Witch hazel is a medicinal plant that has several properties that help make the skin more beautiful, treat inflammation and irritation.
Few people know, but the beautiful little flower of the Hamamelis plant is medicinal and has a lot of use in the cosmetics industry, especially for the skin, thanks to its astringent, anti-inflammatory and drying action.
This plant can even help treat hemorrhoids, sore throats and burns. Therefore, some oil, tea or an ointment made with Witch Hazel can be very effective.
What is Witch Hazel?
In Hamamelis (Hamamelis virginiana) is a type of shrub native to North America and also found in Asia. It grows with medium-sized leaves and flowers that are generally yellow.
In short, its extract, made from dried leaves, is used for herbal purposes and can be used as teas, oils or ointments. Therefore, North American indigenous people have used this plant for centuries to treat burns and skin irritations.
How can witch hazel be used?
Witch hazel extract is very versatile, like many other plants used in medicine. Therefore, it is possible to find its benefits in various forms and for different uses, for example:
- Ointments and creams
- Tablets and capsules
- Tea
- Essential oil
- Foot bath
- Dyeing
- Extract
However, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with ulcers and stomach problems are not recommended to use Witch Hazel, as its side effects can cause nausea, gastritis, vomiting, excessive salivation, liver and kidney damage.
Therefore, ingestion of this herbal medicine should be in moderation and, if possible, with the advice of a doctor, to prevent serious collateral damage from occurring.
Benefits of Witch Hazel
Witch hazel-based products help relieve sunburn, itching, allergies, inflammation, acne and injuries that may appear on the skin. Furthermore, it can also be great for insect bites, bruises and even psoriasis and eczema. However, do you know why? Well, let’s explain now.
Anti-inflammatory action
Because its active ingredients are tannins and gallic acid, Witch Hazel acts as an anti-inflammatory and facial tonic. Furthermore, its antioxidants delay the action of free radicals, slowing down the aging process of cells and, consequently, giving the skin a younger appearance and, also, greater immunity against diseases – if ingested.
Therefore, prolonged use helps to reduce expression lines, inflammation, pimples and psoriasis, as it prevents irritation and flaking, being excellent for treating scalp sensitivity and burns as well.
Astringent
As if it wasn’t already great, Witch Hazel also has an astringent action. In short, this happens because its composition helps to reduce pores, in addition to calming sensitive skin. Therefore, yes, it is present in the compositions of many astringent skin products.
Source: Tudo Ela
Sources: eCycle, Sallve, Seleções, Cuidaí
Images: Plantei’s Blog, Tudo Ela, Tua Saúde, ZARLLOR
