Off The Grid Living: 12 Extraordinary Uses For Witch Hazel That Heal, Soothe And Beautify

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12 Extraordinary Uses For Witch Hazel That Heal, Soothe And Beautify

Written by: Tricia Drevets Natural Health

Image source: Carolinemayling.com
Despite its spooky sounding name, the leaves, bark and twigs of the witch hazel plant have been used for centuries for all kinds of remedies.
The name “witch” has its roots in the Middle English word “wiche” and from the Old English “wice” — both which mean “bendable.” In England, the term “witch hazel” was used to describe a certain elm. In America, early colonists transferred the name to a New World shrub. It is thought that the term was then used to mean divining rods made from the twigs of the tree or the shrub, hence the name “witch.”
Native Americans boiled parts of the witch hazel plant to treat certain skin irritations; today it is recognized as a natural remedy for all kinds of ailments.

Although the plant does not produce enough oil to make its production viable, many pharmacies carry a distilled form of witch hazel. Look for the words “alcohol free” on the label because many formulas contain alcohol.
Here are 12 amazing and remarkable uses for witch hazel:
1. Astringent – With its high tannin content, witch hazel can work to remove excess oil from the skin and to tighten pores. By applying witch hazel with a cotton ball to skin blemishes, you can reduce redness and swelling and speed up the healing process. Witch hazel also won’t dry out your skin the way many commercial astringents do.
2. Eye brightener – That same pore tightening ability makes witch hazel a good product to use to lessen puffiness and discoloration around the delicate eye area……..MORE HERE