Healthy Living: Top Uses of Witch-Hazel Part 2
Top Uses of Witch-Hazel
1: "any of a genus (Hamamelis of the family Hamamelidaceae, the witch-hazel family) of shrubs or small trees with slender-petaled usually yellow flowers borne in late fall or early spring especially: one (H. virginiana) of eastern North America that blooms in the fall 2: an alcoholic solution of a distillate of the bark of a witch hazel (H. virginiana) used as a soothing and mildly astringent lotion." -Merriam-Webster
"Native Americans are believed to have been the first to use witch-hazel extensively for medicinal purposes. The extract was produced by boiling the stems of the shrub and producing a decoction that was used in treating swellings, inflammations, and tumors.
In addition to being used as a medication, early European settlers also observed Native Americans using American witch-hazel to find underground sources of water. This activity is probably where the common name witchhazel came from.
What Else Does Witch-Hazel Help With? Protects Against Skin Damage
"Witch hazel is rich in tannins, a natural plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin against damage when applied topically.
One animal study found that tannins can act as a barrier, preventing inflammation-causing substances from entering your skin cells.
What’s more, a testtube study showed that witch hazel helped neutralize harmful free radicals and prevented the spread of skin cancer cells.
Similarly, another animal study discovered that the tannins in witch hazel were able to slow skin tumor growth in mice exposed to radiation.
However, most research is currently limited to test-tube and animal studies. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of witch hazel on humans.
SUMMARY Animal and test-tube studies have found that witch hazel and its components could prevent skin cancer growth and protect against skin damage." -healthline
Alleviates Scalp Sensitivity
People with sensitive or flaky scalps can apply witch-hazel before washing. This will help relieve the itchiness and redness. Changing your shampoo and using more natural products will also help to relieve scalp or dandruff problems. This can include buying a shampoo with witch-hazel extract in it.
Helps Treat Hemorrhoids
"Hemorrhoids are caused by the swelling and inflammation of the veins in your rectum and anus, resulting in symptoms, such as itchiness and bleeding.
Witch hazel is often used as a natural remedy to provide relief from the discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
It’s typically added to a cloth or cotton ball and applied directly to the affected area to soothe the skin.
Though research is limited, witch hazel is believed to help treat the itching, redness, pain, and swelling associated with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
What’s more, it has hemostatic properties, meaning that it may stop bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. -healthline
How To Safely Use Witch-Hazel
You can apply witchhazel directly to the skin, multiple times per day with little to no irritation in most people. For use with hemorrhoids, it's safe to use each time you have a bowel movement. If ingesting it, small amounts, 3- 4 teaspoons per day, will have minimal risk of side effects.
Ending Notes Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which help with skin problems such as acne, scalp redness, and helps to relieve pain and stop bleeding due to hemorrhoids.
It's a very cheap but effective product that should be in everyone's home or on their shopping list.
Thanks for tuning in and caring about your health and we'll talk to you next week.