How to Save Money by Using Witch Hazel

I was fascinated while learning of the long history of: Hamamelis virginiana, or what is commonly called: Snapping Hazelnut, Winterbloom, Hamamelis, Hazel Nut, Snapping Hazel, Spotted Alder, Striped Alder, or Tobacco Wood. For more about the history of Witch Hazel read the article referenced at the bottom of this article. I was amazed at how the shrub/tree propagates itself.

Witch hazel may be a common item found in many homes, but the value is anything but common. It's worth is downright invaluable.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• witch hazel, in different forms
• cotton swabs
• cotton balls
• paper towel
• water
• flour, corn meal, or bread and milk

1. 
   Witch Hazel

   Apply witch hazel to a cotton ball and use to remove make up, reduce pore size, aid in fighting acne, moisture and reduce wrinkles on skin.

2. 
   Painful sunburn

   Wet paper towels and place on sun and wind burn to ease pain and inflammation while moisturizing skin.

3. 
   Childbirth

   Wet paper towels and pat the genital area after child birth to help heal the area.

4. Moisten paper towel and cleanse anal area after bowel movements. The witch hazel soothes inflammation and works as an astringent to help heal.

5. Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes to stop internal or external bleeding, such as heavy menstrual bleeding. Oral doses also are used for the treatment of hemorrhoids, diarrhea, tumors, bruising, swelling, and varicose veins.

6. Steep 1 tsp. of witch hazel bark in 16 oz. of boiled water. Strain and save to gargle with to aid in soothing a sore throat.

7. Prepare a poultice by crush witch hazel leaves. Mix into hot moist flour, corn meal or bread and milk. Place the paste on the skin to help in healing bruises, scrapes, muscle sprains and aches.

8. Simmer the herb’s bark. Boil and cover for 10 minutes then mix into an ointment base such as petroleum jelly. Apply once cooled.
   Witch hazel contains astringent properties and contracts body tissues while checking capillary bleeding.Use as a topical treatment for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, burns, and skin injuries. It includes volatile oils that exert similar effects to topical tannins and are antimicrobial.
   Use the witch hazel leaf for relief from diarrhea and heavy periods.

9. 
   Witch Hazel

   Apply with cotton ball or swab directly to insect bites, poison ivy blisters and rashes.

10. 

    Mix with talcum powder or baking soda as a safe alternative to deodorant, if you are either concerned about the safety of the ingredients in your antiperspirant or suffer from a skin reaction.

11. Dab paper towels or cotton balls in Witch Hazel. Squeeze out excess moisture and use to aid in relieving under eye swelling and darkness.

12. Soak cotton and use to cleanse skin after shaving.

Tips & Warnings

• Witch Hazel can be used from the top of the head to the sole of the feet. It contains natural oils which both heal and soothe.
• Do not drink the distilled witch hazel purchased from the pharmacy. It contains alcohol, which is not ready or safe for consumption.
• Consult with you doctor before taking any type of supplements.
• Witch hazel counteracts with certain medications such as aspirin, so please consult with your doctor prior to taking the pills or drinking Witch Hazel tea.
• Generally Witch Hazel for topical use has been found to be safe and effective.

[juliemcmurchie]

on 10/26/2009 Who knew witch hazel was so useful? Great tips.

[esatchel]

on 10/6/2009 I love more natural alternatives to the chemicals we tend to buy today. Mom always had witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide and calomine lotion in her bathroom cabinet.

[cygnetbrown]

on 9/11/2009 I haven't used witch hazel in years but I thik that after reading this article, I'm going out and buying some.

[ghostwoman]

on 9/5/2009 Great Article on how to save money by using witch hazel.

I give it 5*s and recommend you.
Wonderful work!

[jenbeth]

on 8/28/2009 I was addicted to witch hazel after I had my babies, thanks for the other tips!