{"id":1993,"date":"2018-07-13T04:38:38","date_gmt":"2018-07-13T04:38:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=1993"},"modified":"2021-03-17T21:06:36","modified_gmt":"2021-03-17T21:06:36","slug":"30-extraordinary-uses-of-witch-hazel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/30-extraordinary-uses-of-witch-hazel\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Extraordinary Uses of Witch Hazel"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Witch hazel got its name from the fact that it was considered to be in use by the witches of hundreds of years back; instead, it was commonly used by the medicine people of the time for all sorts of ailments. There are more and more studies that are being conducted on the various benefits of witch hazel for your health, and with every study, science gets a little closer to confirming what people have already known about for thousands of years.<\/p>\n

Witch hazel can do wonders for your overall health, your immune system, and your skin; it has a benefit that can be allocated to almost every part of the body. Did you know that witch hazel is incredible for taking care of acne and can be even better than most pharmaceutical alternatives? What about odor removal or allergies? Here are 30 extraordinary uses for witch hazel that you might never have thought of before.<\/p>\n

1. Treating Acne<\/h3>\n

You don\u2019t have acne if you just have one or two pimples that can be taken care of with a few changes to your skincare regimen; acne<\/a> instead stands as a disorder on its own which can be disastrous to the skin, especially if it goes untreated \u2013 or if it is treated too much. Other things that might make acne worse is a genetic predisposition to the condition or the fact that you might be aggravating the condition by trying to treat it yourself without success.<\/p>\n

Witch hazel can work wonders for treating severe acne \u2013 all you have to do is combine some witch hazel with some of your favorite essential oils and purified water, and apply this to your daily beauty regimen day to day. You\u2019ll see the problem vanish before your eyes, without any negative effects on your skin in the long run like some pharmaceutical treatments.<\/p>\n

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\"\"2. Cleansing Blackheads<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is great for taking care of acne, even if you have been struggling with the problem for months or years at a time; but that\u2019s not all it happens to be good for when it comes to your skin. Witch hazel is also excellent when it comes to cleansing blackheads<\/a>. Apply it to your skin in the same way that you would witch hazel for treating acne, and incorporate this into your daily routine \u2013 morning and evening; you\u2019ll see the results happen in a few days to a few weeks, depending on how much your skin might need it.<\/p>\n

Remember that blackheads should never be squeezed or pressed, even when the temptation might be there \u2013 you will only risk causing further irritation for your skin and could only end up making the problem worse, or ensuring that it turns into an infection, which can be extremely unpleasant and harder to fix.<\/p>\n

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3. Removing Makeup<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is extremely good for the skin overall, so adding it to your daily beauty routine will manage to serve several purposes at once \u2013 and you\u2019ll notice that your skin<\/a> feels better once you\u2019ve started doing this a few times a week to twice per day. We\u2019ve already mentioned the fact that it can make a case of acne or a bout of blackheads considerably better over time; you can also use a diluted solution of witch hazel to remove your makeup.<\/p>\n

If you do this every day, then you will lessen the amount of toxins that get absorbed by your skin \u2013 most people know that too much make-up left on until the next day will leave you waking up with a few nasty pimples, and it\u2019s especially bad for your skin if you keep doing it \u2013 for example, if you are in a career where you have to regularly change your make-up, such as for the stage.<\/p>\n

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4. Removing Puffy Eyes<\/h3>\n

Why do your eyes get puffy in the first place? It happens when your skin is feeling tired; this is most often the case if you have been up for a long period of time and working beyond your capacity. This is characteristic of late-nights, and it could very well mean that you are going towards developing burnout. Always take note of symptoms like puffy eyes, especially if they keep happening over a long period of time, as this could signal that you need to take things a little slower.<\/p>\n

When you need to look fresh in a hurry for whatever you have going on, then you can dab some witch hazel under your eyes \u2013 give it a couple of minutes and you will feel refreshed. You can also do the same thing with black tea bags after you\u2019ve let them cool down first: The caffeine<\/a> will revitalize your tired eyes in no time.<\/p>\n

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\"\"5. Relieving a Rash<\/h3>\n

There are many ways in which witch hazel can prove to be beneficial to the skin. If you are adding witch hazel to your daily beauty routine, then you will already see the results within a few days to a few weeks of doing this. First, your skin will look and feel younger \u2013 and not just that, but your skin will be in a much better condition. If you have any problems with acne, pimples, blackheads or oily skin, then witch hazel should be enough to bring you clear improvement to your skin within just a few weeks of regular use.<\/p>\n

If you have a rash<\/a> due to many circumstances \u2013 including a rash that comes from your clothes rubbing against your skin \u2013 then you can apply some witch hazel to it to take care of the rash. If this doesn\u2019t work, it could be eczema \u2013 or you are just not treating the cause of the rash, causing it to constantly appear time after time.<\/p>\n

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\"\"6. Treating Eczema<\/h3>\n

If you have been trying to treat a rash unsuccessfully, then you should consider the possibility that you might not be dealing with a rash at all; you could be dealing with eczema<\/a>. Instead of a rash, this is a more specific condition that can be spread from one person to another and is usually made worse by things like dry skin \u2013 or skin that isn\u2019t dried properly after taking a shower or getting out of the pool.<\/p>\n

The athlete\u2019s foot, at its core, is just one form of eczema \u2013 and normal rash treatments won\u2019t work for taking care of it. If you don\u2019t treat the condition in time and leave it instead, then it can become a much worse problem for you \u2013 and it can even spread to other parts of the body. Take care of eczema early on and the problem won\u2019t keep coming back on you. Witch hazel works.<\/p>\n

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\"\"7. Allergies<\/h3>\n

When it\u2019s taken internally, witch hazel should be able to help you when allergy<\/a> season is on the way: It can do the same as a lot of antihistamines, without the side-effect of feeling drowsy or sleepy as a result. When it\u2019s applied topically, then witch hazel should be enough to take care of an allergy or allergic reaction that presents on your skin.<\/p>\n

This can include certain types of rashes, but can also encompass things such as poisoning by poison ivy \u2013 which can have an extremely uncomfortable and itchy after-effect and can make you feel like you\u2019re burning up all over. Just apply some witch hazel and the effect of the poison ivy should be neutralized. The same is not true if you have ingested any kind of poison \u2013 and if you have, then you should immediately go to the emergency room instead of treating this serious ailment yourself.<\/p>\n

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\n8. Cleansing the Skin<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re using witch hazel to remove your make-up already as we suggested earlier on in this article, then you should know that you\u2019re in good hands already: Witch hazel is excellent for cleaning the skin, which is why it\u2019s such an effective natural treatment<\/a> for conditions like acne and blackheads. You should add some witch hazel to your daily beauty regimen; it will do incredible things for your skin and hair at the same time.<\/p>\n

It also manages to rid your body of any toxins at the same time. If you want to feel healthier, witch hazel is a great way to do it: You won\u2019t have to spend thousands of dollars on expensive treatments that will do the same thing, and you don\u2019t have to worry about any serious contra-indications because wit<\/p>\n

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9. Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve already gone over some of the benefits of witch hazel that is great for your skin, excellent for your hair and will be a great improvement to your general health routine; this isn\u2019t all that witch hazel can do for your health. You should add it to your medicine cabinet for those times where you need quick help, too. There are many times where you might have a medical emergency and you are unable to make it to a doctor or pharmacist in time. For emergencies like these, we luckily still have natural methods to rely on.<\/p>\n

If you are feeling nauseous or vomiting<\/a> uncontrollably, ingesting some witch hazel might be enough to sort out your symptoms \u2013 and if not, then you can combine it with some ginger, which has great properties for settling an upset stomach. If this still doesn\u2019t stop the problem, make an appointment with your doctor or visit the emergency room.<\/p>\n

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10. Whitening the Teeth<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is also excellent for whitening the teeth<\/a>, and just a little bit of witch hazel with your toothpaste \u2013 or even instead of your toothpaste \u2013 can do wonders for keeping your teeth and mouth clean and free of infection. There are many reasons why you might want to choose a more natural method of whitening your teeth, and you should.<\/p>\n

Visiting the dentist to whiten your teeth is a costly process, and trying to do it yourself with a kit that you bought off of the internet can be a huge waste of your time \u2013 and in some cases it can even do permanent damage to your teeth, ending up with a product that is not approved by the FDA or something that\u2019s poisonous and doing your body more harm than good. Witch hazel is also great for removing nicotine, coffee and wine stains from the teeth when you are in need of a quick fix.<\/p>\n

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\"\"11. Antiperspirant<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel makes an excellent general antiperspirant<\/a> if you need something to keep you fresh before, during and after those heavy working or partying days or nights. First, it manages to leave you smelling great \u2013 and you can combine the witch hazel as an antiperspirant with any other essential oils if you want to create your own personalized scent.<\/p>\n

But witch hazel can do much more than that at the same time: It will also manage to freshen up your skin, and it also does more than just mask the smell. The use of witch hazel manages to stop your body from producing the things that go with odor without the added cancer risk that you might expect from most over-the-counter antiperspirants which actually only work by blocking your pores and stopping your skin from breathing. Witch hazel is a much healthier and more natural alternative than spraying antiperspirant on your skin.<\/p>\n

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12. Boosting Your Mood<\/h3>\n

There are many herbs<\/a> that are known for being mood-boosting in a general sense, but there are very few substances that act as an actual antidepressant. Of the two that have been the most seriously studied, St. John\u2019s Wort and Witch Hazel have been known to act as great natural antidepressants, especially when they are being combined with a routine of the right medication.<\/p>\n

Witch hazel can boost your general mood if taken every day, and you can even take witch hazel when you are in need of a pick-me-up \u2013 and you don\u2019t have to worry about overdosing on witch hazel like you would with traditional mood medications, and you don\u2019t have to worry about the fact that you will feel uncomfortable or in any way \u201cspaced out\u201d as many medications will do. If you find that witch hazel is not enough, seek professional help for your condition before it gets any worse.<\/p>\n

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\"\"13. Removing Ticks<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is great for keeping bugs at bay, and this is why it makes a great accompaniment if you are going camping or will be going into the fields for hours at a time where you could be exposed to any bugs or ticks<\/a>. When you are going for walks in heavily bushy areas, then you are at a high risk of picking up ticks \u2013 these will usually settle around your ankles, though can travel higher up.<\/p>\n

Removing them can be dangerous, as you can pick up a nasty infection from the mouthparts that are left behind when you pull the tick off. Instead, use witch hazel as a tick repellent before you go into the field \u2013 this will make sure that the bugs don\u2019t stick in the first place, as most bugs really hate witch hazel and will try to stay far away from it if they can help it.<\/p>\n

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14. Anti-Bugs<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve already mentioned in this article that most bugs hate the odor and taste of witch hazel and that most bugs will do what they can to stay away from it. This is true for most bugs, and you can do several things with the bug-reducing benefits that you get from witch hazel. First, you can apply it to yourself if you will be frequenting an area where you know you will be exposed to bugs \u2013 such as a camping trip or hiking expedition.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s not all by any means. You can also turn witch hazel into an easy-to-use spray that you can use on your clothes to keep bugs \u2013 including mosquitoes or fish moths \u2013 at bay. You can also use it to take care of ticks and fleas for animals, and you don\u2019t have to worry about any nasty side-effects like skin irritation<\/a> that you might experience through traditional methods.<\/p>\n

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15. Anti-Dandruff<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is an excellent substance for cleaning almost everything, and you can use it to cleanse your skin and detox your body without having to spend thousands of dollars on beauty treatments to do it. You can also use witch hazel to wash your hair, and it will manage to take care of oily hair at the same time. But witch hazel can also do wonders for dry skin and dandruff<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Yes, there are many dandruff shampoos available on the market, but you might find that most of them are too expensive \u2013 or that many of them have the opposite effect and irritate your skin or make the problem worse. If you are part of this section of the population, switch over to witch hazel instead. You can also use witch hazel to take care of dry skin in any other affected parts of the body.<\/p>\n

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\"\"16. Eliminating Stretch Marks<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel can do incredible things for your skin, and if you add witch hazel to your daily routine then you will get the benefit of all of the expensive beauty treatments that you find available on the market without having to pay the very expensive price that\u2019s attached to it. You can also use witch hazel in the place of tissue oil, and it will do wonders for taking care of the stretch marks in a few weeks to a few months of making use of the treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stretch marks can be a huge knock to your self-confidence and stop you from living your life \u2013 especially when it\u2019s time for bikini season \u2013 and you shouldn\u2019t have to let it. Witch hazel has many other general benefits for your skin \u2013 just keep reading the rest of this article to find out more about what it can do for you and your health.<\/p>\n

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17. Removing Odours<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is excellent for cleaning up your house and detoxifying<\/a> your body all at the same time. If you need anything cleaned, whether it\u2019s some laundry, your hair or your house \u2013 you can simply add witch hazel to whatever you\u2019re using right now, or you can use witch hazel as a complete replacement. But that\u2019s not all that witch hazel is good for, and there are still many more benefits of using witch hazel that we are going to go through for the rest of this article.<\/p>\n

You can also make use of witch hazel if you are looking to remove a general odor from something \u2013 including de-odorizing a fridge, or getting a smell out of an old suitcase \u2013 or even ridding a room of a lingering smell that you want to get rid of as soon as possible. It\u2019s simple enough to use witch hazel to remove odors, and you can even combine it with many essential oils to add to the scent.<\/p>\n

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18. Making a Tea<\/h3>\n

You can brew a tea from witch hazel, and if you find that the taste is a little too much for you then you can simply add witch hazel to another tea to heighten the effect without having to experience the intensely strong flavor of witch hazel. Some examples are chamomile tea, black tea and rooibos tea \u2013 all of which are great for improving your overall health and these do absolute wonders for your heart and circulatory system at the same time.<\/p>\n

You can add milk and sugar<\/a> to taste as you need, and you can even make use of the tea leaves in compost to ensure that it goes right back into the earth \u2013 this way you can get the most benefits out of the plant, and you don\u2019t have to worry about harming the environment. Make sure that you don\u2019t add too much sugar to the mix \u2013 that\u2019s not good for you either!<\/p>\n

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19. Cleaning Surfaces<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is great for cleansing, detoxing and cleaning a huge variety of things \u2013 so far, we\u2019ve only covered the things that have a direct relation to your body and your health, but witch hazel is just as great for cleaning up anything else, too. You can make a general floor and surface scrub by combining witch hazel with a little bit of water. You can also add baking soda to the mix, and some diluted lemon juice to add to the antiseptic effect you really need when you\u2019re cleaning.<\/p>\n

You can also add some coarse salt if you are in need of an abrasive element to clean things properly, or fine salt<\/a> if you are simply looking for the antibacterial effects. Make sure that you use a clean cloth for cleaning up each surface, as you want to avoid any instances of cross-contamination: Once a cloth has been used to clean a specific surface, dispose of it or clean it thoroughly.<\/p>\n

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\"\"20. Cleansing the Ears<\/h3>\n

If you are experience repeated ear infections or severe pain in your ears, then it could easily be the build-up of wax that has gotten hard over time \u2013 and has subsequently become harder to remove. In the most extreme cases, this will require medical attention and will likely need to be removed surgically by your doctor. Do not try to do it yourself if the first method we list here doesn\u2019t work: You could cause permanent damage to your ears and eardrum in the process, and this could lead to permanent hearing loss.<\/p>\n

A diluted solution of witch hazel can be used to clean out the ears without any of the side-effects that you might get from a method like hydrogen peroxide<\/a>, to which many people can be allergic to. Remember that you don\u2019t want to leave any fluid in the ears for too long, and it\u2019s better to let it soak and then drain.<\/p>\n

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21. Stopping a Running Stomach<\/h3>\n

If you have a running stomach that you can\u2019t get under control, then witch hazel can do wonders to get the stomach to settle. Sometimes, you might have to combine this with another herb such as ginger root, which can stop the cramps<\/a> that come with a stomach ache or running stomach. A running stomach is an extremely dangerous health condition, and it\u2019s not something that you want to leave for too long.<\/p>\n

The condition dehydrates you at a rapid rate, and if you dehydrate quicker than you can replace fluids, than you could be making your condition considerably worse \u2013 and your body could go into shock. It could even prove to be fatal, as dehydration is a condition that can lead to your death. If the condition doesn\u2019t stop despite home treatment, make a trip to the emergency room so that the condition can be halted as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

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22. Adding to Cancer Treatments<\/h3>\n

If you are receiving traditional treatment for cancer<\/a>, then you will likely find that witch hazel is able to supplement your treatment to a great deal: First, the vomiting and nausea that is commonly associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation will be alleviated with the use of witch hazel. Second, witch hazel has also anecdotally helped when it comes to reducing the size of tumors.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re not saying that you should stop taking your medication once you\u2019ve caught on to natural methods, but instead that the natural methods are supplementing your traditional treatment and making it work better. You can use witch hazel in any form you like if this is what you are using it for but check with your doctor first. If you\u2019re not sure whether witch hazel is safe for you to take, check with your doctor and ask them what they think about adding witch hazel to your treatment regimen. <\/p>\n

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23. Treating Sunburn<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is exceptionally good for the skin, but after everything we\u2019ve told you in this article already, we don\u2019t really need to tell you that. You should know by now that you can use witch hazel to rejuvenate your skin, and you can use witch hazel to take care of the puffiness under your eyes after a long day; you can also use witch hazel to eliminate stretch marks or clean up make-up from your skin.<\/p>\n

Witch hazel is also great for treating blackheads and acne, and for generally cleansing your skin. But that\u2019s not all. Did you know you can also make use of witch hazel to treat your sunburn<\/a>? Especially advanced cases are extremely unpleasant, and once your skin starts peeling you might have to deal with a lot of discomfort. Witch hazel manages to sort out this uncomfortable itch and burn in almost little to no time at all.<\/p>\n

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24. Aiding Varicose Veins<\/h3>\n

Varicose veins are also known as spider veins, and it\u2019s an extremely common condition that affects most people as they get older \u2013 though can also affect you much earlier on in life when you are still in your twenties or thirties. It can have a majorly negative effect on self-confidence. If it\u2019s affecting you early on in your life, then you should consider the fact that it might be another disorder that\u2019s causing them \u2013 and you should make an immediate appointment with your doctor to try to find the cause.<\/p>\n

Some serious connective tissue disorders can manifest with early stretch marks<\/a> and varicose veins, and you might need to get your heart checked out if this is the case. If you have spider veins that have to be taken care of, then you can simply apply witch hazel to the affected area, the same way you would if you had a bruise in the same spot.<\/p>\n

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25. Soothing Other Disorders<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve gone through many of the health benefits that witch hazel could have for your health. If you haven\u2019t added it to your health routine yet, then you should think again: Your overall health will be improved almost overnight with just the small change of adding witch hazel to your routine or diet \u2013 and the benefits are far more than the scope of what we\u2019ve been able to cover in this article so far.<\/p>\n

There are many more disorders and diseases for which witch hazel can be helpful, including the general symptoms of colds<\/a> and flu, or the skin irritation and rashes that accompany infection of chickenpox. Witch hazel is one of the most versatile plants known to mankind. If you want to live a healthier life, then maybe it\u2019s time to look towards more natural methods to do it.<\/p>\n

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\"\"26. Cleaning Small Cuts<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel<\/a> is more than just a herb that\u2019s great for improving your general health, and it can do far more for you than what we\u2019ve already covered in this article. Beyond being great for your skin and being able to remove odors and clean surfaces, witch hazel is also excellent for cleaning out small cuts. The healing properties of witch hazel will help your skin to heal itself naturally \u2013 and often much quicker than if you had not applied witch hazel.<\/p>\n

Witch hazel should also help to clear out any signs of infection that might be in the cut already, meaning that it\u2019s about as good for cleaning out a cut as most traditional antiseptic methods. Witch hazel might burn a little while you apply it, but you don\u2019t have anything to worry about. For severe cuts, visit the emergency room first before you apply anything to it yourself.<\/p>\n

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27. Helping with Bruising<\/h3>\n

If you have any bruises<\/a> that you need to be taken care of in a hurry, then the regular application of witch hazel can make the bruises heal up much faster. The average recovery time for a bruise will depend on which part of the body it has happened, and just which amount of force the affected body part was hit with for it to bruise. There are several other factors that can affect the way you bruise and how long you take to heal, including the types of medication you are taking \u2013 many medications can make you bruise easier.<\/p>\n

The application of some witch hazel to the bruises should be enough to take care of the bruises and make them heal up in no time: Lightly massage the area as the witch hazel is applied to the bruise to ensure that circulation is also promoted at the same time, but remember that you shouldn\u2019t press too hard.<\/p>\n

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28. Cleanses Oily Hair<\/h3>\n

You can easily make a witch hazel shampoo from scratch if you prefer and like doing things hands-on by yourself, but most people will likely find it an easier process just to add some witch hazel to their existing shampoo instead. Witch hazel is an excellent substance for being able to clean the oil off of many things \u2013 this includes getting the oils out of your hair.<\/p>\n

If you have a constant problem with oily hair, then a regular wash with a witch hazel shampoo or with a shampoo<\/a> that contains it should do wonders for your hair \u2013 and if you have underlying problems with dry skin or dandruff, the witch hazel shampoo should also be able to take care of this at the same time. For many, traditional dandruff shampoos are too harsh \u2013 or too expensive \u2013 so why don\u2019t you just make use of some natural witch hazel instead?<\/p>\n

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\"\"29. Treats Skin Irritation<\/h3>\n

Witch hazel is extremely good for the skin, and it can sort out a whole range of skin ailments \u2013 including acne, oily skin, and blackheads. You can also use it to remove make-up, and witch hazel will bring your skin<\/a> back some of the qualities that it had when you were much, much younger \u2013 without the need to spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy cream that won\u2019t deliver what it promises.<\/p>\n

You can also make use of witch hazel to treat any kind of skin irritation, whether you are experiencing it from clothes that are rubbing up against your skin and chafing, or whether the skin irritation comes from something like shaving \u2013 razor rash is extremely common in both women and men, and many people are struggling to find something that can bring them any relief. You\u2019ll be glad to know that witch hazel works, and won\u2019t aggravate the condition like many available creams.<\/p>\n

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30. Relaxation<\/h3>\n

Have we mentioned that witch hazel is an excellent herbal aid for helping you to relax? If you have been feeling unnecessarily tense for whatever reasons, then some witch hazel tea should manage to chill you right out. Brew it like you would any other tea, and add milk and sugar to taste. If you don\u2019t like the taste of witch hazel by itself, then you can add whatever ingredients to the tea that you like \u2013 including turmeric and ginger \u2013 to lighten the flavor.<\/p>\n

These are also both things that are naturally good for you and can add to some of the relaxing benefits that you are getting from within the witch hazel. You will also benefit from finding the cause of stress and reducing this instead of just treating your symptoms. If you find that it\u2019s not enough to take care of your symptoms, then you might have a stress<\/a> condition that should be examined by your doctor instead.\r\n

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