Witch Hazel

Witch hazel (Hamamelis) is one of those deciduous shrubs that have so many uses and benefits in store for man.  All of its parts have beneficial uses that it is sometimes dubbed as “an all purpose” plant.  These can be used as ornamental plants, as medicine (for hemorrhoids), as astringent and as essential oil.  It also has sedative, tonic and homeostatic properties.

The term witch hazel was derived from the Middle English and Old English which means bendable.  Hazel, on the other hand, is derived from the divine uses of twigs as rods.

Witch hazels have both medicinal and non-medicinal uses.  Witch hazel is good for restoring old furniture finishes and also used for ornamenting the home and landscaping purposes.

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Witch hazels are very popular ornamental plants because they usually grow in clusters of rich yellow to orange-red flowers.  The bark and the leaves have extracts that if used as an astringent.  These are also great to use as an alternative for aftershave lotions and lotion in treating insect bites and bruises.  By using this, you can cure the ugly sight of black and blue marks on your body.

Witch hazel has strong agents that are used to cure hemorrhoid and postpartum tearing of the perineum.  The seeds also contain oil that is edible for consumption.  There are also distillates of witch hazels that contain alcohol that are natural disinfectant.

Extract of witch hazel includes:  Gallic acid, catechins,  choline, flavonoids, essential oils, proantocyanins, saponins, bitters, and tannin that act as agents in curing swelling, sores, minor burns, scrapes, sprains and bruises. 

Also, it is great for sunburn protection.

Hydrosols derived from witch hazels are widely used in skincare.  It serves as an anti-oxidant and is effective in fighting acne and other skin problems such as blisters, eczema, insect bites, and reactions from the poison ivy, cold sores, varicose veins, and psoriasis.

In the past, witch hazel was used as a first aid medication for abrasions and shaving cuts.

There are other medicinal uses for witch hazel.  It has been known to cure diarrhea and externally as mouth rinse, and throat irritations.  It is also known to cure eye inflammation, used as a toner for oily skin and serve as a home remedy for other ailments.