What Are The Medicinal Uses Of Witch Hazel?
Witch Hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, has many medical uses. This shrub is native to the eastern United States, and is so named because the twigs were traditionally used for dowsing water. The bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant are astringent, styptic, tonic, and hemostatic. Externally, its decoction and infusion is used to dispel inflammation, heal sore throats and gums, and treat bruises. The extract of witch hazel is used as facial astringent and to treat sunburns, rashes, and wounds. Extract of this plant is commonly used in after-shave lotions, shampoos, and facial cosmetics.
