Ingredients

In Alphabetical Order

Almond Butter: Derived from sweet almonds, almond butter is obtained by the cold pressing of selected fruits followed by a full refining process. The natural oil contains essential fatty acids. The feel and behavior of Almond Butter is somewhat similar to that of Shea Butter. Almond Butter exhibits excellent dispersion on the skin, making it ideal as a massage butter or carrier for treatment products. It adds moisturizing attributes to creams and lotions and bar soaps.

Aloe Vera Oil: Derived from the leaves of the plant, aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatological conditions. There is promising preliminary support from laboratory, animal, and human studies that topical aloe gel has properties that may improve wound healing and skin inflammation.

Argan Oil: Nourishes, moisturizes and improves skin elasticity. The oil is high in lipids including the omega-9 oleic acid and the omega-6 linoleic acid. It is effective in treating dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, sunburned and acne-prone skin. Its high polyphenol content makes it a strong antioxidant and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

Arnica: Known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Used externally, it has anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce skin irritations, pain and swelling, improving wound healing. Arnica is also commonly called leopard's bane. The arnica plant has a bright yellow, daisy-like flower that blooms around July. Preparations made from the flowering heads have been used in homeopathic medicine for hundreds of years. It is popular in Germany and over 100 drug preparations are made from the plant. Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood, and by dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints and muscles. The plant is used externally for arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling, improving wound healing.

Avocado Butter: Obtained from the fruit of the Avocado tree that grows in sub-tropical regions of the world. The butter is created from the Avocado fruit oil through a unique hydrogenation process that yields a soft butter with a mild odor and excellent melting properties. Avocado butter is a wonderful emollient and a natural suncreen. used in skin care, soap and toiletries to improve moisturizing properties and soften rough, dry skin.

Baobab Oil: Excellent source of essential and other fatty acids, including up to 34% of Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) and up to 3% Linolenic Acid (Omega-3). It also contains a significant amount of sterols and a high percentage of vitamins A and E. It is highly emollient and anti-oxidant, increasing elasticity and reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

Beewax: A byproduct of honey production, it makes wonderful lip balms, hand lotions, hand creams and moisturizers. It is naturally antiseptic, impervious to water and unaffected by mildew. Natural and minimally processed, it has the sweet smell of honey.

Bergamot Essential Oil: Has an antiseptic action which makes it useful for the treatment of acne and skin infections. Its astringent quality helps regulate excessive oiliness of the skin or scalp. Its deodorizing action can freshen your body, your home or your office. Bergamot oil also repels insects and soothes insect bites. Bergamot oil is refreshing and uplifting. It acts as a stimulant and tonic to balance the emotions. It can relieve fear and anxiety; diminish depression and sadness, and calm anger. It can inspire feelings of happiness and joy. During times of sadness or grieving, bergamot oil helps to heal emotional wounds and can inspire or restore loving feelings.

Black Spruce: The therapeutic properties of pine oil are antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cholagogue, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticidal, restorative, rubefacient, adrenal cortex stimulant as well as stimulant to the circulation and nervous system. When used topically, it helps to improve blood flow to the area on which it has been applied and its mild analgesic action is used for treating muscular pain as well as rheumatism.

Blood Orange: Contains a pigment called anthocyanin which is not typically found in citrus but more so in other red fruits and flowers. These oranges contain over 40% higher levels of Vitamin C than standard orange varieties. They have been shown to assist in the prevention of certain diseases, obesity, and stress. Recent studies have proven so effective that a pharmaceutical-grade product, called ROC (Red Orange Complex) has been released to the medical and health & beauty community as an anti-ageing ingredient.

Blue Corn Meal: Cornmeal makes an excellent and gentle exfoliant. Studies have proven that it is useful as an anti-fungal agent and it has been used in gardening for that purpose.

Blue-Green Algae: Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, blue green algae (spirulina) is the perfect treatment for skin. Active enzymes gently exfoliate skin so that it's smoother and softer, never irritated or dry. Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients, containing up to 70% protein, B-complex vitamins, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals. In fact, spirulina contains more beta-carotene than carrots. Spirulina has been used since ancient times as a source of nutrients and has been said to possess a variety of medical uses, including as an antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, weight loss aid, and lipid-lowering agent

Brown Rice Flour: Our brown rice flour is organic and contains rice bran and its beneficial oil. Brown Rice is an annual grain. It is commonly used externally for gentle anti-inflammatory action and ability to soothe dry or itchy skin. Hypoallergenic, safe for infants. The oil contained in the rice bran is rich in Vitamin E and gamma oryzanol, a unique antioxidant which can absorb UV light.

Bulgarian Rose Otto: Contains anthocyanocides, which have remarkable anti-elastase properties (prevents the elastin in the skin to degrade) and also have a capillary blood vessels strengthening function. The sugars contained have important skin hydration action and help to tone the skin. It’s astringent properties help reduce puffiness and has a slight tightening effect. The essential oil is extracted from Rosa damascena and has a very wide range of effects and uses. Damask rose otto soothes and harmonizes the mind and helps with depression, anger, grief, fear, nervous tension and stress and at the same time addresses sexuality, self-nurturing, self esteem and dealing with emotional problems. Rose otto oil is excellent for helping to increase circulation and has a clearing, cleansing, regulating and purifying effect. On the skin, it is most effective for moisturizing and hydrating the skin while having a general stimulant and antiseptic action which is good for all skin types, but especially so for dry, mature and irritated skin. It is used to help repair broken capillaries, inflammation, as well as skin redness and is useful in eczema and herpes.

Calendula: Historically, calendula was used as an antiseptic, to reduce inflammation, and to treat wounds and a variety of skin diseases. Internally, the soothing effects of Calendula have been used for stomach ulcers and inflammation. It was widely used in the Middle Ages to treat varicose veins and bedsores. Used externally, Calendula is one of the best herbs for treating burns, scalds, cuts, abrasions, and infections because of its antiseptic qualities

Cardamon Essential Oil: The essential oil of cardamom is used for its uplifting and invigorating properties. Cardamom is a pungent, warm, aromatic herb that has expectorant, stimulating, tonic effects and is reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities. It has been used to counter the irritation experienced during premenstrual tension (PMS). The therapeutic properties of cardamom essential oil include the following: antiseptic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and anti-spasmodic.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil: Due to its stimulating effect on red blood cells, it adds tone and elasticity to the skin. Its aroma is herbaceous, mild, spicy, slightly sweet and dry.

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil: Helps relieve cystitis, digestive issues, and poor circulation. It may have a positive effect in reducing depression and easing stress. Research has proven cinnamon leaf oil is very effective in killing mosquito larvae, making it a powerful mosquito repellent.

Clove Bud Essential Oil: Clove has a stimulating effect on the mind while its antiseptic properties are helpful to prevent viral infections. The oil is useful for treating rheumatoid arthritis and although not generally used in skin care, has a positive effect on skin sores and ulcers. It has analgesic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and carminative properties.

Cocoa Butter: Is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats known. Cocoa butter is often recommended for treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. When applied topically, it creates a barrier between sensitive skin and the environment; and also helps retain moisture. In addition, cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of the immune- globulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate symptoms of both dermatitis and asthma. Cocoa butter can be used as aromatherapy massages to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. Recent research indicates that massaging the skin with cocoa butter may help relieve stress, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer. This is because cocoa butter, like chocolate, contains CMP. Preliminary research indicates that CMP actually helps suppress excessive T-cell activity in the immune system, which could help treat conditions associated with overactive immune systems, such as psoriasis.

Colloidal Oatmeal: Is the powder resulting from the grinding and processing of whole oat grain. It is a skin protectant ingredient that “provides temporary skin protection and relieves minor skin irritation and itching due to poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac, and insect bites.” The properties that make oatmeal useful for these itchy and allergic conditions make it an especially efficacious ingredient for rosacea therapies. First, oatmeal is a potent anti-pruritic. The moisturizing properties of colloidal oatmeal alleviate itch due to dry skin. These properties, in turn, promote protection of barrier function, which is often impaired in rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis patients. Oatmeal also works as a skin protectant and enhancer of barrier function as the proteins and polysaccharides bind to skin to provide a protective barrier, while proteins buffer both acids and bases. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and is a mild, but effective cleanser that contains saponins that absorb dirt, oil, and sebaceous secretions while hydrophilic and lipophilic components absorb and solubilize aqueous debris. Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17373175)

Comfrey Leaf Powder: Comfrey is a sweet, cooling herb with expectorant, astringent, soothing and healing effects. It reduces inflammation and controls bleeding. Used externally for psoriasis, eczema, sores, and injuries, it is particularly effective in slow healing wounds and to help repair tissue damage. Comfrey contains an excellent cell proliferant and is used to stimulate growth of new skin cells.

Cupuacu Butter: From the Rain Forest, is prized for its rich content of; phytosterols to benefit dry, damaged skin, polyphenols to combat free radicals in the tissues, and fatty acids to protect and moisturize. It's a butter that performs like the actives, delivering true healing, and restructuring benefits, to the skin as it improves the skin's moisture barrier and offers true hydration for improved elasticity and anti-inflammatory activity. Cupuacu Butter is a good, plant, alternative to lanolin, offering the capacity to attract 240% more water allowing it to function much more effectively as a skin hydrator and plumper.

Eucalyptus Esssential Oil: Is an aromatic herb that stimulates the system, a decongestant and expectorant that relaxes spasms and lowers fever. It also has antibiotic properties. It is most commonly used externally as an inhalation and vapor rub, to treat and relieve mucus congestion. It clears the chest, helps bronchitis, sinusitis, colds and flu. It can also be used as a liniment for bruises, sprains and various muscular pains. It has analgesic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, decongestant, deodorant and insecticidal properties, thus is used as an ingredient, to treat wounds and abscesses.

Frankincense Essential Oil: Has a soft, spicy, incense-like scent. It promotes cell regeneration while maintaining the health of existing cells and tissues. Its astringent properties help eliminate sun spots and reduce micro-wrinkles around the eyes, generally toning and tightening the skin. It has widely accepted religious and meditative uses soothing and calming the mind; slowing down and deepening breathing.

French Green Clay: French Green Clay is by far one of the most majestic, most effective, and most commonly used mineral skin clays found throughout our global community. French Green Clay (AKA Illite Clay or Sea Clay) contains a cornucopia of valuable elements, which include montmorillonite, several (up to 9) important mineral oxides, magnesium, calcium, potassium, dolomite, silica, manganese, phosporous, silicon, copper, and selenium. Green clay owes its coloration to two very important factors: iron oxides, and decomposed plant matter. The natural green tones found in this luxurious clay are from the very cycles of life this earth uses to regenerate itself. Derived from volcanic deposits, is the richest in mineral compositions and is the most drawing of all clays available. Rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, it energizes the connective tissue. It is antiseptic and healing. It gently stimulates and is effective in increasing the lymph low and circulation, enabling oxygen and speeding the elimination of wastes. Green clay has a high mineral content. The highly micronized, and often fragile molecular state of French Green Clay allows for far greater absorption of impurities, dust, oil, contaminants, and make up.

Helichrysum Essential Oil: Has a straw-like, fruity scent, with a honey and tea undertone It is also known as Everlasting or Immortelle, and is known for its restorative and regenerative properties. Providing excellent support to the skin, and nervous system. It is anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. It also provides a defense against free radicals. Helichrysum’s tremendous regenerative properties are known to heal bruises, alleviate certain skin ailments, reduce scars, and aid nerve regeneration.

Hemp Butter: The hemp plant provides one of nature's most balanced oils and is very beneficial to the skin. Made from hemp seeds, the deeply soothing green color of hemp seeds and oil comes from their high chlorophyll content. Hemp oil and butter both have the correct ratio of Omega-6 linolenic acids and Omega-3 alpha-linolenic acids that most closely match human health requirements. It also contains the rare gamma-linolenic acid. These acids help to replenish the essential components that lead to increased moisture retention. Hempseed butter absorbs easily into the skin and leaves no oily residue.

Hops Essential Oil: Has carminative, astringent, bactericidal, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antispasmodic and calming properties. Hops reduces inflammation. Its sedative properties reduce nervous tension, headaches and insomnia and can improve appetite.

Jojoba: Native Americans extracted the wax from Jojoba seeds to treat sores, wounds, cuts, bruises, and burns. The wax was also used as a diet supplement and an appetite suppressant when food was not available. Jojoba was used for soothing windburn and sunburn, and as a hair or scalp treatment and hair restorative. It is an effective cleanser, conditioner, moisturizer, and softener for the skin and hair. When applied directly to the skin it softens, reduces wrinkles and stretch marks, lightens and helps heal scars, and promotes healthy scalp and hair. Jojoba replicates sebum, which is secreted by human sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect the skin and hair. During the aging process, sebum production decreases. Pollutants or environmental stresses also cause a reduction in sebum. supplementing with Jojoba is highly beneficial. On skin, it forms a lipid layer and penetrates to work under the surface. 

Lanolin: Our lanolin is pharmaceutical grade and ultra-purified to remove pesticide and herbicide contaminants. Lanolin has been used for centuries in skin care. It is renowned for its hydrating and softening properties, helping the reduction and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles and giving the skin a refreshed and rejuvenated feel. Very popular for cosmetics and ointments, it contains complex organic substances that are easily absorbed by the skin. Lanolin is also very beneficial in protecting the skin from harsh environments. Sheep shearers who remove the fleece from the sheep have always had smooth and soft hands though they work hard with their hands in all weather!

Lavender Essential Oil: Is nature’s aroma therapeutic calmative. Lavender soothes the spirit and acts as a sedative helping to reduce the effects of insomnia and stress. Lavender also promotes growth of new skin cells; healing burns, sunburn, acne, psoriasis, fungal growths, and helping to prevent scarring.

Marula Oil: Contains high levels of Vitamin C, tocopherol (vitamin E), tochotrienol, phenolic compounds, essential amino acids and flavinoids that help cells renew and resist damaging effects of the environment. Rich in the essential fatty acids Omega 9 - oleic and Omega 6 - linoleic that deeply hydrate and reduce redness, it nourishes, helps heal, moisturizes and improves skin elasticity. It supports the natural buildup of the skin’s lipid layers and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

Moringa Oil: First used in Ayurvedic medicine some 4,000 years ago, Moringa seed oil comes from the tree by the same name, which is also known as the “miracle tree” due to its wide variety of beneficial uses. The tree provides 7 times the Vitamin C in oranges, 4 times the calcium and 2 times the protein in milk, 4 times the Vitamin A in carrots and 3 times the potassium as bananas. Moringa seed oil contains high levels of oleic acid, which is a fatty acid that helps to restore the skin’s moisture levels, protects against drying and keeps the skin feeling soft and smooth. The oil was highly treasured by the ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian civilizations for use in protecting skin and because of its fragrance fixative properties, in making perfume. The Moringa seeds yield 38–40% edible oil (called ben oil, from the high concentration of behenic acid contained in the oil) that can be used in cooking, cosmetics, and lubrication.. The Moringa tree is native to Africa and India and has been revered for thousands of years as a miracle tree: Its nutrient-rich leaves and seeds can be eaten, and the oil pressed from its seeds is chock-full of radiance-boosting fatty acids and vitamins A and C. Moringa oil possesses exceptional oxidative stability which may explain why the Egyptians placed vases of Moringa oil in their tombs. Moringa oil has a potent antioxidant considered to be the factor behind its remarkable stability. It is a non-drying nutty flavored oil with a pale yellow consistency. The healing properties of Moringa oil were documented by ancient cultures. It has tremendous cosmetic value and is used in body and hair care as a moisturizer and skin conditioner. This is very stable oil with a shelf life of up to 5 years. Moringa is a fast growing, perennial tree which can reach a maximum height of 7-12 m and a diameter of 20-40 cm at chest height. All parts of the tree are used for their pharmacological and nutritional properties.

Indian Ayurveda claims that Moringa oil also possess anti tumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, ant ulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine, particularly in South Asia.

 Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory (prostate and nerves), antipruritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and invigorator. Peppermint helps reduce fevers, candida, nausea and vomiting and is cooling to the body in hot weather. The essence is from the leaves and flowering tops. It is especially good for food-related headaches, toothache, sinus congestion, colds, muscle and joint problems. Good for all digestive problems, peppermint also clears the mind, is effective for shock and hysteria, and useful for mental and general fatigue. It has many applications in the skin care area because of its cooling, anti-inflammatory and decongestive properties. Use with acne, dermatitis, ringworm, redness, irritation, and sunburn. In China and Japan, mints have been cultivated since ancient times, and a type of peppermint was found in an Egyptian tomb dating from 1000 B.C.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil: The medicinal use of chamomile dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Chamomile has been used to treat a variety of conditions including chest colds, sore throats, abscesses, gum inflammation (gingivitis), psoriasis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, minor first degree burns, inflammatory bowel disease (namely, ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers, and children's conditions such as chickenpox, diaper rash and colic. It energizes and regenerates. Strengthens and uplifts.

Rosehip Seed Oil: Is considered a cellular regenerative oil, also regenerates scar tissue, attenuates wrinkles and age spots and helps to prevent and fade stretch marks due to pregnancy and other factors. Rosehip seed oil is a potent anti-inflammatory oil with polyunsaturated essential fatty acids and trans-retinoic acid that helps when treating dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis providing an immediate relief for dry skin. These benefits are due to the high amounts of natural trans-retinoic acid only to be found in such high proportion in Rosehip seed oil.

Rosemary Essential Oil: Numerous properties include antiseptic, anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, fungicidal, hypertensive, stimulant and insect repellent. Use for muscular pain, poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu and infections. Helps headaches, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion and stress-related disorders. Promotes mental clarity. Refreshes and stimulates a sluggish body. Energizes and regenerates; strengthens and uplifts.

Rosewood Essential Oil: Is a natural anti-depressant and an emotional balancer. It is calming, analgesic, anti-depressant, and antiseptic. Nerol, geraniol, 8-cineole, linalool, and limonene work together to help stimulate skin cells and regenerate tissues rejuvenating dull, dry skin and helping to restore skin elasticity.

Rosewood Essential Oil: Is a natural anti-depressant and an emotional balancer. It is calming, analgesic, anti-depressant, and antiseptic. Nerol, geraniol, 8-cineole, linalool, and limonene work together to help stimulate skin cells and regenerate tissues rejuvenating dull, dry skin and helping to restore skin elasticity.

Sandalwood Essential Oil: Australian: Has a sweet, dry-wood, mysterious scent. It contains powerful antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory. It is hydrating, and toning and helps improve blood circulation to remove toxins and fight the formation of wrinkle-causing free radicals. Wonderful for oily skin, it also helps reduce scar formation. This relaxing oil has a harmonizing and calming effect which reduces tension, confusion, stress, and anxiety.

Shea Butter:  Is extremely moisturizing and gentle to the skin. Derived from the nut of the African Shea tree, it heals, moisturizes and repairs skin and protects against inflammation. It is high in vitamins A and E and is a natural sunscreen. Shea Butter is a powerful anti-oxidant and has clinically proven anti-aging properties. It can help prevent and minimize stretch marks and offers enhanced cell regeneration properties.

Siberian Fir Essential Oil: The therapeutic properties of pine oil are antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cholagogue, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, hypertensive, insecticidal, restorative, rubefacient, adrenal cortex stimulant as well as stimulant to the circulation and nervous system. When used topically, it helps to improve blood flow to the area on which it has been applied and its mild analgesic action is used for treating muscular pain as well as rheumatism.

Spearmint Essential Oil: In vapor therapy spearmint oil can be used for headaches, migraines, nervous conditions, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. When spearmint oil is used in a cream or lotion it can help with itching - specially in cases of pruritus or when scabs have formed, decongesting the skin and to a lesser degree acne as well. The therapeutic properties of spearmint oil are antiseptic, antispasmodic, and carminative, insecticide, restorative and stimulant.

Sunflower Oil: Rich in vitamins A, C, D & E, this oil pressed from sunflower seeds is excellent for healing bruises, skin ulcerations and for dry, flaky skin. Sunflower oil is tolerated and easily absorbed by all skin types.

Tee Tree Essential Oil: Fresh and antiseptic, tea tree has a rather pungent aroma, some might characterize it as medicinal. This is a healing essential oil. It is antibiotic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericide, cicatrizant, expectorant, fungicide, insecticide and sudorific. It is the extremely helpful in fighting viruses, bacteria and fungi, thereby assisting the immune system in warding off infectious diseases. It not only treats infections such as paronychia (nail infection) and athlete's foot (tinea),but also clears up wounds, and is useful with acne, dandruff and head lice. It helps to soothe sore muscles and generally fortifies the body. 

Vanilla Bean (Madagascar): There are varying claims about the properties of vanilla; not the least interesting is that it has aphrodisiac powers. While I cannot say that this is in fact true, I can tell you that cookies or cakes baking in my oven makes for a very happy household. As such, I know that vanilla promotes relaxation, calms the mind and emotions and is warming and "happy".

Vitamin E: Nature’s perfect antioxidant. Vitamin E has long been used for its wonderful skin healing and renewing properties.

Wheat Germ Oil: Wheat germ oil is an unrefined oil that is one of the richest sources of Vitamin E, A and D. It also has a high content of proteins and Lecithin. It is very useful as an anti-irritant and emollient, alleviating dryness and cracking. The oil extracted from the germ of the wheat kernel. Being unrefined in nature, it is usually dark in color and also has an odor reminiscent of hay, or straw, thus it is rarely used in cosmetic preparations. Wheat Germ Oil is widely used as both a cosmetic ingredient and as a dietary supplement. It is naturally rich in Vitamins A, D, and E, and also contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, F, Essential Fatty Acids, protein, and minerals. Because of its anti-oxidant and regenerative properties, and despite its barn-like aroma, Wheat Germ Oil is a wonderful ingredient in our heal My Paws. It contains high levels of minerals, protein, and essential fatty acids. Wheat Germ Oil contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic fatty acids. These are needed for our cardiovascular, immune, nervous, reproductive systems, and to maintain healthy cells and body functions. The Vitamin E Oil present in Wheat Germ Oil is a natural preservative, helps to prevent rancidity, and prolongs the shelf life of cosmetic products.

Witch Hazel - Powdered Leaves: Witch Hazel has been in use as a treatment for skin conditions for hundreds of years. The Witch Hazel tree contains large amounts of tannins that have drying and astringent properties. These tannins help to tauten up proteins present in the skin. It helps clean abrasions. This action of tannins provides a defensive layering on the wounds that enhances resistance to irritation and swellings as well as helps in healing the ruptured skin. In fact, scientific studies have established that witch hazel can also be helpful in healing the damaged blood vessels beneath the skin. Witch Hazel is an incredibly helpful herb for alleviating the symptoms associated with eczema and psoriasis.