IN BRIEF

• The Facts:

  There are many harmful chemicals lurking in most personal care products. There are enough natural alternatives out there, such as witch hazel that could eliminate your need to use these chemical-containing products at all.

• Reflect On:

  How important is it for you to limit the number of harmful chemicals that you, your family and the environment are exposed to?

Witch Hazel is an ancient Native American remedy for a wide variety of ailments and people are starting to see why. Generally, in stores, we see witch hazel available in a clear liquid form in a bottle, but prior to that, it starts off as a shrub with yellow flowers.

There are two ways of getting the extract from the witch hazel bark, one as a distillation, this is commonly found in stores and generally has alcohol added to act as a preservative, or as a decoction. Many herbalists agree that the decoction method is superior because it makes a more concentrated version which means higher levels of tannins, which is the component that gives witch hazel its superior astringent properties. The distilled version is more shelf-stable, but just be aware of the alcohol that’s added, as some are sensitive to this.

Witch hazel can typically be used in the place of alcohol for treatment of many different skin irritations. It is recognized worldwide as a natural cleanser and toner, it’s clear that this product is absolutely great for the skin, so what benefits does it provide?

1. Clear Up Acne

A study, which was published in the Journal of Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology showed that Witch Hazel was one of the most effective acne treatments out of 52 tested products.

This liquid can slow bacterial growth, speed up healing of scabs and reduce inflammation, redness, oil production and even the development of blackheads and whiteheads.

2. Protect From Skin Cancer

A study that was published in Chemical Research in Toxicology found that the polyphenols and tannins found naturally in witch hazel reduced the number of free radicals and stopped the growth of melanoma cells.

3. Cleanse Hair & Hydrate Dry Scalp

Witch Hazel is a common ingredient in many homemade, all-natural shampoos. It can reduce oil build up on the hair, which could leave your hair clean, shiny and potentially add more volume.

According to this study, witch hazel was able to reduce symptoms of a dry, itchy and irritated scalp.

4. Reduce Degenerative Effects Of The Skin

Because of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of witch hazel, it can help to protect collagen and the skin’s elasticity. This provides a super cheap alternative to many of the expensive wrinkle creams, cleansers and toners out there. Try mixing Witch Hazel with vitamin E oil and some herbs or flowers such as rose or lavender for your very own home-made anti-aging serum.

5. A Useful Addition To Homemade Baby Wipes

If you are someone who is crafty, economical and practical then the idea of homemade baby wipes might be exciting for you. Witch Hazel is a perfectly safe ingredient to use in homemade wipes to wipe your babies bum clean. This is a great alternative to whatever chemicals may be lurking in those store-bought wipes. Making your own is also much better for the environment as homemade wipes don’t come packed in plastic.

6. Heal Stretch Marks?

Some claim that a witch hazel spray applied directly onto stretch marks once a day can help to eliminate the appearance of stretch marks. It’s so simple so at least it’s worth a try, considering it assists with inflammation and scarring this only makes sense.

7. Itch Remedy

Witch Hazel can be an excellent remedy for anything from bug bites, to eczema to chickenpox and poison ivy. You can put some in a spray bottle and add a few drops of lavender essential oil and find relief next time you or your children have an itch that scratching won’t help.

8. Heal Mouth Sores & Freshen Breath

Canker sores, bit lip or cheek? Simply swish some witch hazel around your mouth to help reduce irritation. This is also a great natural mouthwash that can help freshen breath. You can add a drop or peppermint essential oil for a more powerful fresh feeling, just be careful not to swallow.

All Natural Products, All The Way

With so many all-natural alternatives to our everyday products, one might begin to wonder why we even use mainstream store-bought products that are laden with chemicals and preservatives in the first place? It seems that the plant kingdom has a remedy for almost anything that ails us; it’s just that a lot of this knowledge has been lost and unfortunately it’s not a focal point for most manufacturers. Aside from countless recipes for natural homemade personal care and cleaning products online, some retailers are starting to understand our desire to eliminate chemicals from our lives and offer many alternatives, which are generally found at health food stores.

Much Love