Astringent
Astringent (also sometimes spelled "adstringent". Also restringent has the same meaning.
Definition: An astringent substance is one that has a shrinking, drying effect on body tissues. Astringents are often applied topically to dry, protect or harden skin, or to restrict the discharge of blood serum. Astringents are also sometimes applied to scar tissue or stretch marks and may assist with their healing.
Astringents are responsible for the dry feeling in the mouth after eating sour fruit such as sloe berries or some red wines.
Many herbs and other substances are described as Astringent. A few well known ones are witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, yarrow and tannic acid.
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