A little history…

The clear liquid extract of witch hazel that we are familiar with is produced from the leaves and bark of the North American witch hazel shrub, or Hamamelis virginiana. This extract has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anesthetic properties that make it indispensible in various medicinal and cosmetic applications.
While some “home remedies” or “folk medicine” have become known as ‘old wives tales’, witch hazel, if used properly, is truly effective. It is one of the few natural remedies that have obtained US FDA approval for sale specifically for medicinal use.

The amazing witch hazel herb has been used throughout history for its medicinal purposes, both topical and internal. The Native Americans applied poultices of leaves and bark to treat hemorrhoids, wounds, painful tumors, insect bites and skin ulcers. In addition, they used witch hazel infusions for cuts, colds, heavy menstruation, tumors, and eye inflammation. Folk medicine has used it for everything from backache to itchy and dry skin, nosebleed, diarrhea, nervousness, and vaginitis.

Cosmetic Use
The bark, twigs, and leaves of the witch hazel shrub are all high in tannins, which give this plant its natural astringent properties. Astringents are used topically to dry and tighten tissues. Used on the face, witch hazel tightens pores and removes excess oil, which is why it is an excellent ingredient in natural skin toner. Cosmetics manufacturers also use it in various cleansers, masks and lotions.

Witch hazel is a key ingredient in Pure Skin by Maggie Herbal Balancing Toner for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits to acne prone skin. Witch hazel is typically extracted from the plant with alcohol into a tincture form, the most common type seen at pharmacies. However, we are committed to bringing out clients the gentlest, high-quality products possible and the witch hazel we use is alcohol-free.

Other Uses
Witch hazel is an important botanical to control bleeding, whether applied to a wound topically or taken internally for bleeding gums or ulcers. A compress of witch hazel extract is an effective treatment and can be applied to bedsores, bruises, poison ivy or oak, sore muscles, swelling, diaper rash, and hemorrhoids. For sore muscles, it can be used in either a cream or compress, or added to bath water. Athletes apply witch hazel extract to their muscles prior to vigorous workouts to help prevent muscle strain, or after a workout to relieve soreness.
To read more about internal uses of witch hazel and the proper way to prepare them (do not take the extract available at the pharmacy internally), see this article from Discover Health. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/witch-hazel-herbal-remedies.htm


Please note: External use can cause minor skin irritation for some people. Do not use on serious cuts, burns, or other wounds. Witch hazel extract from the pharmacy is intended for external use and should not be used close to the membranes of the eyes, as it does contain alcohol.