The magic of Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a medicinal astringent produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch Hazel shrub, Hamamelis virginiana.
This ‘magical’ astringent is mainly used externally on sores, bruises, swelling and bleeding. It is a strong anti-oxidant used in skincare to treat everything from acne to eczema, insect bites or poison ivy, and also as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. (Witch hazel is the main ingredient in Tucks Wipes— an American novelty meant to relieve the itch and burn of hemorrhoids).
Frankly speaking, after having a baby, I’m quite certain you can’t go wrong with Witch Hazel… Soreness? Yes. Burning? Yes. Swelling? Yes. Hemorrhoids? Yes. Bleeding? Ummm…. Yes! Ohhh the joys of motherhood!
Personally, I used Tucks Wipes after the birth of my two boys. They’re easy, convenient and they do the job. Sadly, however, you can not find them here in Europe…. But never mind; you can make them yourself!
Witch Hazel (or Hamamelis) can be found in most drug stores. After browsing the internet, I found this beautiful bottle of Hamamelis Water at French shop, Néroliane, and I think it looks so beautiful — I can just imagine using this ‘wonder drug’ for everything!
Spray a little on a wet wash cloth and apply to sore, tender areas.
-Courtney
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Man, talk about a series of timely posts. I was cracking up last night over a site called LeastLikely2Breed that offers up a number of balms, salves and creams to help with exactly the issues you describe above.
I posted a bit about the Mother and Child remedies last night.
I applied the witch hazel pads to my episiotomy area after a sitz bath and it made the soreness so much better.
Sounds magical! I love the look of that bottle. Am going to order it immediately!
How funny- I bought a box of the Tucks Wipes last night at the grocery (I live in the US) in preparation for my upcoming delivery. I am glad to hear another raving review of them!
I was advised by my midwife to use Weleda’s arnica oil which she just poured on right after the birth, and which I kept using for 10 days. It relieved the soreness instantly, and I had no bruising. I highly recommend it.
based on what I’ve read here, it seems that Witch Hazel is one of the best products to get rid of varicose veins..thanks for posting this! I will look into it right now! Now, at least, I have more than one option for spider veins treatment! thanks!