Witch hazel is a plant that is used to make medicine, and it is distilled from dried leaves, bark, and partially dormant twigs of witch hazel. Witch hazel contains many compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may have far-reaching benefits for your health. Here are some of the uses, positive and negative effects, and ingredients of witch hazel cream:
Uses:
- Witch hazel is used as an astringent to tighten the skin and is included in some medications to give those products the ability to slow down or stop bleeding. Those medications are used for treating insect bites, stings, teething, hemorrhoids, itching, irritations, and minor pain.
- Witch hazel is most often applied to the skin and scalp, and it is widely known for its ability to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin. It can also be added to herbal teas and ingested orally in small amounts as a natural treatment for other conditions.
- Witch hazel is touted as a way to treat skin conditions that affect the face in lieu of a traditional astringent or toner. It can help reduce skin redness and provide relief for irritated and sensitive skin.
Positive effects:
- Witch hazel contains gallic acid, which is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it effective in reducing skin inflammation and treating erythema.
- Applying witch hazel water to the skin may help to temporarily relieve itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning from hemorrhoids and other anal disorders.
Negative effects:
- Many witch hazel preparations available for purchase today contain isopropyl alcohol and are not intended for oral consumption and are labeled “For External Use Only”. These preparations should not be used for oral consumption.
- Many OTC formulas can also contain fragrances and alcohol, which can aggravate your skin if you have inflammation, wounds, or have sensitive skin overall.
Ingredients:
- Witch hazel leaf extract, bark extract, and witch hazel water are used as astringents to tighten the skin. They are also included in some medications to give those products the ability to slow down or stop bleeding.
- Witch hazel contains many compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, including gallic acid, tannins, and flavonoids.
