Witch hazel is very deserving of its name. It is so powerful and potent that it seems to work by magic. WebMD explains that though most of us know witch hazel as a clear liquid, it actually comes from a plant. The witch hazel plant was grown by Native Americans for centuries and can actually be grown in your home today, says The Telegraph. 

The clear liquid we know as witch hazel is a distilled extract from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It contains tannins known to reduce swelling, repair broken skin, and fight bacteria. It is perhaps most well known for its use as a facial toner intended to clear acne. But it can also be used for a range of other home remedies, from hemorrhoids to bug bites. 

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1. Clear acne. Witch hazel has long been used to dry up pimples and target acne. According to Wise Geek, witch hazel works so well because it is an astringent and a disinfectant. This means it shrinks pores and reduces the amount of bacteria on and in the skin. It also helps reduce swelling and redness. Try wiping your clean face with a witch hazel-soaked cotton pad in the morning and night. 

2. Shrink varicose veins. Also known as "spider veins," varicose veins appear when blood vessels dilate. Not only are their appearance unseemly, but they can also be quite painful. Livestrong says witch hazel can help shrink varicose veins because the solution works as a vasoconstrictor, which means it constricts the veins under the skin's surface. It also strengthens the veins themselves and works as an anti-inflammatory. To use this home remedy, apply cold compresses of witch hazel to varicose veins twice daily. 

3. Stop bleeding. Natural Living Ideas says witch hazel can stop the bleeding of minor cuts and scrapes. This is because witch hazel tightens skin and promotes healing. It has the additional benefit of acting as a disinfectant. 

4. Heal hemorrhoids. The swelling, itching, and burning of a hemorrhoid can be horrifying. According to Pioneer Thinking, dipping a cotton ball in witch hazel and applying it directly to the hemorrhoid for up to 3 minutes can provide relief. Apply witch hazel after each bowel movement until the hemorrhoid heals. 

5. Treat infected gums. If your gums are inflamed, it is imperative you treat them before the infection develops into periodontal disease. Make it a habit of rubbing your gums with witch hazel for 15 minutes every day, as recommended by AltMD.

6. Heal bug bites. Whether you've been bitten by a mosquito, gnat, flea, or spider, witch hazel can be effective in healing the bite and soothing the itch. Mercola recommends making a paste out of baking soda and witch hazel. The two ingredients together are especially effective in reducing swelling 

7. Treat dandruff. According to The Alternative Daily, rinsing your hair with witch hazel in between shampooing and conditioning can moisture your scalp and help heal damaged skin. 

8. Soothe sunburn. Witch hazel is known to reduce the swelling, itching, and peeling that occurs after a serious sunburn. The Alternative Daily recommends using a cotton cloth to directly apply witch hazel to sunburnt skin.  

Witch hazel is the clear choice for most skin ailments. So whether its acne, a sunburn, or a minor cut, don't hesitate to reach for the bottle of witch hazel. 

In what other ways do you use witch hazel? Tell us and SHARE this article on social media!

RESOURCES WISE GEEK, LIVESTRONG, NATURAL LIVING IDEAS, PIONEER THINKING, ALTMD, MERCOLA, WEBMD, AND THE ALTERNATIVE DAILY

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