Naka Witch Hazel + Aloe Cleansing Toner - 300 + 60ml BONUS

Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a small shrub/tree with twisting stems and long forking branches. It has nothing to do with witches, but rather comes from the word 'wych', meaning a pliable branch - as it was used centuries ago to locate underground water and precious metals.

Witch hazel has well-known astringent properties, and therefore commonly used as a topical solution to treat skin irritations, to decrease bleeding, for bites, burns , poison ivy, inflamed eyes, headaches, muscle pains, back pain, sprains, bruises and arthritic joints. It can also be gargled to relieve mouth irritations or sore throat. Given its strong astringent properties, it is also widely used as a remedy for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, when applied topically to these areas. Studies have confirmed that extracts of witch hazel do act to constrict veins. As astringents can act as topical anti-inflammatories, witch hazel is basically indicated wherever and whenever there is inflammation due to irritation, injury, over use and more. It has also been shown to exhibit anti-viral activity against the herpes simplex virus.

Witch hazel contains a large amount of tannins, which give it its astringent, antiseptic and hemostatic properties, but also what can make it somewhat dangerous when taken internally, if not under the direct supervision of a healthcare practitioner. It is also high in flavonoids and essential oils. It has also been shown to have significant antioxidant effects.

Witch hazel can be found on its own as an un-distilled or distilled witch hazel water extract, or it is often combined in natural skin products, to help refine skin and tighten pores, or as a hemorrhoid treatment. Although witch hazel is generally recommended for external application, it has been used internally to treat bleeding, diarrhea and dysentery. Please consult a health care practitioner before using it for these purposes. As a topical remedy, witch hazel can be applied to affected areas twice daily or as needed.

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Gel is for its ability to heal skin and mucus membranes. Externally it speeds the healing and decreases the discomfort of burns (including radiation burns from cell therapy), cuts, insect stings, bruises, acne, poison ivy, skin ulcers (including diabetic ulcers) and eczema.

This is because aloe vera gel protects the damaged tissue from infection and has anti-inflammatory properties. Internally its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties act to heal the inner lining of the digestive tract, making it useful in the treatment of ulcers, hemorrhoids and colitis. It is also a laxative that can be used for constipation and as a colon cleanser.

Aloe vera can be purchased as a juice or gel. It is very sensitive to light and heat thus it needs to be processed and stabilized immediately after harvest. The quality aloe supplements may vary amongst manufacturers because of the fragile nature of the aloe gel. Parts of the raw plant can be opened and the fresh juice used topically or internally. The juice and gel located closest to the outer skin of the aloe plant contains the most intestinal stimulating properties. Most commercial supplements contain the whole-leaf, and therefore, a mixture of juice and gel from all parts of the leaf.

The body will become tolerant to the laxative effect of aloe vera therefore it should not be used as a long-term solution for constipation. Aloe vera gel should be used with caution by pregnant and lactating women. Aloe vera gel is a colourless substance that should not be confused with aloe dried exudate, a red-brown solid mass. Aloe exudate is highly concentrated and has much stronger effects in the body as compared to aloe vera gel.