Health Benefits of Witch-Hazel

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Witch-Hazel, what the heck is that?

Definition of witch-hazel

1: “any of a genus (Hamamelis of the family Hamamelidaceae, the witch-hazel family) of shrubs or small trees with slender-petaled usually yellow flowers borne in late fall or early spring especially: one (H. virginiana) of eastern North America that blooms in the fall

2: an alcoholic solution of a distillate of the bark of a witch hazel (H. virginiana) used as a soothing and mildly astringent lotion.” –Merriam-Webster

“Native Americans are believed to have been the first to use witch-hazel extensively for medicinal purposes.  The extract was produced by boiling the stems of the shrub and producing a decoction that was used in treating swellings, inflammations, and tumors.

In addition to being used as a medication, early European settlers also observed Native Americans using American witch-hazel to find underground sources of water. This activity is probably where the common name witch-hazel came from.

Because of the native’s association of the plant appearing where underground sources of water appeared, early white settlers began using forks from the plant’s branches for dowsing and water divining; it is from this practice that the plant probably received the name, “witch hazel”.

Upon being introduced to the plant’s medicinal qualities, early settlers quickly began implementing the plant into their own treasure-trove of medical knowledge and soon, the plant was being used by colonists throughout the American coast, as well as in Europe.” -By AppalachianMagazine – September 16, 2019

Nowadays witch-hazel is just as effective. I have seen the difference it has made not only in other people’s skin but also, my own.

You don’t need to buy the most expensive products to get incredible and effective results. Sometimes it’s just seeing what works best for you.

Witch-Hazel is cheap in price but not in what it can do for you.

Do You Have Acne? If so, Where Does it Come From?

Acne can come from a lot of different sources including:

1. Stress,
2. bad eating habits to include too much sugar,
3. not drinking enough water,
4. dirty pillowcases,
5. not washing your face,
6. hormones,
7. and not getting enough exercise or sleep.

How Can You Clear Up Acne Using Cheaper but Effective Products and or Changing What you Eat?

There are a few products/plants you can use to help clear your acne.

1. The Fabulous Four. Witch-Hazel, Dr. Bronner Hemp Peppermint Pure Castile Oil, Moisturizer for your skin tone, and a small chunk from the stem of an Aloe Vera plant. To use, first pour witch-hazel on a cotton pad and wipe all over your face and neck. Next, take Dr. Bronner’s and place on a dampened face brush and lightly scrub in a circular motion, again on your face and neck. Once you rinse the soap off, pat dry. Apply a small amount of moisturizer. Last, cut a small chunk from an aloe vera stem and rub the gel on your face and neck. Leave on and let dry. Do this every evening before going to bed.
2. Turmeric Face Mask. Turmeric has a healing effect both internally and externally. I use this Turmeric Face Mask regularly, especially before an event, and it always improves the texture, pore size, and clearness of my skin.
3. Water. So many people underestimate good quality water and the role it can play in clearing up acne and keeping your skin healthy. If you consciously drink enough water for your body weight each day, you will see results in your skin in as little as a week.
4. Sugar. Say no to sugar. There isn’t one single health benefit to eating sugar. It destroys the inside of your body and adds stress when you look on the outside. It can cause cancer, acne, weight gain, and so many other stressful and life-changing problems. I know everything in moderation, but most humans have a hard time limiting sugar. When my son breaks out, he goes on a sugar diet and drinks lots of water. Within a week, his acne goes away. Imagine how that improves the inside of the body too.
5. Reduce Stress. Reducing your stress to help clear up acne is about as cheap as it gets — no cost to you, just a happier, healthier-looking you.

I could give you multiple other home products or ideas, but these five examples will help cure acne in a high percentage of you that try them.

What Else Does Witch-Hazel Help With?

Protects Against Skin Damage

“Witch hazel is rich in tannins, a natural plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin against damage when applied topically.

One animal study found that tannins can act as a barrier, preventing inflammation-causing substances from entering your skin cells (12Trusted Source).

What’s more, a test-tube study showed that witch hazel helped neutralize harmful free radicals and prevented the spread of skin cancer cells (13Trusted Source).

Similarly, another animal study discovered that the tannins in witch hazel were able to slow skin tumor growth in mice exposed to radiation (14Trusted Source).

However, most research is currently limited to test-tube and animal studies. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of witch hazel on humans.

SUMMARYAnimal and test-tube studies have found that witch hazel and its components could prevent skin cancer growth and protect against skin damage.” -healthline

Alleviates Scalp Sensitivity

People with sensitive or flaky scalps can apply witch-hazel before washing. This will help relieve the itchiness and redness. Changing your shampoo and using more natural products will also help to relieve scalp or dandruff problems. This can include buying a shampoo with witch-hazel extract in it.

Helps Treat Hemorrhoids

“Hemorrhoids are caused by the swelling and inflammation of the veins in your rectum and anus, resulting in symptoms, such as itchiness and bleeding.

Witch hazel is often used as a natural remedy to provide relief from the discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids.

It’s typically added to a cloth or cotton ball and applied directly to the affected area to soothe the skin.

Though research is limited, witch hazel is believed to help treat the itching, redness, pain, and swelling associated with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory effects (9Trusted Source).

What’s more, it has hemostatic properties, meaning that it may stop bleeding caused by hemorrhoids (10Trusted Source).” -healthline

How To Safely Use Witch-Hazel

You can apply witch-hazel directly to the skin, multiple times per day with little to no irritation in most people. For use with hemorrhoids, it’s safe to use each time you have a bowel movement. If ingesting it, small amounts, 3-4 teaspoons per day, will have minimal risk of side effects.

Ending Notes

Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which help with skin problems such as acne, scalp redness, and helps to relieve pain and stop bleeding due to hemorrhoids.

It’s a very cheap but effective product that should be in everyone’s home or on their shopping list.

Thanks for tuning in and caring about your health and we’ll talk to you next week.

–Heather Earles