Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant and the oil comes from pressing the ripe seeds. Castor oil has been used for centuries for its array of health and beauty benefits. It is simple to use and gentle on the skin, making it ideal for many different ailments. Just make sure to do a small patch test before use to ensure that you are not allergic or sensitive to this oil. Most people can use it without any problems, but the patch test ensures you do not experience problems due to things like an allergic reaction.

1. Better Skin

Castor oil is very moisturizing and it helps to protect the skin, making it a great remedy for many skin issues, such as dry skin, sunburn, stretch marks and acne. It may also help with things like athlete’s foot and even stretch marks. However, to get the full benefit of this oil, you must use it properly or you may not get the results that you need. Start by taking a clean cotton ball and dipping it in the oil until it is about half saturated. Take this and apply it directly to the area of the skin you are trying to treat and keep it on this area for one hour. You can use medical tape or a bandaid to keep the cotton ball in place. After an hour, remove the cotton ball and cleanse the area of the excess oil. You can do this twice a day, once during your morning routine and once during your night routine, to achieve optimal results.

2. Help Treat Ringworm

Ringworm is a relatively common skin issue and castor oil can help to complement medical treatment. This oil contains undecylenic acid which helps to complement ringworm therapies. You will mix four teaspoons of coconut oil with two teaspoons of castor oil and mix these well. Take a piece of sterile gauze and apply this to the area that has ringworm and secure it with medical tape or a bandaid. Leave this on overnight and then wash it thoroughly in the morning. Repeat this process until you no longer have ringworm.

3. Banish Wrinkles and Fine Lines

This oil deeply penetrates the skin and it may help to stimulate elastin and collagen production. It is also an effective skin moisturizer. These actions come together to help keep skin flexible and plump so that fine lines and wrinkles are not able to set it. You can treat the entire face, including the eye area, but use great care to not get any of this oil into your eyes.

4. Treat Acne

The penetrative ability of this oil is also ideal for acne. This oil has ricinoleic acid and this acid is effective in combating the bacteria that causes acne. It will help to clear up acne without drying out your skin like many commercial acne products do. Use warm water and thoroughly wash your face before going to bed. Take a small amount of this oil and completely massage it into your clean skin, allow it to dry and then go to bed. Simply wash your face in the morning and go about your usual skincare routine.

5. Skin Moisturizer

This oil is a quick and effective moisturizer because it penetrates the skin well and is full of fatty acids. It helps to restore hydration to your skin and it eliminates dry patches. You can apply it anywhere you need to hydrate your skin, allow it to soak in overnight and when you awake in the morning your skin will be smooth and silky. When you apply it to your body, wear cotton pajamas and socks to keep the oil in place so that it is able to deeply moisturize all night long.

6. Reduce Scars

Scars can make you self-conscious and it is not easy to fade them, but this oil can be helpful. You must apply this oil directly to the scar regularly and be patient because it takes time to fade scars, especially those that are very dark or raised. The fatty acids penetrate the tissue well and help to heal scars from the inside out.

7. Fade Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are something most women will experience at some point in life, such as due to weight gain or pregnancy, and they are hard to get rid of. You can apply castor oil regularly to your stretch marks to help fade them over time. It can take months for visible results, so stick with the regimen and be patient.

8. Battle Bacteria

This oil has antimicrobial properties to fight off bacteria and germs. You can apply it to minor wounds to prevent infection by disinfecting it. Just make sure to first cleanse the minor scratch or cut with soap and water, dry it thoroughly and then apply this oil to disinfect the area and alleviate some pain and itching.

9. Grow Longer Hair

For hair to grow, it needs to be strong and healthy, and your scalp has to be healthy too. Castor oil works well to improve the health of your hair from root to tip. For the scalp, it increases the circulation of blood to the follicles to promote hair growth and health. The omega-6 fatty acids penetrate each strand and strengthen them from the inside out. Apply this oil to your hair, wrap it in a towel, go to sleep and then wash it out in the morning for a moisture and nutrient-intense hair treatment. You can do this two to three times per week to promote hair growth and to improve the health of your hair and scalp.

10. Get Thicker Eyebrows

Some people over-pluck their eyebrows or they just naturally have eyebrows that are thin and hard to see. This oil may help to thicken your brows so that you have more to work with. Simply apply castor oil to your eyebrows before bed and wash this away in the morning. To wash it off, a mild cleanser and warm water gets it off easily. This can take a little time to get results and you must make sure to do it every night and stick with the regimen.

11. Treat Scalp Infections

Scalp infections can cause a variety of issues, such as hair fall and itching. This oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties which allow this oil to tackle just about any minor scalp infection. You will want to apply this oil to your scalp regularly for best results and it can be done each night until the scalp infection is completely gone. Massage it in at night, cover your head with a towel or shower cap, go to bed and when you wake up in the morning, wash and condition your hair to reap the rewards.

12. Make Your Hair Darker

If you want darker hair, castor oil may be just what you need. It has humectant properties that help to increase the color of your hair when you use it as a leave-in conditioner. This is not a permanent darkening and once you wash your hair, your hair goes back to its normal color.

13. Alleviate Constipation

Constipation is a very uncomfortable and very common problem. Castor oil works as a highly effective laxative to alleviate constipation. You want to use pure castor oil that is cold pressed and you can use it once a day. Only use one teaspoon and never use this oil longer than three days. It is best to consult with a physician before using this remedy to ensure optimal safety and proper use. Overusing this remedy for constipation can cause significant health issues, so always follow the dosage instructions exactly.

14. Relieve Joint Pain and Arthritis

Painful joints make it hard to get through your daily activities, but this oil may help you to find some relief. It makes it easier to massage your joints so that you can work out the stiffness and pain. Apply the oil to the painful joint and gently massage the area for about 10 minutes. Take a cotton cloth and soak it in this oil, wring out the excess oil and put the cloth on the painful joint. Put a dry cloth on top of this, put a heating pad on top of the dry cloth and allow this to sit for 20 minutes to loosen up stiffness and alleviate pain.

15. Encourage Lymphatic Drainage

Sometimes, lymph nodes can get backed up, but this oil can help to keep lymph moving along as it should. Take a piece of large cloth, soak it in this oil, place this on your abdomen, lie back and get comfortable for an hour. Once the hour is up, remove the cloth and wash the excess oil off of the abdomen.

Before using castor oil, make sure to talk to your doctor first. This oil is natural and generally safe, but before you use any natural products, you want to make sure that they will not interfere with any current health conditions or medications. This oil has a variety of health benefits that you can take full advantage of once you know that it will be fully beneficial to you and the ailments that you are experiencing.

Pineapples are a tropical fruit that present with a wide array of health and beauty benefits. This sweet fruit is easy to find and the fresher it is, the better. You can easily incorporate pineapples into your daily diet or even apply them topically to reap the benefits of this bright yellow fruit.

1. Preventing Free Radical Damage

Pineapples are full of important antioxidants and these work to prevent cell damage within the body by fighting against free radicals. When you are getting enough antioxidants in your diet, you are working toward preventing several chronic diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, various cancers, atherosclerosis and arthritis.

2. Keep Colds at Bay

A cold can put you on the sidelines for a week or more, making it really difficult to complete your daily activities. This fruit is rich in vitamin C, a vitamin that plays a crucial role in keeping your immune strong, healthy and ready to fight against the virus that causes a cold. If you already have a cold, eating some pineapple each day may help to shorten the duration and alleviate your symptoms.

3. Keep Your Bones Strong

Pineapples contain the nutrient manganese and this plays an important part in strengthening the connective tissues and bones throughout your body. You can easily get about 73 percent of the manganese you need each day by drinking a single cup of 100 percent pineapple juice. Add this to your breakfast and you will never forget to get enough manganese each day.

4. Improve Gum Health

When your gums are not healthy, you are at risk for a wide array of potentially serious health issues, such as tooth loss, periodontitis and even heart disease. When you eat fresh pineapples, you are working to make your gums stronger when translates into healthier, stronger teeth as well.

5. Ward Off Macular Degeneration

This is a condition that affects the eyes and it ultimately leads to vision loss if it is not kept under control. Pineapples contain a high dose of beta-carotene, a nutrient that plays a major role in keeping your eyes healthy and resistant to this disease. Eat some fresh pineapple each day and enjoy better vision and healthier eyes.

6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation in the body affects everything from your joints to your heart so you want to eat foods that reduce inflammation. Pineapples contain powerful compounds that fight off inflammation similar to how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combat inflammation. Just a small serving of pineapple each day can help to ease joint pain and other ailments associated with inflammation.

7. Cures Swelling and Irritation

Many illnesses that affect the human body as associated with swelling and irritation, such as sinusitis, gout, sore throat and other issues. When you eat pineapple, you are consuming a compound called bromelain and this contributes to these positive effects.

8. Anti-Cancer Abilities

Pineapples will not cure cancer, but the nutrients in pineapples may work well as part of a complete cancer prevention regimen. The nutrients in this fruit work to combat free radicals and they help your body get what it needs for optimal health. Keeping cell damage to a minimum and being overall healthy may work to prevent cancer.

9. Preventing Atherosclerosis

This condition makes it difficult for blood to pump through the blood vessels because they get stiff and thick. Preventing this condition can help to reduce your risk of many serious health issues, such as stroke and heart attack. The antioxidants in pineapples work to fight the free radical damage that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

10. Better Heart Health

Keeping your heart healthy should be a primary goal because a healthy heart is a major component of a long and healthy life. Adding pineapples to your heart healthy diet help to prevent heart disease and reduce your cholesterol. This fruit also combats free radicals, another action that is important for optimal heart health.

11. Boosting Immunity

When your immune system is strong and getting everything that it needs to combat foreign invaders, your risk of getting sick is decreased. Those with a strong immune system are less likely to get frequent colds and other illnesses. If you do come down with an ailment, a healthy immune system works to ensure that you recover more quickly and that the symptoms are not as severe. Start eating more pineapple now to build more immunity.

12. Improving Digestion

The digestive process is incredibly complex and it relies on strict mechanisms to work effectively. Fiber essentially helps to keep things moving in the digestive system to prevent issues like constipation and this fruit is packed with fiber. The vitamin C and bromelain present in this tropical fruit also play and important role in keeping your digestive system efficient and in good working order.

13. Younger Looking Skin

Looking youthful is a goal that everyone has and pineapples can help you to achieve this goal. This fruit helps to keep the skin flexible and firm because it increases collagen synthesis. It contains vitamin C and amino acids and these are all skin-friendly nutrients. You can apply fresh pineapple directly to your face to reap the benefits.

14. Battling Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a very uncomfortable condition that generally results in a forceful and frequent cough. This disrupts sleep and makes it harder to conquer your daily responsibilities. The anti-inflammatory properties that pineapples have help to calm the inflammation in your airways, which is what causes this condition. When inflammation is alleviated, the swelling decreases and you will find it easier to breathe. This also works to decrease your cough and other symptoms that come with swollen and inflamed airways. Some people say that a pineapple can complement an inhaler, but never stop using an inhaler for pineapples. Use both to fight inflammation in more ways than one.

15. Combating Catarrh

This is a condition that is characterized by the mucous membranes in the body becoming inflamed. This can lead to a host of problems, depending on which mucous membranes are affected. Pineapple helps to calm this inflammation to work toward alleviating this condition.

16. Prevent High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions throughout the world and your diet plays a major role in whether or not your blood pressure is high. The many nutrients in this fruit, especially the potassium, help to keep your blood pressure stable and regulated.

17. Intestinal Worm Treatment

Pineapples, when combined with conventional medicine, may be beneficial in expelling intestinal worms from your body. Things like tapeworms do not like the bromelain in pineapples so getting plenty of this digestive enzyme essentially chases them away.

18. Alleviating Nausea

Nausea is something that all people experience from time to time, but you do not have to simply deal with it. You can drink some 100 percent pineapple juice to alleviate nausea associated with a wide array of health complaints, such as morning sickness and motion sickness. Simply sip on the juice and relax to decrease nausea.

19. Reduce Acne

Acne is a skin problem that can alter your self-esteem and it may even leave scars if left untreated. This fruit contains high amounts of anti-inflammatory substances and vitamin C, both of which fight the causes of acne. The vitamin C helps to improve your body’s ability to heal while the anti-inflammatory substances help to prevent new breakouts and a worsening of current ones.

20. Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and ensures that your skin is bright and glowing. Pineapples wedges will naturally exfoliate the skin so that your complexion and tone always look their best.

21. Eliminate Cracks on Your Feet

When your feet start cracking due to excessive dryness, pineapple can help to soothe this and restore health to the skin on your feet. Pineapple works to naturally exfoliate the skin, revealing smooth, radiant feet.

22. Healthier Nails

If you want your nails to grow and be strong, pineapples can help because they contain nail-healthy nutrients. Simply apply a fresh paste of pineapple, allow this to sit on your nails for 10 minutes, wash it away and thoroughly moisturize your nails.

23. Hydrating the Skin

Dull skin never looks good so you always want to ensure it has adequate hydration. Take one egg yolk, three tablespoons of fresh pineapple and a bit of milk and mix these together to create a hydrating face mask.

24. Stop Chapped Lips

When your lips are chapped, this can be painful and they can even bleed. Pineapple provides relief, hydrates the lips and it helps to exfoliate the dead skin. Combine with olive oil for even more hydration and for protective benefits.

25. Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss is something that millions of people battle, but the vitamin C content in this fruit helps to fight against hair loss. Simply eat some pineapple each day to strengthen your hair follicles from the inside out.

You can add pineapples to yogurt and even salads to get at least a cup into your daily diet. This will help you to get the internal health benefits from this fruit without any hassle. When you apply it topically, make sure to do a patch test behind your ear first just to make sure that you do not have any skin reactions.

Chamomile tea is derived from the chamomile flower and it is often touted for its health benefits. The chamomile flower looks similar to a daisy, it has a strong aroma and it is native to Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. The tea has a fruity flavor and it is golden in color. Many people praise this tea for its wide array of health and beauty benefits. Just make sure you are using a quality brand and that the tea is properly steeped for the optimal benefits.

1. Antioxidant Properties

The antioxidant properties of chamomile are ideal for preventing the effects of aging and keeping the whole body young. Antioxidants fight against free radicals to promote youth and overall health.

2. Healing Properties

This tea has natural healing abilities to encourage faster healing for minor wounds. It also helps to prevent infection by disinfecting the wound, similar to how antibacterial gels work.

3. Soothes the Skin

Minor sunburns and skin irritation are soothed with a little chamomile tea. Simply make a cup of tea, allow it to cool completely and use compresses to apply it to the irritated area.

4. Fights Acne

Acne is a big problem that can greatly alter your self-esteem, so you want to do everything possible to stop it. The antioxidants in this tea help to fight acne and prevent new breakouts from occurring. It may also be beneficial in treating acne scars.

5. Reduce Under Eye Bags

Bags under your eyes make you look tired and it also ages you. Take two teabags of chamomile tea, steep them and then allow them to cool completely. Once they are cool, place them on your eyes for about 15 minutes to reduce under eye bags.

6. Skin Scrub

You can smooth the skin all over your body with chamomile tea because it works as an effective scrub. Simply mix the tea with some powdered milk and gently scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells and reveal glowing skin.

7. Moisturizes from the Inside Out

Drinking just a cup of chamomile tea each day helps you to maintain hydrated skin. You can drink it iced or warm, and add things like honey for a few extra health benefits.

8. Brighten Blonde Hair

Blonde hair can quickly get dull, but a little chamomile tea can restore the shine and brighten your golden locks. Simply make enough chamomile tea to saturate your hair and use it as a rinse.

9. Lighten Your Hair

If you want to slightly lighten your hair without powerful chemicals, mix up a cup of chamomile tea and apply it to your hair. Since it is natural and safe, you can use it as often as necessary to achieve the shade you want.

10. Dandruff Control

Dandruff is annoying and it can be hard to get rid of. As soon as you start to notice dandruff, use chamomile tea to rinse your hair each day to eliminate the flakes and soothe your scalp. Continue using this rinse once or twice a week to maintain the results.

11. Relaxes the Muscles

If you experience cramps during your time of the month, chamomile tea can help to relax the uterine muscles and alleviate your cramps. It reduces muscle spasms by increasing the glycine in the body. It also helps to alleviate stomach upset which works to alleviate stomach cramps at that time of the month too.

12. Stomach Ulcer Pain

Stomach ulcers can be very painful and uncomfortable and chamomile tea can help to soothe the pain and discomfort. One or two cups a day is generally helpful, but talk to your doctor first to ensure safety, especially if you have had surgery for stomach ulcers.

13. Antibacterial Properties

Increasing your immune system is a great way to avoid getting sick and to recover quicker if you do fall victim to an ailment. Start drinking a cup a day to take advantage of the immune-boosting properties. If you are already sick, add a little lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat and cough.

14. Blood Sugar Balance

This tea helps in keeping blood sugar levels balanced so that your glucose levels are not quickly increasing or decreasing. This is beneficial for those with diabetes, just be sure not to add sugar to the tea, but sweeten it with a little bit of organic honey instead.

15. Alleviate Black Eyes

Chamomile is very soothing and you can create ice cubes with chamomile tea to alleviate the swelling and bruising, as well as soothe the area. Just make sure to wrap the ice cubes in a washcloth first and never put ice directly on the skin.

16. Hemorrhoid Treatment

Hemorrhoids are painful and they make it nearly impossible to get comfortable. Make a cup of chamomile tea, let it cool completely, soak a piece of sterile gauze in the tea and then apply this to the external hemorrhoid for cooling relief.

17. Alleviate Digestive Complaints

Things like irritable bowel syndrome and heartburn can cause a variety of problems and make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods. A cup of chamomile tea per day can help to alleviate the symptoms of these ailments, as well as reduce gas formation.

18. Rashes

Rashes need to be soothed and chamomile tea works perfectly for mild rashes. Just make sure you know the cause before self-treating a rash because some rashes indicate very serious medical conditions.

19. Better Sleep

One of the most popular uses for chamomile tea is to help ease you into a restful sleep. This tea has sedating properties that help to relax your mind and body so that you can fall asleep.

20. Migraine Relief

Chamomile tea does not do much to soothe a migraine in progress, but it may be helpful in preventing them if you drink the tea regularly. A cup a day can help to keep migraines at bay.

It is easiest to use pre-dosed teabags because then you do not have to worry about measuring out the right amount of chamomile. If you choose to use loose leaves, consult with a tea expert to ensure the proper amount and to make sure you steep it properly.

Water weight results from the body retaining water and many things can cause this. Water makes up about 70 percent of body mass and it accounts for the majority of the organs, muscles and blood. There are times where fluids build up in the body and lead to water weight. When you have excess water weight, it adds inches to your abdomen and other areas of your body so your clothes do not fit comfortably. To lose the water weight, you have to get the excess water out of the body and there are several ways you can do this quickly and naturally.

These remedies work to alleviate water weight associated with many common causes, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), physically inactivity, pregnancy, excessive salt intake, certain medications and poor diet. If you frequently experience water weight problems, talk to your doctor to determine the cause.

1. Reduce Your Salt Intake

Excessive salt intake can cause your body to hold onto extra water and the only way to reverse this is the move the extra salt out of the body and work to stop adding so much salt in the first place. Consider using a different spice to add flavor to your food, such as pepper, so that you do not end up with too much water in the body. Be mindful of the foods that contain salt too, such as fast foods and processed foods. You would be surprised how many foods contain salt so you must read all nutrition labels and count how many milligrams per day you are getting. Your doctor can help you to determine how much salt you need because the body does require some for optimal function.

2. Eat a Banana a Day

Bananas help to prevent fluids from building up so that you do not experience excess water weight. The water-fighting abilities of bananas are thanks to this fruit having a high amount of potassium. This mineral has many different duties in the body, one of which is helping to move excess fluids out of the body. You only need to eat one banana a day to reap the benefits and you can choose to eat bananas plain or add them to other foods you are eating, such as oatmeal, smoothies and yogurt. If you are not a fan of bananas, but you still want to take advantage of the benefits of potassium, you can opt to eat a serving of raisins instead. You can eat them plain or add them to things like oatmeal, cereal and yogurt.

3. Ice Packs

If your feet and ankles are swollen, ice packs work wonders to reduce the swelling and return them to their normal size. If you do not have any ice packs at home, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or make your own ice pack by taking a plastic storage bag or plastic grocery bag, adding 10 to 15 cubes of ice, sealing it, and then resting it on the swollen area. Make sure to always place a washcloth between your skin and the ice to prevent ice burn. If you have diabetes or another condition that causes issues with circulation, do not use ice unless your doctor says it is okay to do so.

4. Eat Some Yogurt

Abdominal bloating may be associated with the natural bacteria in your gut being eliminated and replacing these can help to reduce the water weight in the area. Yogurt is a rich source of natural bacteria that your body needs to work efficiently. Yogurt also works well if you eat a little too much and end up with uncomfortable bloating. You only need to eat about a cup of plain yogurt and you can add other foods to your yogurt that help to move water out of the body, such as bananas, raisins, cherries and other diuretic foods.

5. Drink More Water

Believe it or not, one of the best remedies for water weight is actually drinking more water. To flush out the water that has accumulated in your body, you need to add more water so that it encourages urination. When you urinate, you are ridding the body of wastes and excess fluid that you do not need. On average, you should be drinking eight to 10 eight ounce glasses of water every day. One of the best ways to ensure adequate water intake is to carry a quality water bottle around with you throughout the day so that you can take sips frequently. If you consume a lot of caffeine or if you are very physically active, you may need more water. The same is true for those with certain medical conditions and those taking certain medications because in some cases, health issues and medications use a lot of water, resulting in you needing to drink more. Your doctor can evaluate your health and help you to determine exactly how much water you need each day for optimal hydration.

6. Eat Plenty of Natural Diuretics

There are several foods that work to flush out excess water so you do not have to deal with water weight. Add these to your daily diet to keep water moving so that it is unable to accumulate. Common natural diuretic foods include the following:

• Lemons
• Celery
• Oats
• Ginger
• Brussels sprouts
• Apple cider vinegar
• Beets
• Cranberry juice
• Cabbage
• Eggplant
• Parsley
• Cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Carrots
• Artichokes
• Garlic
• Asparagus

7. Start Moving

Exercise helps to get water in the body moving so that you can get rid of water retention. You also sweat when you exercise and this helps to eliminate some of the excess water and excess salt from the body. You want to focus on cardiovascular exercise when you are working to get rid of excess water, but a balanced workout plan is best to stop it from happening in the future. Combine a mixture of cardiovascular exercise, flexibility training and strength training to improve your overall health and work to prevent further issues with water retention problems. Ideally, you want to get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day, or at least most days of the weeks.

8. Get More B Vitamins and Iron

Not only do iron and B vitamins ensure your body functions properly, but they play a role in flushing excess water out of the body. Your doctor can recommend the proper dosage for you for both of these nutrients. It is best to get these nutrients from your diet, but if you have any known deficiencies, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement so you can be sure that you are getting enough.

9. Increase Your Intake of Magnesium and Calcium

Calcium and magnesium help to prevent water retention, especially when it is associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). On average, it is recommended that you get about 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day and 200 to 400 milligrams of magnesium. However, it is best to talk to your doctor first and he or she can help you to determine the right amount of for you. It is important to not get too much of these minerals because too much or too little can cause serious health problems.

10. Prop up Your Legs

If your legs, feet and ankles are swollen, prop them up above the level of the heart to encourage the excess fluid to drain from them. Lower extremity swelling is common after you spend a prolonged amount of time on your feet and walking around. When you get home, take your shoes off, put a couple pillows under your knees and lie back. This helps to drain that excess fluid and return your legs, feet and ankles to their normal size. You can also add some ice to further encourage a reduction in swelling. You can also ask someone to gently massage your legs from the knee down to move the water out. Just make sure that they are using upward strokes to push the fluid up and out of your legs.

You can combine several of these remedies to eliminate water weight. If your water retention is associated with a more serious cause, such as kidney disease or heart disease, you need to consult a doctor. You can usually use these remedies in addition to medical treatment, but you must get permission from your doctor. For the common causes of water retention, these remedies work well for almost all people and they usually work quickly so you can fit into your jeans without issue.

Witch hazel is a type of plant that is used to create witch hazel extract, a liquid with antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a variety of natural components that are known for promoting health, including gallic acid, oils, flavonoids, tannins and resin. This unique combination of components and properties makes witch hazel a very unique product that can benefit many different health conditions.

1. Facial Cleanser

Every day, your skin is assaulted with pollutants, dirt and grime so it is important to wash all of this away before you head to bed at night. In the morning, you want to cleanse your skin to wash away any excess oils or sweat that accumulate at night. Start by removing your makeup and then use witch hazel to get rid of any trace amounts of makeup or dirt that are left on your skin. If you do not wear makeup and your skin is not excessively oily, you can often use witch hazel only to cleanse your face each day.

2. Acne Treatment

Acne can be hard to treat and keep under control, but the antioxidant and astringent properties of witch hazel may be just what you need. It works to cleanse the skin, minimize your pores and prevent the accumulation of bacteria. However, it is not nearly as drying as other acne products, so it will not leave you with flaking skin. You can also spot treat by apply witch hazel directly to blemishes. Use this product two times each day, once in the morning and once at night, to eliminate your acne. Once the acne is gone, continue to use this product once at night to prevent future breakouts from occurring.

3. Treating Scars and Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are something many people have to contend with, especially women, and they are notoriously difficult to get rid of. However, the loose skin associated with these marks can be tightened with witch hazel because it is an astringent. The colors of the marks are also reduced when you apply witch hazel. Apply this product to the affected area twice per day by soaking a gauze pad and allowing it to sit on the area for about five minutes so that it can soak into the skin.

4. Soothing an Irritating Diaper Rash

Diaper rash makes your baby miserable, but he or she does not have to be. A little witch hazel with something like petroleum jelly will soothe the rash and help to protect the skin from further irritation. The improvement is usually immediate because the irritation is immediately calmed by this combination of products. There are also diaper rash products available that already contain witch hazel if you do not want to do the mixing yourself.

5. Reducing Under Eye Bags

Under eye bags make you look exhausted and older than you truly are. Take two cotton pads and soak them in witch hazel, making sure to wring out the excess. Place the damp pads over your eyes, with your eyes shut, and lie back for 10 minutes while the witch hazel goes to work. Remove the pads and gently clean away any excess so that it does not get into your eyes. Your puffiness and any redness will be reduced.

6. Soothing the Blisters Associated with Chicken Pox

The blisters associated with chicken box are severely itching and so many things will not calm the itch. Take one cup of water and mix this with one cup of witch hazel to make a natural anti-itch remedy. You can apply this as many times per day as necessary to calm the itching. Apply it liberally to the affected area and simply allow it to dry. There is no need to rinse it away afterward.

7. Faster Healing of Bruises

Witch hazel can help you to heal your bruises faster due to its anti-inflammatory benefits. You should apply this product three times per day to the bruised area. Apply a liberal amount to a piece of gauze and place this in the bruise for about five minutes so it has time to absorb into the skin.

8. Cleaning and Healing Scrapes and Cuts

When you get scrapes and cuts, it is important to clean them out to prevent infection. Witch hazel is a viable substitute for rubbing alcohol and peroxide because it is able to kill germs and clean the wound. Only use this on minor cuts and scrapes, apply it liberally and allow it to dry on its own for optimal cleansing.

9. Soothing Razor Burn

Razor burn happens no matter how careful you are when you shave. This burn results in bumps that itch and burn due to the hair follicles getting inflamed and irritated. After shaving, splash a little witch hazel on the area to soothe the skin and prevent the inflammation from occurring.

10. Treating Sunburn

Sunburns actually damage your skin and cause intense inflammation in the burned area. This causes pain and significant discomfort. As the sunburn starts to heal, you are likely to experience itchiness and the skin flaking and peeling. Witch hazel is beneficial for all stages of a sunburn due to its properties. It can also help to prevent infection due to its anti-bacterial effects. Just make sure to only use this product on minor sunburns and never severe ones. If you have a severe sunburn, consult your physician. To use the witch hazel, soak a clean cloth in this product and then allow the cloth to sit on your skin for about 10 minutes.

11. Decrease the Visibility of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are unsightly and some of them can be very big and stand out. You want to reduce the appearance as much as possible until you are able to get a doctor to help you. Take a thin cloth, such as a piece of gauze and soak this in witch hazel. Apply this directly to the vein and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. This helps to reduce some of the puffiness so the vein does not stand out as much. This is ideal before you head out to work or an event where you will be wearing clothes that expose your legs. You can do this once a day to work toward reducing the puffiness and appearance of varicose veins long-term.

12. Cure a Sore Throat

Everyone gets a sore throat from time to time and this can really put a damper on your day. The various properties in this product helps to cure a sore throat when you use it to make a gargle rinse. Make sure to never swallow it and always completely rinse your mouth out after use. Witch hazel has been used since ancient times to decrease the burning and irritation of a sore throat.

13. Moisturize Your Skin

Witch hazel itself is not a moisturizer, but it does not strip away the natural oils on your skin like other astringents do. When you apply witch hazel right after a shower, you help to seal in moisture to prevent dryness and tightness. For a double dose of moisture, after exiting the shower, apply your favorite moisturizer, allow it to dry and then apply a thin coat of witch hazel to seal it into place. This is ideal for those with dry skin and during the cold weather.

14. Decrease and Soothe External Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are very irritating and they can also be quite painful and produce a burning sensation. The itching and associated discomfort can be soothed by making your own natural hemorrhoid cream with petroleum jelly or aloe and witch hazel. This can be applied several times per day and if you use the aloe and witch hazel combination, you will cool the burning and alleviate the itching at the same time.

15. Shrink and Refine Your Pores

No one wants visible pores, especially on their face, but this is a common beauty problem. Its astringent properties work to shrink your pores with regular use. Over time, your pores become smaller and less visible, creating a much smoother look for your skin.

When you are using witch hazel, just make sure no to overuse the product. When used as part of your beauty or skincare routine, two to three times a day is plenty for oily skin and those with dry skin should limit use to about once per day. Proper use ensures that you reap the full benefits of witch hazel.

Everyone experiences the occasional blemish at some point in life, but those with hormonal acne tend to have it on a frequent basis. This type of acne does not go away after you exit your teen years, and in some cases, it may become worse with age, especially during times when there are fluctuations in hormone levels.  Hormonal acne is often very difficult to treat because the causes differ from other types of acne. In this case, acne is just the symptom of a larger problem and not a single issue in and of itself.  You must target the hormonal cause to free yourself from this type of acne because many of the usual treatments will not clear your skin.

Looking at the Causes or Hormonal Acne and Why Acne Results

Overactive oil glands produce excessive amounts of sebum which can college on the skin. When this occurs, the pores and hair follicles get blocked and result in a plug. Dead skin cells get trapped when sebum creates a plug and this prevents proper drainage. Sebum is food for bacteria on the skin and when they start to feed, a pimple results due to an infection.

Now, what causes the excess sebum are hormones known as androgen. When you have excessive amounts of androgen, specifically women, you experience a wide array of symptoms once of which is too much oil on your face. Since the cause of excess sebum is internal, external treatments, such as oil-absorbing masks and salicylic acid, will not alleviate the excess oil. The cause of the overproduction of androgens has to be identified and properly treated. Once your body is producing the right amount of androgens, and not excessive amounts, you will notice that your skin is no longer producing excessive sebum.

Other hormonal imbalances may also lead to excessive sebum production. If any single hormone in the body is out of balance, it can cause a wide array of signs and symptoms. The following are possible causes of a hormonal imbalance that may lead to excessive sebum causing acne:

• Emotional stress
• Synthetic environmental hormones, such as the xenoestrogens present in plastic
• Contraceptive pills (these may also be used to balance hormones)
• Physical stress
• Hormones in animal-based products and foods
• Poor nutrition and bad diet
• Genetic predisposition

There are several hormonal imbalances that tend to cause acne as a symptom. All of these are associated with the imbalance of different hormones.  These imbalances include:

• Adrenal fatigue and adrenal stress with elevated levels of cortisol
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Estrogen dominance (low progesterone)
• Insulin resistance

The primary group of hormones that are responsible for the production of sebum include androgens. These are male hormones, such as testosterone, more specifically, DHT. Hormones do not work alone, but they work together as a team and the performance of one impacts the performance of another. Because of this, while excessive androgens, specifically in women, can lead to excessive sebum production and acne, why someone has elevated levels of androgen differs. For example, you may simply have a strict androgen imbalance, but someone else could have increased levels of the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. This enzyme works to control testosterone in the body (even women have small amounts in their bodies) and if it causes higher than normal levels of testosterone, this can lead to acne due to excessive production of sebum.

Methods for Treating Hormonal Acne and the Hormone Imbalance Causing It

Medical treatment is usually necessary to get your hormone levels under control and keep them balanced and maintained. However, there are a few things you can start doing now to reign in your hormones and improve your overall health. These methods include:

• Reducing your stress: This is certainly easier said than done, but it is not impossible. When you are experiencing significant stress for a prolonged period of time, your adrenal gland makes excessive amounts of cortisol and this hormone can increase androgen levels in the body and result in hormonal acne.
• Eat a balanced diet: Cut out the junk food and make the majority of your diet fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. You want to eat a diet that is low on the glycemic index.
• Get essential fatty acids: These nutrients may be beneficial in balancing your hormones and reducing the levels of androgen in the body. Some research concludes that not getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet may increase your risk of acne.

There are some supplements, herbs, nutrients and foods that may be helpful for acne. Consuming these provide you with a wide array of nutrients that your body requires for optimal health and functioning.  These supplements and nutrients include:

• Flaxseed oil
• GLA that comes from evening primrose oil
• Grape seed oil
• Omega-3 fish oil
• Sunflower seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Olives
• Seeds
• Avocados
• Nuts
• Coconut oil

The nutrients that may help with hormonal acne include:

• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Vitamin A
• B vitamins, specifically vitamin B6
• Magnesium

The herbs that may help to treat hormonal acne include:

• Licorice
• Schisandra
• Rhodiola
• Ashwagandha
• Chasteberry
• Holy basil
• Maca
• Milk thistle
• Burdock

There are some herbs and nutrients that may help to reduce natural androgen levels. These are considered to be natural anti-androgens and they include:

• Green tea extract
• Nettle
• Pumpkin seed oil
• Soy isoflavones
• Alzelaic acid
• Saw palmetto
• Spearmint tea
• Emu oil
• Beta sitosterols

The correct dosage is highly individualized to the patient. Talk to your doctor before adding any of the supplements to your diet and ask your doctor to help you in determining the best dose for you. Remember that while herbs and supplements may be natural, natural does not automatically equal safe so you must speak to your doctor before using them.

To determine the proper medical treatment for hormonal acne, your doctor will perform some blood work to assess your hormone levels. Your doctor must identify the offending hormone to ensure proper and successful treatment. Your doctor will also want to know about your personal and family history, the symptoms you are experiencing and he or she will perform a physical examination.

Prescription medications exist to block certain hormones and work to lower their production. This may involve elevating certain other hormones so they can work in the body to reduce the level of the offending hormones. There are several medications your doctor may prescribe to reduce androgen levels in the body, including:

• Spirolactone: This medication is usually the one that doctors try first because it is relatively inexpensive and the risk of adverse effects is quite low for most people.
• Cyproterone acetate: This is a very potent antiandrogen medication. It is not available all over the world and doctors in the United States do not prescribe it.
• Flutamide: This medication is a type of nonsteroidal antiandrogen medication.
• Oral contraceptives: There are a number of oral contraceptives that may be beneficial in lowering androgen levels.
• Finasteride: This medication inhibits DHT production.

Other medications may include:

• Leuprolide acetate
• Goserelin
• Nafarelin acetate
• Prednisone
• Dexamethasone

Hormonal acne is not the easiest type of acne to treat, but with the right mixture of methods, patients can achieve better skin. It is important to follow your treatment regimen exactly and alert your doctor to any adverse events. Make sure to take good care of your skin to prevent other types of acne from also occurring.