What is the history of witch hazel?

What is the history of witch hazel?

History. Early Puritan settlers in New England adopted witch-hazel as a supposed remedy from the natives, and its use became widely established in the United States during the 19th century.

What was witch hazel used for?

Some people apply witch hazel directly to the skin for itching, pain and swelling (inflammation), eye inflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane inflammation, vaginal dryness after menopause, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, acne, sensitive scalp, and other skin irritations.

When was witch hazel discovered?

Not surprisingly, the most popular American species, common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), made its entry on the American scene much earlier, having been discovered in 1687 and grown in England by Bishop Henry Compton.

Is witch hazel a nut?

The two are not related although witch hazel seeds/nuts are also edible. The plant goes by several other names including spotted alder, striped alder, tobacco-wood, winter-bloom, snapping-hazel, and, of course, Southern witch-hazel.

Why is witch hazel called that?

Why Is it Called Witch Hazel? The plant’s name does not refer to witchcraft, but comes from the Middle English word wych or wyche, meaning pliant or flexible, which is a reference to the plant’s very flexible branches. The “hazel” in the name comes from the plant’s similarity to the common hazelnut.

Why is witch hazel bad for your skin?

Aside from the key substance (tannins), many witch hazel products contain alcohol ingredients (like ethanol) that over-dry the skin and sometimes do more harm than good. Some variations can have up to 15 percent alcohol, which might be irritating to certain skin types like people with dry, acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Why witch hazel is bad?

What are the benefits of using witch hazel on your face?

Witch hazel has many benefits for skin, including relieving inflammation, tightening pores, and helping with razor bumps. It may also help reduce acne, since it can cleanse your skin of excess oil. However, witch hazel should not be used by people with dry or extremely sensitive skin since it can cause irritation.

Why is witch hazel called witch hazel?

Is hazelnut a witch hazel?

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a large native shrub which in fact has nothing to do with hazelnut shrubs (Corylus species in the birch family) nor, as far as we know, witches. This large, multi-stemmed shrub flowers in late fall, when most trees are dropping their leaves.

Are hazelnuts related to witch hazel?

Witch hazel is not to be confused with the wild hazelnuts also native to our forests – beaked hazelnut and American hazelnut. The hazelnuts are actually in the birch family – Betulaceae – while witch hazel is in a different family called Hamamelidaceae.

Is Forsythia the same as witch hazel?

Witch-hazel looks somewhat like Forsythia, but instead of having long drooping shoots, they are handsome, upright, vase-shaped shrubs on their way to becoming small trees. Witch-hazel gets its name from the Old English term “wiche,” which means bendable or flexible.

What are the side effects of witch hazel?

Witch hazel topical side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Although not all side effects are known, witch hazel topical is thought to be likely safe for most people when used as directed.

Is witch hazel good for pain relief?

Relief from muscle or joint pain is another potential benefit of witch hazel. Used as a muscle rub, witch hazel may help relieve tired or sore muscles. Joint pain caused by arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, such as lupus, may also benefit from the use of this herb.

Why is Witch Hazel a problem for skin?

It’s commonly thought that because witch hazel has “astringent” properties, it can “dry up” acne. However, acne isn’t about skin being wet, so drying it with astringent ingredients won’t help. In truth, the irritation caused by the witch hazel can make blemishes worse.

Can you use witch hazel for Mouthwash?

You can use witch hazel in mouth wash blends too, but try to obtain the natural witch hazel distillate rather than commercial witch hazel made with ethyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). In the recipe below, peppermint and anise seed freshen breath.