Witch Hazel and It's Use

Witch Hazel and Its Uses

Oftentimes holistic, natural remedies (also known as “folk” remedies) are misunderstood. They may be seen as antiquated or ineffective.

But let’s face it, if we take the time to read the labels of our health, home, and beauty products, we will find that most of them contain at least one of these holistic ingredients.

Witch hazel is one of the most popular natural ingredients for health and beauty products. A quick google search, and you will find witch hazel in cooling gels, feminine lotions, face washes… actually, witch hazel itself is sold over-the-counter in pharmacies nationwide!

So why exactly is it that witch hazel is so widely accepted, recommended, and used in common remedies?

What is Witch Hazel?

Native to North America, the witch hazel plant (also known asHamamelis Virginiana) is a flowering shrub that produces reddish orange and yellow flowers. The twigs, leaves, and bark of the plant are distilled in order to extract the witch hazel solution (oil or hydrosol). This solution is what is used for medicinal purposes or alternative remedies.

This simple shrub possesses many properties that provide an abounding amount of natural benefits. 

How is it distilled? Learn about the distillation process and how essential oils andhydrosols are made here. 

How does Witch Hazel work?

Witch Hazel is naturally high in tannins. Tannins are a class of natural chemicals that contain astringent properties, which classifies witch hazel as an astringent.

Astringents are anaturally-occurringchemical that serve to constrict, or tighten, body tissues. Because of this, you cansee the word “astringent” on many facial cleansers, toners, and makeup removers that contain witch hazel.

The promised effect of an astringent in these products is to help reduce the appearance of pores. The tightening of the tissues reduces the visibility of pores and can help reduce acne. 

Witch hazel also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which is why they are found in many post-natal remedies and in over-the-counter medicated wipes!

The anti-inflammatory properties found in witch hazel can help reduce redness, irritation, and discomfort due to swelling. 

What is Witch Hazel used for?

Inflammation can aggravate certain skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties found in witch hazel can assist in calming and soothing inflammation to address skin conditions such as:

• Acne
• Allergic reactions
• Hemorrhoids 
• Hives
• Pimples
• Psoriasis
• Puffiness
• Rashes
• Sunburns

As you can see, witch hazel is widely used in health and beauty products. 

Astringents like witch hazel can help to tighten your pores. Dead skin cells and oil can get trapped in your pores, forming a pimple. 

Acne can stretch out your pores, making them appear larger. This is why many facial cleansers and makeup removers contain astringent ingredients. These ingredients can help reduce the appearance of pores and can prevent debris from being carried into your pores.

These astringents also aid in the reduction of the sebum, or oil, that your skin naturally produces.  

For people with oily skin, this can help reduce the oil on your face and the acne that occurs from the excess oil trapped in your pores!

Witch Hazel Hydrosol Benefits

Hello Cider’s collection of hydrosols are organic, water-based toners that are ideal for all skin types.

OurTea Tree and Witch Hazel hydrosol contains all of the benefits oforganicwitch hazel, straight from the plant itself. 

All of its properties are present in the water-based solution, but none of the added chemicals nor fragrances. 

Because of this, our toner provides a more gentle, natural option for people with oily skin to keep sebum production under control.

OurTea Tree and Witch Hazel hydrosol toner also contains anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce redness, puffiness, and swelling of the skin.

We use organic Apple Cider Vinegar as a preservative, but it also contains antiseptic and antifungal properties which serves as a mild cleanser and toner to fight blemishes.

You can spray the toner directly on your face, or you can spray it onto a cotton ball or pad and gently apply it on your face/skin.

Go ahead, give ourTea Tree & Witch Hazel Hydrosol toner a try

And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive 10% off your order.

Want to know more about the Tea Tree ingredient in our hydrosol?Click here.

Learn more about thehydrosol process here. 

We invite you to exploreour collection and moreabout us andour articles. Thank you for stopping by!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk. Nothing stated or posted on this site or available through any services are intended to be, and must not be taken to be, the practice of medical or counseling care. For purposes of this agreement, the practice of medicine and counseling includes, without limitation, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, or providing health care treatment, instructions, diagnosis, prognosis or advice.