Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel, skin toner & remedy

Medicinal uses:

Witch Hazel or Winterbloom is an American shrub/small tree. Its medicinal properties were learned from Native Americans. Due to its benefits it is also grown and used in Europe.

"The tincture of witch hazel has multifarious medicinal uses and is beneficial when used externally to heal inflammation of the skin, sunburn, insect bites and stings, bruises, scratches, poison ivy/oak, diaper rash, eczema...

... For ages, witch hazel has been a popular remedy for all kinds of blisters and burns, swellings and inflammation of the skin as well as stopping bleeding. Owing to high levels of tannins present in witch hazel tree, the herb has astringent properties which make the plant an excellent medication for stopping all kinds of external and internal bleedings."

Thayer's also makes a witch hazel after shave product, though it contains alcohol.

My grandmother used to always have a bottle of witch hazel and a bottle of calamine lotion on hand. My grandfather used to use it as aftershave lotion (I just learned from an Aunt whom I sent a bottle).

There are many other medicinal uses mentioned for the plant here:
Good info on witch hazel

Updated On: 4/25/11 at 08:01 PM