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Witch Hazel Bark

Witch Hazel Bark

Regular price
$5.99
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$5.99

Hamamelis virginiana

Dried Bark, Wildharvested

1 oz. Pouch

Witch hazel bark, derived from the witch hazel shrub (Hamamelis virginiana), has a long history of traditional use, particularly among Native Americans, and is still used today in various skincare and health products. 

Witch hazel bark, along with the leaves and twigs, is used to extract the active compounds that give witch hazel its properties. The extract is often used in topical applications.

 Witch hazel is most commonly used for its astringent properties, meaning it can help tighten pores and reduce inflammation. It's often used for:

    • Reducing skin irritation and redness
    • Treating minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises
    • Soothing sunburn
    • Reducing razor burn
    • Managing acne (due to its potential to reduce oiliness)
    • Relieving itching from insect bites or poison ivy
    • A witch hazel bark sitz bath can be a soothing way to address certain discomforts in the perineal or anal area. It's often used for hemorrhoids, postpartum discomfort, or other minor irritations.

 

Witch hazel can be used in a poultice or as a bath tea to soothe certain skin irritations. Here's how you can prepare and use them:

Witch Hazel Poultice:

What you'll need:

  • Dried witch hazel leaves or bark 
  • Hot water
  • Clean cloth (muslin, cheesecloth, or a clean kitchen towel)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the witch hazel infusion: Place the dried witch hazel leaves or bark (or tea bag) in a bowl. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the herbs, enough to saturate them.
  2. Steep: Let the mixture steep for about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Apply to the cloth: Soak the cloth in the warm witch hazel infusion. Squeeze out excess liquid, but keep it moist.
  4. Apply to affected area: Place the moist cloth on the affected area of skin.
  5. Leave in place: Leave the poultice in place for 15-20 minutes. You can re-soak and reapply the cloth as needed to keep it warm and moist.

Witch Hazel Bath Tea:

A bath tea is a way to infuse the benefits of herbs into your bathwater.

What you'll need:

  • Dried witch hazel leaves or bark (or several witch hazel tea bags)
  • Hot water
  • A muslin bag, cheesecloth, or a clean sock

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the witch hazel infusion: Place the dried witch hazel leaves or bark (or tea bags) in a large bowl. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over the herbs.
  2. Steep: Let the mixture steep for about 20-30 minutes.
  3. Fill the bag: Pour the steeped mixture (including the herbs) into your muslin bag, cheesecloth, or sock and tie it securely.
  4. Add to bath: Fill your bathtub with warm water. Place the bag containing the witch hazel infusion into the bathwater.
  5. Soak: Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes, squeezing the bag occasionally to release more of the witch hazel extract into the water.
The information presented here is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have any medical conditions or prescribed medication.