Witch Hazel Bark

What is witch hazel bark? It comes from a plant. People use the leaves, bark, and twigs to make medicine. You might see something labeled "witch hazel water" (Hamamelis water, distilled witch hazel extract). The product is a liquid made from dried witch hazel leaves, bark, and twigs that are mostly dead. Taken orally, witch hazel treats cancer, tumors, mucous colitis, bloody vomiting, bloody coughing, tuberculosis, colds, fevers, and diarrhea. Some people put witch hazel directly on their skin to relieve itching, pain, and swelling (inflammation); eye inflammation; skin injury; inflammation of the mucous membranes; vaginal dryness after menopause; varicose veins; hemorrhoids; bruises; insect bites; minor burns; acne; sensitive scalp; and other skin irritations. Witch hazel leaf extract, bark extract, and witch hazel water are all used as skin-tightening astringents in manufacturing. They are also in some medicines that can slow or stop bleeding because they contain these chemicals. We use these medicines to treat bites, stings, teething, hemorrhoids, itching, irritations, and minor pain. How do I use witch hazel bark? Witch hazel typically serves as a degreaser. That means you…