Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a shrub with numerous properties recognized for centuries. Its leaves and bark are rich in tannins, substances with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

Witch hazel is particularly valued for its benefits on blood circulation . It tones veins and capillaries, improves microcirculation, and reduces the feeling of heavy legs.

History of Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a shrub native to North America and Asia. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Native Americans used witch hazel to treat wounds, inflammation, and bleeding.

In the 18th century, witch hazel was introduced to Europe, where it was quickly adopted by doctors and herbalists. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, including varicose veins, bruises, sunburn, and insect bites.

Today, witch hazel is still widely used for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. It can be found in various forms, including lotion, cream, gel, and compress.

Witch hazel is generally well tolerated, but it is important to use it with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a doctor.

Composition and main active compounds of Witch Hazel

Also known as witch hazel, witch hazel is distinguished by its oval leaves and ribbon-like flowers that bloom in autumn. The main active compounds in witch hazel are tannins. These give witch hazel its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In addition to tannins, witch hazel contains flavonoids, which contribute to its beneficial effects on blood circulation and skin.

These compounds make witch hazel a prized ingredient in many cosmetic and medicinal products, particularly for treating skin conditions such as irritations, sunburn, and hemorrhoids.

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Benefits of Witch Hazel on the body

Witch hazel is renowned for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, helping to relieve skin irritations such as redness and itching.

Venous tonic

Witch hazel is rich in tannins, which give it astringent and vasoconstrictive properties. This means it can help tone veins and improve blood circulation. By stimulating circulation, witch hazel can help reduce the symptoms of venous insufficiency, such as:

  • Heavy legs: Blood pooling in the legs can cause a feeling of heaviness and fatigue. Witch hazel can help improve blood circulation and reduce this feeling of heaviness.
  • Varicose veins: Varicose veins are dilated and twisted veins. Witch hazel can help tone the veins and reduce the appearance of varicose veins.
  • Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. Witch hazel may help relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as pain, irritation, and itching.

Soothing

Witch hazel also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. This means it can help reduce inflammation and relieve skin irritations. Witch hazel can be used to relieve:

  • Sunburn: Witch hazel can help soothe the pain and inflammation caused by sunburn.
  • Insect bites: witch hazel can help relieve the itching and inflammation caused by insect bites.
  • Bruises: Witch hazel can help reduce swelling and pain caused by bruises.
  • Skin irritations: Witch hazel can help relieve skin irritations caused by eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.

Astringent

Witch hazel is a natural astringent. This means it can help tighten pores and tone the skin. Witch hazel can be used to:

  • Reducing acne: Witch hazel can help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
  • Tightening enlarged pores: Witch hazel can help tighten enlarged pores and improve the appearance of the skin.
  • Tone the skin: witch hazel can help tone the skin and give it a firmer appearance.
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