Witch Hazel a Common Useful Herb

Witch Hazel is one of the most common home remedies in America, it consists of a distillation of the bark, twigs and leaves of the herb, mixed with alcohol and water.

The forked twig of Witch Hazel trees were used for hundreds of years as divining rods to locate water and minerals. The name derives from the Old English word for "pliant," and the limber branches were also used to make archery bows.

Witch Hazel is in the category of herbs for relieving pain and is a unique astringent that acts to restore and tone health and vigor to the venous system. It can reduce bleeding when applied topically to a wound or used internally for bleeding ulcers or bleeding gums. In the case of serious bleeding from wounds that require medical treatment, the bleeding can be controlled by witch hazel while en-route to a physician.

It is excellent as a first aid, stopping nose bleeds, skin irritations, insect bites, burns and infections. It has been used as an astringent for the face by barbers and beauticians for many years.

Witch Hazel extract has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anesthetic properties, making it indispensable for a variety of different medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Medicinally, Witch Hazel extract is used for bedsores, bruises, eczema, insect bites, hemorrhoids, poison ivy or oak, bruises, sore muscles, swelling, psoriasis, cracked or blistered skin, diaper rash, windburn, and sunburn.

In cosmetic products, Witch Hazel extract can be applied to blemishes and pimples, varicose veins. It can be used to and is used to cleanse oily skin, remove make-up, and decrease eye puffiness.

Witch Hazel is good for strains, sore muscles, or on a fevered brow. A cloth or cotton ball soaked in Witch Hazel is excellent when applied to bruises, it reduces the inflammation and discoloration very quickly. It is also commonly used to reduce the swelling and soreness of hemorrhoids and relives varicose veins.

Witch Hazel is for best for the treatment of female congestive conditions of the uterus and cervix including vaginitis and proplapsus. Also excellent for the treatment for bleeding, either internally or externally.

Many common herbs are available in vitamin and herbal stores and on the Internet. If you have allergies or question the use of herbs it is advisable to seek advice from your doctor before ingesting or using any herbal remedies.

Sources: Holistic Herbal, by David Hoffmann ... and ... health.howstuffworks.com