Origins of Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a popular astringent, and is made from the bark and leaves of the flowering witch hazel tree. Two species of witch hazel trees are found in North America. Witch hazel trees are also found in Japan and China; each with a distinct species of the witch hazel tree.

Common Uses of Witch Hazel

The most common use of witch hazel is as an astringent, and it is sold as a liquid for this purpose. Witch hazel is found in many commercial preparations, such as after shave and lotions made to treat insect bites, and other common skin irritations.

To remove the witch hazel from the plant, the bark and leaves of the tree are steamed, and the resulting oils are saved.

The witch hazel tree has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Witch hazel can be used in a poultice to treat bruises, swelling and other minor injuries. It is also widely used for treating acne, psoriasis, and poison ivy or oak.

Types of Witch Hazel

You can find commercially prepared witch hazel in nearly any store. (Some witch hazel products also contain alcohol, so you might want to read the label if you are looking for a purer product.)

You can also use the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant to make your own tea or poultice from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel tree.

You can find purer witch hazel, without added alcohol, in health food stores, or you can order it from online suppliers that specialize in herbal products.

You should store witch hazel out of direct sunlight, in a cool place. Also, keep witch hazel in its original container, or label it clearly when mixing it with other ingredients.

Benefits of Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has large quantities of tannin, flavinoids and antioxidants.

Tannins are thought to be an anti-inflammatory compound, capable of reducing swelling from minor injuries. Tannins are also useful when trying to remove poisons from the skin, such as bee stings and plant poisons like poison ivy.

Flavinoids are well known for their antioxidant properties, which are excellent in battling illness. Witch hazel that has been mixed with alcohol also has great disinfectant properties. Witch hazel is also thought to have some numbing properties, which makes witch hazel a good alternative for use on sore muscles.

Witch Hazel and Aromatherapy

Because of its astringent and healing properties, witch hazel is a great addition to your facial aromatherapy products. To make your own refreshing facial toner, you need the following:

• 12 drops lemongrass oil
• 6 drops juniper berry oil
• 2 drops ylang ylang oil
• 1 ounce witch hazel
• 1 ounce aloe vera gel

Combine all the ingredients in a glass bottle, and shake well. Use this invigorating mixture as a treatment for acne, or for oily skin. Keep the mixture out of direct sunlight, and shake well before each use.

Witch hazel is a good base for any essential oil you would like to use, and the witch hazel is an excellent astringent for use on the face.