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Herbs & Cultures

Natural skin and hair care

Witch hazel toner

A fresh toner with tea tree and thyme.

Time
5 minutes
Makes
About 180 ml
Witch hazel

Witch hazel as the base, with a few drops of tea tree, thyme and willow bark oil, which are antiseptic. For skin with blemishes.

Ingredients

  • 120 ml distilled water
  • 60 ml witch hazel water
  • ¾ teaspoon aloe gel
  • 10 drops tea tree oil
  • 5 drops black willow bark essential oil
  • 5 drops thyme oil

Step by step

  1. Mix everything, pour into a clean bottle and label it with the date.
  2. Wipe with a cotton pad in small circles over forehead, nose and chin, avoiding the eyes.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 152

    Witch hazel

    Hamamelis virginiana

    Strongly astringent due to tannins. Witch hazel water and ointment are used externally for minor skin irritation, bruises and haemorrhoids; there is limited but reasonably supportive evidence.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 4

    Aloe vera

    Aloe vera

    The gel from the leaf is used externally to soothe the skin and for minor burns. Research on wound healing gives mixed results; the gel is no substitute for wound care.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Oceania · Other · № 22

    Tea tree oil

    Melaleuca alternifolia

    An essential oil for external use. Limited research suggests possible effects for acne or athlete’s foot; evidence is preliminary.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 91

    White willow

    Salix alba

    The bark contains salicin, which the body partly converts to salicylic acid. There are hints of a moderate effect on low back pain and joint pain.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 98

    Thyme

    Thymus vulgaris

    Traditionally used for coughs and bronchitis; thymol from the oil inhibits bacteria and fungi in the laboratory. There are some studies of thyme-based cough syrups.

    Greco-Roman medicine+4Folklore

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

These traditions know the herbs in this recipe.