Witch hazel is a plant with powerful medicinal properties that can be used in a variety of ways. Hamamelis virginiana - a type of shrub native to North America - is most commonly used in folk medicine. The leaves and bark are made into teas and ointments and is widely known for its ability to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.

It can also be added to herbal teas and ingested orally in small amounts as a natural treatment for other conditions.
Witch hazel, when brewed in the form of a tea, can have a positive effect on the respiratory tract. It helps treat a sore throat, inflammation of the vocal cords, irritation from coughing, sinus infections, and tonsillitis. Witch hazel tea can be gargled for rapid relief from soreness and pain, while also drying up excess mucus, which is where infections often develop. Research has shown that witch hazel is able to stimulate the immune system and actively eliminate pathogens in the body, due to its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. This is evident in the herbal decoction’s effect on the skin, but when consumed as tea, it can also be a natural booster to your overall health.

Witch hazel has antibacterial properties and is often used to treat ear infections. Traditionally, 2-3 drops of witch hazel are added to the inside of the ear twice a day to inhibit bacterial infection and speed up healing.

Word of Caution: Witch hazel has high levels of tannins, flavonoids, eugenol, carvacrol, and other powerful volatile components. Many of these can have strong effects on the body. This is why only small amounts are required for it to be effective, particularly in the case of oral consumption. Excess oral consumption can result in dizziness, rash or nausea. 

If you are looking for a natural product to keep your skin youthful, witch hazel is it. The herbal extract contains proanthocyanidins, gallotannins, and gallates, which are highly active free radical scavengers. It also helps soothe inflammation, redness, and pain caused due to sunburns, rashes, atopic dermatitis and blisters. When it comes to cuts, bruises, abrasions, scars, and other wounds, people have turned to witch hazel for thousands of years. The organic compounds in it have powerful astringent properties that help tighten skin. This quickens the healing process and slows down bleeding. 

It is very effective for treating insect bites and hives as well. You can apply Witch Hazel topically to skin to protect the wound or irritated area from infection, and also promote healing. 

Witch hazel helps reduce swelling, bleeding, and burning from hemorrhoids and provides relief due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. The liquid can be applied directly to the inflamed tissue.

Regular application of witch hazel helps keep the scalp clean and prevents an oil build-up. It is recommended by doctors to treat and prevent psoriasis and itchiness of the scalp.

You can add a few drops of witch hazel to your regular shampoo to keep bacterial infections at bay. When added to argan oil, it helps add volume to the hair and keeps it shiny. Witch hazel can also be applied to the skin after waxing or shaving to prevent ingrown hairs and soothe any redness or swelling and is an excellent remedy for razor cuts.

If you don't have Witch Hazel in your home apothecary, you are missing out of some amazing healing properties!