Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest

Product Information

Hayes E, McCuiston LE, Kee J. Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences. Trüeb RM. North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Based Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out. Int J Trichology. 2014;6(3):100-103. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.139079 Boiling one teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel in one cup (240 ml) of water for about 10 minutes, then gargling with the mixture, may provide relief. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. Washington, DC: Cosmetic Ingredient Review.

If your skin reacts, you may be able to dilute the product 1:1 with water and try the patch test again. What Does Witch Hazel Do? Witch hazel shrinks the inflammation and helps heal sore gums and mouth sores. Swish witch hazel around the mouth after brushing and spit it out. Soothe a Sore Throat and Laryngitis

Follow This Blog

Varicose veins are dilated veins in the legs that can cause significant discomfort. Some people also find their appearance bothersome. Witch hazel reduces inflammation and itching and helps dry up the rash caused by poison ivy and poison oak. Apply witch hazel three times daily to the affected area with a cotton ball. Work from the outside of the rash inward, being careful not to spread the inflammation to new areas. Witch Hazel Benefits for My Sunburn Dawid–Pać, R. (2013, June 20). Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 30(3), 170–177

Typical preparations include alcohol, so read the label and make sure you are getting the type you want. You will usually find alcohol preparations labeled as witch hazel and non-alcohol preparations labeled as witch hazel water. What is the Best Witch Hazel? Some people recommend soaking cloths in witch hazel and applying these to the legs to gain relief from varicose veins. Little Witch Hazel feels like the kind of book every children’s author wishes that they could write, yet so few are capable of creating themselves. . . . In the end, it’s just one of the best books of the year.” —Betsy Bird, School Library Journal As a medicinal ingredient and topical agent, witch hazel water is considered an over-the-counter drug. It is used most often to treat and soothe skin irritations. Is Witch Hazel Safe? A more modern witch hazel product contains alcohol, available in most supermarkets. The alcohol acts as a preservative for the solution but is not necessary for the medicinal properties.

According to one study in 1,373 people, using a shampoo containing witch hazel extract was effective in reducing scalp irritation ( 11).

Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection that usually develops when ears are wet from swimming. The antibacterial activity of witch hazel naturally inhibits the growth of the infection and dries up excess oil and ear wax. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Tannic acid. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16129778. Witch hazel is an excellent tonic for scarred skin and tightly stretched skin. Pregnant and breastfeeding women use witch hazel wipes over the stretched belly and breasts to reduce stretch marks, even out the skin tone, and make scars less noticeable. Moisturize Dry, Itchy Skin I'm not entirely sure how a book like this will play to a modern child audience. As an adult, though, I found it charming, with decent writing and good messages. I enjoyed the little details in the illustrations (such as Little Witch Hazel's hairy legs) and found the limited colour palette refreshing.

Need Help?

Thring TSA, Hili P, Naughton DP. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. J Inflamm (Lond). 2011;8(1):27. doi:10.1186/1476-9255-8-27 While there is no research to support its use for this purpose, one small study found that a shampoo containing witch hazel was effective in reducing irritation and sensitivity of the scalp. A thread of loving and nurturing emerges through this treasury of quiet adventures . . . and readers will find satisfaction in seeing the way [Little Witch Hazel’s] sturdy care succors her community and results in gentle reciprocation.” —STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly According to some research, it may also have skin-soothing properties that might be beneficial for people with acne.