Unda #35 - 20ml

WITCH HAZEL

Native to eastern North America, Witch Hazel's (or Hamamelis Virginiana) insect like yellow flowers bloom well into the winter months...

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.


WITCH HAZEL - QUICK FACTS

PARTS USED
Leaves, bark, twigs

APPLICATIONS
hemorrhoids, varicose veins, bleeding disorders, inflammation.

OPTIMUM DOSAGE
Apply topically as needed. Consult a healthcare practitioner before internal use.

WORKS WELL WITH
Horse chestnut, pine bark extract, butcher's broom, fibre

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Not meant for long term internal use use internally with caution.