Which kills more germs when applied topically witch hazel or alcohol?

Is witch hazel Alcohol?

Witch Hazel is not alcohol. Manny brands of witch hazel has no alcohol at all. Some brands do have a small amount of alcohol.

Can the astringent witch hazel be used instead of rubbing alcohol?

An astringent is not the same as an antiseptic. It's not going to sterilize germs the way rubbing alcohol would do, but if you're just looking for a good muscle rub, it'd do fine.

What is the chemical formula of witch hazel?

Of "Distilled Witch Hazel Extract, 14 % Alcohol", I mean.

Is Witch Hazel good to use to get rid of small red pimples on your bottom?

Check out this site, they explain the uses for witch hazel. http://health.howstuffworks.com/witch-hazel-herbal-remedies.htm I am not sure about witch hazel but I know rubbing alcohol would work. The rubbing alcohol will just dry them out and get rid of them.

Is there a substitute for witch hazel?

Depending on what you are using it for, a well concentrated rubbing alcohol can work in place of witch hazel.

Is witch hazel ok to use as a facial cleanser?

Maybe; but rubbing alcohol is very, very harsh for the skin and isn't good to use for acne. Over the counter acne medicines with bezoyl peroxide work well by fighting germs and oil over several hours. Alcohol sterilizes and removes oil only for a short time--while severely drying out the skin.

What is witch hazels purpose?

The bark, leaves, and twigs of witch hazel are all high in tannins, giving this plant astringent properties. Astringents are substances that can dry, tighten, and harden tissues. You may use an astringent on your skin to tighten pores and remove excess oil. Also may help to stop discharges. The astringent tannins in witch hazel temporarily tighten and soothe aching varicose veins or reduce inflammation in cases of phlebitis (an inflammation of a vein). Witch hazel also contains procyanadins, resin, and flavonoids, all of which add to its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. A cloth soaked in strong witch hazel tea reduces swelling and can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids and bruises. Almost all pharmacies carry some type of witch hazel preparation in the form of lotions, hemorrhoidal pads, and suppositories. Besides their use topically for hemorrhoids and veins, witch hazel lotions are useful on rough, swollen, gardener's or carpenter's hands. You can also use witch hazel internally to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, or a prolapsed uterus, although not the witch hazel/isopropyl alcohol preparation frequently found in drug stores. Its ability to shrink swollen tissue makes witch hazel appropriate to treat laryngitis as well. And a throat gargle of witch hazel, myrrh, and cloves reduces the pain of an uncomfortable sore throat. Again, use fresh tea or tincture, not the drugstore witch hazel, which contains isopropyl alcohol. You can rinse your mouth with witch hazel and myrrh for cases of swollen and infected gums. Place a dropper full of tincture of each herb in 1/4 cup of water and use as a mouth rinse. A teaspoon of strong witch hazel tea combined with one drop each of myrrh and clove oil makes a pain- and inflammation-relieving gum rub for use in teething babies. A cotton swab dipped in a witch hazel, goldenseal, and calendula tea and applied to the outer ear is useful in treating swimmer's ear. Swimmer's ear is associated typically with pus and moisture in the outer ear canal. Witch hazel helps dry up the secretions, while goldenseal and calendula fight infection. Witch hazel combined with arnica makes an excellent topical remedy for the treatment of traumatic bruises, bumps, and sprains to relieve pain and promote speedy healing. Witch hazel is sometimes combined with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for use on external skin lesions; this form of witch hazel should not be used internally. If you have watery stools or blood or mucus in your stools on a regular basis, your physician may suspect colitis or irritable bowel syndrome and recommend witch hazel to reduce intestinal secretions associated with these conditions. A tea made from witch hazel, chamomile, mint, and a bit of thyme can be very effective for diarrhea that accompanies an intestinal illness, or what we often call stomach flu. For best results, an herbalist can select the right tea formula for you. If you wish to make a remedy at home, combine 1 tablespoon each of dried chamomile and mint and 1.5 teaspoons of dried witch hazel and thyme. Steep in 3 cups of hot water. Witch hazel is an important botanical for controlling bleeding: It can reduce bleeding when applied topically to a wound or used internally for bleeding ulcers or bleeding gums. Of course, serious wounds require medical treatment, but witch hazel can control bleeding en route to a physician.

Is alcohol free witch hazel better?

witch hazel is used as an alternative, more mild approach to alcohal. rubbing alcohal burns very badly, where witch hazel doesn.t but as far as antiseptic, and cleansing power, alchohal wins. witch hazel is nice for kids, who hate the burning feeling. but for an astringent or to be used on your face, witch hazel is the best.

When is Witch hazel used in place of alcohol?

If you're wanting to clean a wound or the surface of your skin, yes.

Can you drink witch hazel?

WITCH HAZEL Side Effects & Safety Witch hazel is safe for most adults when applied directly to the skin. In some people, it might cause minor skin irritation. Witch hazel also seems to be safe for most adults when small doses are taken by mouth. In some people, witch hazel might cause stomach upset when taken by mouth. Large doses might cause liver problems. Witch hazel contains a cancer-causing chemical (safrole), but in amounts that are too small to be of concern.

Does witch hazel harm your hair?

it is organic rubbing alcohol so its not the best for your hair but you can use it to treat dry scalp and your hair will be fine.

Is witch hazel good for boils?

Yes! It is a natural antiseptic containing alcohol, only it is much milder. Calms inflammation and is very cooling.