Spotlight on Herbs: Astringents

Astringent herbs constrict, contract, and tone tissue to reduce the flow of fluids such as from blood loss or excessive perspiration. They vary in strength and can be either sedative or stimulant in action.  They all however have the same ultimate action, which is to promote tissue firmness and strengthen the condition of skin or muscles.

Astringents are useful in toning the digestive tract, stopping internal haemorrhages, and in treating throat conditions by toning and cleansing the mucous membranes. Astringent herbs are also used cosmetically to firm and tighten skin.  

In herbs it is often the presence of Tannins that give them this astringent action.

A well known astringent herb is Witch Hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana ), it is used topically as a facial toner and can help reduce the inflammation and redness of acne as well as fight the bacteria on the skin.Witch Hazel is also useful when topically applied to sun burn to reduce the pain and swelling of the effected skin. 

Witch Hazel, when consumed as a tea, can help to alleviate the symptoms of intestinal distress (such as diarrhoea) , and when the tea is steeped and left to cool, it makes an effective gargle to treat sore/blistered throats.

Witch Hazel in bloom

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NOTE: The publication of information regarding alternative therapies, herbalism, aromatherapy, and the like, in this blog does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your health care provider.