Witch Hazel

About: Witch-hazels or witch hazels are a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, with three species in North America, and one each in Japan and China. The North American species are occasionally called winter bloom.

What It Contains: calcium oxalate, gallotannins, safrole

Advantage: It contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may be useful in treating a variety of conditions ranging from acne and scalp sensitivity to hemorrhoids.

Benefit: Witch-hazel is beneficial and used externally on hemorrhoids, minor bleeding, and skin irritation. It benefits for noninflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and good for acne treatment, as it can act as an astringent by drying out your acne blemishes, much like other OTC treatments.