Witch hazel is a shrub native to the United States. As the surrounding foliage begins to lose their leaves in the autumn, witch hazel continues to bloom golden flowers. Native Americans first discovered the medical uses for its bark and leaves and shared these healing abilities to settlers coming in from Europe.

Witch hazel is capable of soothing many skin irritations. It can cease the itching that is such a bothersome effect of insect bites and poison ivy and dry out cold sores. A study shows witch hazel, marketed as a lotion called Eucerin as being able to reduce the inflammation caused by sunburns by twenty-seven percent after a two day period. That is roughly twelve to sixteen percent more effective than other commercial lotions. Furthermore, witch hazel is a great help to men who nick themselves whilst shaving by healing the resulting abrasions.

Witch hazel is capable of soothing many skin irritations. It can cease the itching that is such a bothersome effect of insect bites and poison ivy and dry out cold sores. A study shows witch hazel, marketed as a lotion called Eucerin as being able to reduce the inflammation caused by sunburns by twenty-seven percent after a two day period. That is roughly twelve to sixteen percent more effective than other commercial lotions. Furthermore, witch hazel is a great help to men who nick themselves whilst shaving by healing the resulting abrasions.

The leaf tinctures in witch hazel are an approved cure for varicose veins. They have the ability to constrict the otherwise swollen and knotty veins, strengthen them, and increase their tone. It only has a positive effect when dealing with the leaves and healing cannot be achieved through extracts from any other part of the herb. The best way to reap the healing benefits is to apply witch hazel ointment to the painful veins a few times a day for at least two weeks. It is important not to use witch hazel for longer period of times due to its high content of tannin.

The poultices of witch hazel are a helpful healing method for hemorrhoids. The witch hazel acts as an astringent to reduce the bleeding and weeping that are typically associated with external hemorrhoids. It is easily bought since witch hazel is an ingredient found in many ointments that are sold over-the-counter. This includes Tucks and Preparation H. Witch hazel can also aid in soothing the itching, pain and swelling that can occur with hemorrhoids.

Other benefits of witch hazel include treating diarrhea through teas, acting as an anti-inflammatory against eczema, soothing gum soreness accompanied by a sore throat with leaf gargles and mouthwashes, and smoothing wrinkles.

Witch hazel is available through creams, teas, gargles, and tinctures, which are all helpful with their respective ailments. However, what is not encouraged is the commonly obtained witch hazel water. Despite its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration, witch hazel water includes alcohol as an ingredient. Any healing benefits come from this added alcohol rather than the pure witch hazel provided through it’s other forms.