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« Vitamin D for Your Heart | Main | Omega-3 Could Help Beat Major Depression »
Saturday
Jul172010

What's Witch Hazel?

DateSaturday, July 17, 2010 at 12:12PM | Comment2 Comments |

Witch hazel is a liquid distillation of the leaves, bark and twigs of a common shrub (Hamamelis virginiana) which is native to North America. It can usually be found on drugstore shelves next to rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, yet many people aren't familiar with it.

In spite of its relative anonymity, there are many uses for witch hazel that you may find surprising. To treat irritated skin, douse an organically grown cotton pad with witch hazel and apply it to the area. This treatment is good for insect bites as well as sun and wind burn, and even hemorrhoids. You can also use it in the same manner to disinfect minor cuts and abrasions, and for general skin care such as cleansing, toning and refreshing the face. In addition, it can be rubbed into arms or legs for muscle soreness. Witch hazel has no drug interactions and may be used safely by both children and adults.

Learn more about witch hazel, as well as other powerful botanicals, in my index of herbs.

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Reader Comments (2)

Yes I've seen this alongside rubbing alcohols in drugstore shelves but wondered what to use it for. Glad to have stumbled here. I could therefore use witch hazel as disinfectant and to treat insect bites on my baby's skin. Thanks!

Jane Darwin
UK Health News

August 9, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterJane Darwin

I use witch hazel for my cold sores. works really well. Been doing this for years now and haven't had to use other medication for it.

August 13, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterRollis Rose

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