What can witch hazel be used for?

Witch hazel has always been an object of interest in the natural community. It’s a shrub that produces beautiful yellow flowers and is native to North America, China, and Japan. The leaves, twigs, and bark are used to make witch hazel extract which is widely recognized for its various benefits (like duh).

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about witch hazel extract – what it is, how it’s made (not by witches FYI), and many different ways it can be used beyond just a toner (sorry not sorry).

A Brief Overview of Witch Hazel Extract

Just like my childhood memories that I locked away in my subconsciousness but occasionally haunt me at 3 am (yes with the clown from IT involved); Let’s begin at the beginning.

Witch hazel was developed by indigenous peoples who would use it as traditional medicine long before Western medical science came around. These days however witch hazel extracts are typically manufactured using steam distillation or alcohol extraction methods on either its fresh or dried plant material-the latter being preferable since dry plant materials maintain concentration better than their freshly picked counterparts.

Typically sold under several brand names such as Thayers and Dickinson’s; most commercial products consist of distilled water/alcohol mixture containing controlled amounts of tannins..

Tannins are phytochemicals known for their anti-inflammatory properties (checkmate – polar bears)-and hence makes them perfect ingredients in treating sore throat/mouth sores!

One compound unique ingredient contained within these tannin-rich extracts is hamamelitannin . Uniquely found only in drinks produced from Witch Hazels-Hamemls actually contain up to 12% novel water-soluble oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) derived through hydrolysis of hamamelitannin.

Benefits of Witch Hazel Extract

If you’re still here, then let us jump right in on the benefits that come with using witch hazel extract!

Soothing Properties for Sensitive Skin

Witch hazel contains tannins which have been established to contain properties that soothe skin inflammation like irritation and redness. It is popularly used as an after-shave tonic or post-wax treatment to calm any bothersome razor burn (bring it men).

Additionally, since its astringent-like property helps reduce pore size while at the same time regulating sebum production thereby making it perfect-essential even-for oily skin types.

Anti-Acne Agent and Skin Tightener

With cleansing effects rivalling WWE superstar John Cena’s; Witch hazels natural qualities help cleanse facial skin by conditioning pores-this releases oil without drying your face-and keeping acne at bay!

In addition, routine use over prolonged periods has displayed anti-aging benefits including increased expressiveness around mouth region along with decreased nose-to-lip distance (important if cosmetic surgery results don’t peach out-as expected!)

Bonus: The plant’s anti-inflammatory effects gently tones tightens leaving you looking gorgeous-minus wrinkles/side-effects!

Relieves Razor Burn, Sunburn & Insect Bites

Owwwchh! Accidentally nicked yourself shaving? Freaking sunburnt from soaking in rays too long? Got bitten up like crazy? Well look no further! WITCH HAZEL HAS YOU COVERED!!
It works like an oasis in desert relieving sting-y or uncomfortable sensations due to its soothing astringent nature (thanks Mother Nature). All hail Häagen-Dazs OF SKINCARE PRODUCTS baby!

As a testament to this unique function-other products containing similar-composition rarely seem well-suited towards these purposes-thus bespeaking yet again how unique a compound Witch Hazel extract truly is.

Treatment for Eczema & Psoriasis

There’s nothing that raises an eyebrow like discovering unexpected flakes or odd red patches on your skin (except maybe finding out you’re allergic to pizza- which let’s face it, would be the Fatality Move of all mortalities; game over).

But-witch hazel can bring relief by helping control symptoms associated with these particular conditions. Its natural anti-inflammatory components soothe and nourish flaky, dry or roughened areas while assisting moisturizing agents in application harem outfits (or more realistically improving overall hydration level)

Bonus: its non-occlusive qualities make it suitable for use even underneath thicker ointments (take note cream experts 101)

How to Use Witch Hazel Extract?

Now we know how awesome witch hazel extract can be! The next question one might have would involve practical usages behind such virtues…So here are some popular ways folks everywhere try harnessing this miracle herb!

Toners/Facial Mists

This is perhaps where most people get introduced to witch hazel extract. With commercial brands selling extracts packaged as toners/mists . You can spritz onto face post-cleansing, getting that refreshed feeling-and don’t forget topical blemish-fightin properties!
TipIf you want a more pleasing smell on your makeshit mister -add few drops of essential oil diffuser-in there too-you’ll thank me later!

Scalp Treatments

For anyone looking at their fluffy-do’ seeking new hairstyles-these days many products containing witch-hazel-based ingredients are popping up in just about every Hair store shelf around. Those tannins do what they do best-help reduce inflammation/irritation providing a calming effect after hair-care routines.

Trust us-your scalp will love/hate ya-maybe bit scratchy first few days-but it pays off trust me and your look spikes up to 11/10!

Hemorrhoid Relief

Looking for relief from itchiness, swelling or other symptoms of hemorrhoids? Look no further! Witch hazel extract can easily provide yourself some much-needed relief. Apply a bit using a soft wipe/topical application-on the inflammation and soothe those nagging irritations.

TipConsider repurposing an unused tube of toothpaste – rinse/clean before filling/applying-that way you maintain hygienic levels.Who knew brushing teeth ruled out painful H post-pregnancies (simply dab on regularly)?

De-puffing eye patches

Finally- worried about that late night period binge-watching going to finally catch-up with ya around morning? Or maybe just not-ready-for-what-today-offers feeling?

Why not try witch-hazel dewy-glow technique! Applying cold compresses treated with extracts onto under-eye areas for extended periods helps reduces puffiness while evening-out skin-tone in shape (invest in cotton pads as well while at it)!

Final Thoughts

Well folks there you have it-all the things (we know) witch hazel extract is good for.

It’s truly remarkable how one plant manages versatility within such various applications-therefore underlining its significance/allure in modern society.

Overall if ever there was something natural-friendly /not-too-expensive worth-additions-to-your-skincare-routine; consider giving this unique ly versatile-soothing compound a chance perhaps..and let us know what changes?(No seriously lemme knw)#GetWhiteTreeNProductsNoworsufferInDullnessWithOthers

Random Posts