Witch hazel stands unique among natural remedies. This natural anti-inflammatory astringent is both an FDA-approved non-prescription drug ingredient and was said to be used by witches to fight evil. It's more likely that the "witch" in witch hazel refers to the use of witch hazel as a dowsing rod to "witch" a well, or find water. Gardeners from Nova Scotia to Florida enjoy seeing delicate golden flowers blooming in the dead of winter. Witch hazel was an ingredient in the first mass-marketed toiletry that was made in America (first named Golden Treasure, later renamed to Pond's Extract).
Used on the skin, witch hazel removes excess oil and shrinks pores. It also reduces puffiness and discoloration around the eyes.
Applying witch hazel with a cotton ball will speed up healing, stop bleeding from minor cuts and fade blemishes.
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