My mother in law likes to try natural remedies and nontraditional kinds of medicines and treatments in her daily life.  It’s interesting because she has certain “wonder” substances, like colloidal silver, that she sincerely believes can cure almost anything.  I haven’t tried colloidal silver on every malady, but it has helped with certain things.  Specifically, I have shortened the duration of some sore throats by gargling the stuff.  She also believes in witch hazel. 

According to my mother in law, witch hazel is the best thing you can use to keep your skin clear and free from acne.  She promised me that it could sooth and heal any skin problem.  I was a little skeptical about it when I last went to stay with her, (because I’m skeptical of everything that sounds too good to be true) but I did end up trying it out.  While I was staying at her house, I got a large painful insect bite on the top of my foot.  I was itching it relentlessly and my mother in law saw.  She poured witch hazel over the bite, and immediately the itching stopped.  Within a few minutes, the swelling was already starting to go down.  It was amazing!  Apparently it is good for skin irritation and swelling too!