Hamamelis Virginiana

Hamamelis Virginiana

American Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) is a member of the Witch-Hazel family native to North America. It grows primarily in the Eastern part of North America from Nova Scotia to Florida and from Western Texas to the Atlantic Ocean. American Witch-Hazel is a tree shrub that has dense, fragrant branches that cluster together. These shrub trees begin to sprout in late October when the rest of the trees are shedding leaves to prepare for the cold autumn and winter months.

Health Benefits of American Witch-Hazel

American Witch-Hazel has been used in the treatment of swellings and inflammations by Native Americans for centuries and was later adopted by the first Puritan settlers. Studies have shown that it produces a specific kind of tannin, namely Hamamelitannin, which makes American Witch-Hazel a beneficial herbal extract highly effective in the treatments of various ailments.

Thanks to its astringent properties, American Witch-Hazel is also used to improve a wide range of skin conditions, such as skin blemishes, bruises, burns, hemorrhoids, inflammation, and skin irritation. Witch-Hazel is also commonly used in toners and anti-aging products due to its ability to tighten skin and shrink pores.

Calming Inflammations

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to dealing with injuries and infections, but can also cause pain and discomfort if left untreated. When you experience inflammation, treating it with a natural remedy like Witch-Hazel can help to reduce any redness and swelling. American Witch-Hazel contains antioxidants and compounds, such as gallic acid and tannins, that have anti-inflammatory properties and numerous benefits for your health.

The antioxidants in Witch-Hazel help to prevent widespread inflammation all over the body and to eliminate free radicals that build up in the body.

Reduce Skin Irritation

When you have sensitive skin, it can be difficult to find the right topical treatments and ointments that can help to alleviate pain without further causing pain or irritation. When this happens, many over-the-counter treatments that contain synthetic chemical compounds can have the opposite effect on your skin. It is important to know which naturally occurring treatments can help reducing skin irritation. American Witch-Hazel is one of those remedies. Witch-Hazel is used in the treatment of inflamed, irritated, and blistered skin.