Witch hazel has nothing to do with witchcraft, though all of its healing powers must have some sort of magic involved. So how did this plant obtain the name witch hazel? Its branches were once used for dowsing, or locating underground water. That practice was thought to be a form of witchcraft.

With the introduction of newer and fancier astringents and healing lotions into the market, witch hazel has fallen out of popularity. That’s too bad. It is a wonderful natural herbal remedy for just about anything ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to diaper rash and varicose veins.

Only recently did I begin to use witch hazel. My daughter had to show me where to find it in the store because I had no clue what it was. I wasn’t the only one. The last time I went shopping, I forgot where to find it in the store, so I asked a store associate which aisle the witch hazel was located on. She looked back at me as though I were speaking a language she couldn’t understand.

“Witch hazel? I’ve never heard of it.”

Witch hazel is most often placed with facial cleansers, astringents, etc. Most people do not experience any adverse reactions from using it. If you happen to be one of those people who easily suffer adverse reactions to just about any product, you may want to talk to your doctor before using it. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you definitely need to ask your physician before using it.

This much overlooked herbal remedy is a natural astringent for your face and will help to bring oily skin under control. The tannins, great for tightening the pores in your skin, remove excess oil. For those of who experience trouble with acne breakouts or are afflicted with rosacea (like me), the use of witch hazel will reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts.

Many of the health, bath, and body products you already use probably contain witch hazel. Tom’s of Maine mouthwashes contain witch hazel. It is in most aftershaves as a healing ingredient to help control bleeding and infection in the minor cuts acquired while shaving.

Some formulas are made for external use only, some formulas can be taken internally as well. So be sure and read the label. Most witch hazel products sold over the counter are not suitable for human consumption since they also contain isopropyl alcohol.

Witch hazel leaves can be bought and used to make tea out of. Taken internally, witch hazel helps to control diarrhea. Is also used as a tonic and a sedative.

The healing and cleansing properties of witch hazel will help diaper rash, cracked and bleeding feet, boils and pimples, inflamed gums, sunburn, windburn, itchy insect bites, skin abrasions, burns, inflammation, and dermatitis to be relieved quickly. If you need it to treat hemorrhoids, there are witch hazel pads made expressly for that.

It isn’t very expensive. A 16-ounce bottle can be bought at dollar stores for only a dollar or two. Of course, you are free to buy the more expensive brand names of it.

Humphreys Witch Hazel Astringent, 16-Ounces (Pack of 4)

Thayer Henry Witch Hazel Pads