allow to steep for 4 to 6 weeks, then strain out the herbs. Add this oil to the spray bottle. If desired, add essential oils (any combination of lavender, peppermint, or tea tree essential oils) to the spray bottle.
Warnings and Side Effects
Witch Hazel is good for externally use only unless it is mentioned on products to take it orally. As the internal use may lead into stomach troubles and kidney or liver damage, and they can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Possible side effects of skin or stomach irritation, cramps, nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Also some people may be allergic to topical witch hazel products, and some people develop redness and a burning sensation when it is applied to the skin. It may also interfere with some medical drugs so avoid in pregnancy. In rare cases, the herb tannins may cause liver damage (BIS).
FAQs.
Q. How to use Witch Hazel on hemorrhoids?
Witch hazel is an astringent skin care ingredient derived from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub. It has been used medicinally for centuries to treat a variety of skin ailments, including hemorrhoids.
- For topical use on hemorrhoids, the herb can be applied as a cream, ointment, or medicated pad. It is important to use it as directed by a healthcare professional, as it can be irritating on sensitive skin.
- To use witch hazel as a cream or ointment, you can apply it gently to the affected area with a cotton swab or your finger. Do not rub it in; instead, let the cream or ointment sit on the affected area for a few minutes to allow the witch hazel to be absorbed.
- To use as a medicated pad, you can purchase pre-soaked witch hazel pads from a pharmacy or health food store. Apply the pad directly to the affected area for a few minutes before discarding it. Do not reuse the pad.
- It’s important to note that the herb should not be used internally or taken as a supplement. Additionally, it should not be used by pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. If you are using any other medications, talk to your healthcare provider before using witch hazel for hemorrhoids.
Q. How to use this herb on face?
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can be used on the face to remove excess oil and dirt. It can also help reduce inflammation and redness, as well as help to tighten pores. It can be used alone or in combination with other natural ingredients such as honey, aloe vera, and tea tree oil to make a face mask. To use this herb on your face, start by cleansing your skin with a mild cleanser. Then apply a thin layer of witch hazel to the face using a cotton ball or pad. Allow it to sit on the skin for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
- Cleanse your face first with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil before applying witch hazel.
- Wet a cotton pad with witch hazel and gently sweep it over your face and neck.
- Avoid applying the witch hazel directly to any open wounds or cuts.
- Allow the witch hazel to dry on your face.
- If desired, you can apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
- Use it on your face no more than twice a day.