Witch Hazel Extract

Profile
Botanical Name - Hamamelis virginiana Origin - USA Exraction - Alcohol and water (14% alcohol) Shelf life- 3 years Notes - Witch Hazel extract (from Mountain Rose Herbs) is distilled from the twigs and bark of the Witch Hazel tree and contains 14% ethyl alcohol. USP grade, and manufactured according to standards.   Specifications Color - Clear Odor - Virtually odorless

An Introduction
Witch Hazel Extract is a wonderful ingredient for use in your cosmetic and medicinal preparations. It is gentle enough to be used alone, or it may be combined with other ingredients or herbs.
Commercial Witch Hazel extracts usually contain more alcohol than actual Witch Hazel, and have only been distilled once. However, the product offered by Mountain Rose Herbs has been double distilled, and contains 86% Witch Hazel extract with only 14% alcohol. This makes it more soothing than the version found in your local store, and lacks the alcohol sting and scent.

A Brief History
Witch Hazel extract is produced from the leaves and bark of the North American shrub Witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. It has been used medicinally throughout history. The Native Americans used poultices of Witch Hazel leaves and bark to treat hemorrhoids, wounds, tumors, insect bites, and skin ulcers. They also made Witch Hazel infusions for conditions including cuts, colds, heavy menstruation, tumors, and eye inflammation. In addition, Witch Hazel was used in folk medicine for backache, and internally for diarrhea, nervousness, nosebleed, vaginitis, and venereal disease.

Medicinal and Cosmetic Uses
Witch Hazel extract has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anesthetic properties, making it indispensable for a variety of different medicinal and cosmetic uses. Medicinally, Witch Hazel extract is used for bedsores, bruises, eczema, insect bites, hemorrhoids, poison ivy or oak, bruises, sore muscles, swelling, psoriasis, cracked or blistered skin, diaper rash, windburn, and sunburn.
In cosmetic products, Witch Hazel extract is used as an aftershave or a facial astringent, applied to blemishes and pimples, varicose veins, and is used to cleanse oil from the skin, remove make-up, decrease bags under eyes and skin puffiness, and to reduce pore size. It is beneficial for both oily and dry mature skin, and is commonly found in anti-aging products as well as in products for blemished or acne-prone skin.

Usage Instructions
For conditions such as bedsores, bruises, hemorrhoids, poison ivy or oak, bruises, sore muscles, swelling, or diaper rash, Witch Hazel extract can be applied using a compress. For hemorrhoid relief, it is also added to sitz baths.
For facial care products, Witch Hazel extract can be easily added to facial cleansers, astringents, masks, and toners. Witch Hazel extract can be incorporated into creams or lotions, and then applied to the skin. For sore muscles, Witch Hazel extract can either be used in a compress or cream, or may be added to bath water. Athletes rub Witch Hazel extract onto their arms or legs limbs prior to workouts to help prevent muscle strain, or after a workout to help relieve soreness.

For use in a spray mister: Mix 8 ounces of distilled water with Witch Hazel extract and a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil in a glass bottle with pump-type sprayer. Be sure to shake bottle well before each use. It imparts a fresh, clean fragrance to linens that have been stored in a cupboard or closet and freshens stale room or bathroom air. Best stored in dark amber or cobalt blue glass bottles, away from heat and sunlight; do not store in plastic containers.

Another way to provide a synergistic environment in the bathroom is to use the same blend with the addition of Lemon and Orange Oil.

Precautions
Witch Hazel extract is intended for external use. Avoid using it close to mucus membranes or in the eyes, as it contains a small amount of alcohol. It is best to use on this product on unbroken skin. External use of Witch Hazel extract could result in minor skin irritation for some people. Do not use on serious burns, cuts, or other wounds. The FDA has approved Witch Hazel distillate as safe for external use in skin care products. Sources had reported no known side effects as of March of 2000. However, future studies may provide more information about the safety or side effects of Witch Hazel Notes
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

* Information adapted from "Mountain Rose Herbs" at http://www.mountainroseherbs.com"

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