Witch hazel extract, derived from the Hammelis virginiana shrub, has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and is used in natural skin care products. Native Americans used it for medicinal purposes, and it is now widely available in many forms. The extract contains tannins, flavonoids, gallic acid, catechins, and volatile oils, with tannins believed to be the key to its healing properties. It is commonly used in hemorrhoid cream and to treat skin rashes and inflammation. However, drugstore witch hazel extract should only be used topically, never internally.
Witch hazel extract is derived from the bark, twigs, and leaves of the native North American shrub Hammelis virginiana. The extract has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and is a popular ingredient in natural skin care preparations. The extract is often used to treat acne, diaper rash, rash, and varicose veins. The ingredient is also used in lotions, shaving creams, hemorrhoid creams, eye drops, astringents, toners, and facial cleansers.
The medicinal properties of witch hazel were discovered and used by the Native American Indians. They steamed the twigs and bark of the plant, using it to treat swelling, rashes, insect bites, tumors, and to stop internal and external bleeding. The leaves could also be used to make a witch hazel tea to take internally to treat dysentery and colds. The twisted twigs of the witch hazel bush were also sometimes used to fetch water, which may have contributed to its name.
In the 19th century, Theron T. Pond learned of the healing properties of witch hazel from Native American Indians. He created the first widely available commercial preparation of witch hazel extract, known as “Pond Extract.” Today, witch hazel is widely available throughout the world in many forms.
The main ingredients in the extract are tannins, flavonoids, gallic acid, catechins, and volatile oils. Tannins contract the skin, help stop bleeding, and have a general astringent effect. Tannins are widely believed to be the key to witch hazel’s healing properties. The highest concentration of tannins occurs in the witch hazel bark, of which very little is contained in commercial witch hazel alcohol mixes sold in pharmacies.
Witch hazel extract commonly used in US drugstores and pharmacies can be used as an astringent and to treat skin rashes and inflammation. Although these products contain very little of the tannins thought to be responsible for witch hazel’s astringent properties, some of the other ingredients may have valuable therapeutic and curative effects. In Europe, witch hazel products are made from the more highly concentrated bark and contain more tannins.
The astringent effect of witch hazel extract makes it a popular ingredient in hemorrhoid cream. In addition to its most obvious use, hemorrhoid cream has also been used to reduce puffiness under the eyes. Although witch hazel is not commonly taken internally, witch hazel tea has been used to treat internal bleeding and diarrhea. Since witch hazel grows in the wild in much of the US, some people make their own tea from the leaves or make their own home remedies from the bark and twigs. It is important to note that drugstore witch hazel extract should only be used topically, never internally.
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