Given its effectiveness and versatility, itu2019s common to find witch hazel extract as an ingredient in many over-the-counter beauty products and medicine, such as acne products, aftershave, bug repellent, hemorrhoid creams, makeup removers, and shampoo. Itu2019s doctor-approved and usually used in hospitals for wound care and postpartum vaginal care.
What is Witch hazel?
The benefits and uses of Witch hazel
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is an extract obtained from the North American shrub of the same name. The bark, leaves, and twigs have been used to extract active plant elements such as flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and volatile oil. These compounds make it a potent, natural astringent that has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. As such, witch hazel is useful for the treatment of a variety of skin issues, from acne to bruises.
Why use Witch hazel?
Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory qualities
When applied to bug bites, diaper rash, razor burn, and other skin conditions, witch hazel exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory outcomes by acting on free radicals in your skin cells.
Witch hazel has antimicrobial qualities
Another anecdotal use for witch hazel is to destroy or inhibit the growth of the microorganisms associated with conditions like chicken pox, cuts, and poison ivy. Witch hazel helps prevent the bacterial colonization responsible for the development of atopic dermatitis and intertrigo dermatitis, as well as other microbial skin conditions.
Witch hazel is an astringent
Witch hazel is considered to be a potent natural astringent because of the high concentration of tannins found in its leaves. It removes excess dirt and oil from your skin, helps shrink the appearance of your pores, and tightens and tones your skin. Given its ability to promote skin healing and arrest bleeding, it is useful in the remedying of acne, eczema, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Witch hazel gives a boost to your immune system
Given its antibacterial and antiseptic attributes, when applied topically witch hazel is believed to stimulate your immune system to help destroy and inhibit bacteria in your body. Also, some suggest drinking witch hazel tea can boost your overall health.
Witch hazel can brighten the area around your eyes
Because witch hazel tightens skin and reduces redness, it is an ideal remedy for treating skin blemishes and puffiness under and around your eyes. Use a cotton ball to dab it on. Avoid getting it in your eyes because the burning and drying effects may be serious.
Witch hazel calms bug bites and stings
Due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, witch hazel soothes bug bites and stings, giving you a good reason to bring some along the next time you spend a day outdoors.
Witch hazel helps with scalp irritation and conditions resulting from it
If you have dandruff or another irritating skin condition, use witch hazel in your hair-cleansing routine. Massage some witch hazel into your scalp and follow up with shampoo and conditioner as desired. Witch hazel can also be used in between shampoos to calm scalp irritation.
Witch hazel helps clear up acne
The natural astringent characteristics of witch hazel can clear acne by lessening redness, reducing swelling and removing bacteria and oil. It has also been shown to speed the healing of acne-related infections, scabs, and scars while hindering the development of blackheads and whiteheads when used regularly.
Witch hazel soothes sunburns
You can make an anti-inflammatory sunburn remedy with cooling properties by combining witch hazel and aloe vera. Continuing to use witch hazel for several days after a sunburn to help prevent dryness and peeling.
Witch hazel helps with swimmeru2019s ear
Treat the microbial infection of the ear canal commonly known as swimmeru2019s ear by putting several drops of witch hazel into the infected ear. Its strong antimicrobial attributes will break up wax, clear oil and dry pus.
Witch hazel helps ease digestion
You might consider mixing a small amount of witch hazel tea with some chamomile or mint tea for use as a general stomach tonic to promote digestion and lessen inflammation. This mixture is believed to soothe the symptoms of diarrhea, dysentery and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Witch hazel helps fade bruises
Apply some witch hazel with a cotton ball to help fade the discoloration caused by bruises and speed healing for any underlying damage.
Witch hazel helps helps reduce the signs of aging
Witch hazel has been known to combat premature aging, like skin discoloration, dryness, loss of elasticity and redness. Its antioxidant properties offer protection against melanoma, thanks to its polyphenols and tannins that are known to inhibit the generation of melanoma cells.
Witch hazel helps soothe the skin after hair removal
If you routinely shave any part of your body, youu2019ll be happy to know witch hazel not only can help soothe razor burn but also can stop nicks and cuts from bleeding. It can also be used after hot wax treatments.
Witch hazel helps in neutralizing the effects of contact dermatitis
Due to its anti-itch and drying effects, you may find witch hazel useful in counteracting the effects of urushiol, the skin-irritating compound found in plants like poison ivy that causes contact dermatitis in most people who come in contact with this plants.
Witch hazel helps in pacifying hemorrhoids
Other than in skincare, the use of witch hazel as an astringent and anti-inflammatory for the treatment of hemorrhoids may be its most popular application; thus it is a common ingredient found in many over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams. Be careful when applying witch hazel to inflamed hemorrhoidal tissues because of its potency. Consider blending it with some aloe vera. If you are taking a blood-clotting medication, consult with your doctor before using it.
Witch hazel regulates menstruation
Check with your gynecologist before including witch hazel to your womenu2019s health routine. Women suffering from heavy periods may find the use of witch hazel slows bleeding and reduces pain and inflammation in the groin. Some report it also soothes bloating and cramps.
Witch hazel helps in removing makeup
Since it is an ingredient in most store-bought makeup removers, this suggests itu2019s effective in removing both oil- and water-based makeup. You can easily create your own makeup remover by adding 3 tablespoons alcohol-free witch hazel and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a small bottle. Shake before use.
Witch hazel helps shrink swollen varicose veins
Applying witch hazel to varicose veins can temporarily reduce pain and swelling. You may want to elevate your feet while using this remedy.
Witch hazel can soothe aches and pains
When used topically, witch hazel can reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis, sore muscles and joints due to aging, exercise or injury. Before applying it, dilute the witch hazel slightly using water or a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil.
Witch hazel accelerates healing
Witch hazel has been used for many years to treat, and speed wound healing for abrasions, bruises, cuts and other wounds, including postpartum issues such as a sore perineum and hemorrhoids. Its astringent properties enable it to slow down bleeding and help tighten the skin. Avoid applying it directly to open wounds because of its potency and the potential for inflammation.
Is Witch Hazel Safe?
Witch hazel is perfectly safe to use on the skin; however, some people may have a minor reaction to it. Severe allergic reactions are rare. For those with sensitive skin or skin allergies, always do a patch test before using witch hazel. Most people can use witch hazel safely with little risk of adverse side effects. Ointments and extracts can be applied straight to your skin several times per day and safely administered for the treatment of hemorrhoids after each bowel movement.
Additionally, while taking about 3u20134 teaspoons (15u201320 ml) of witch hazel per day is generally considered safe, ingesting large amounts may cause stomach irritation and induce vomiting. Therefore, itu2019s best only to use small amounts orally and to discuss any side effects or concerns with your doctor.
Witch Hazel Recipes
You can make your own Witch hazel tonic at home to avoid getting adulterated products. Once you make the tonic, you can use it as an ingredient in other mixtures, such as an astringent spritzer for your face and skin.
Witch Hazel Tonic
- 1/2 pound witch hazel bark
- Distilled water to cover about 1 to 2 inches above bark
- Vodka or pure grain alcohol (optional)
Put the witch hazel and distilled water in a stockpot on the stove and bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes remove from heat and leave it covered until it completely cools. Strain and add vodka or pure grain alcohol in the amount of half the volume of the remaining liquid u2014 for example, if you have 18 measures, add 9 measures of alcohol. As prepared, this tonicu2019s shelf life is two years. Store the tonic in a cool place out of direct sunlight. If you choose not to add the alcohol, store your tonic in the refrigerator where it will last for up to a week.
Witch Hazel Astringent Spritzer
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel tonic like from the above recipe
- 1 ounce filtered water
- 8 to 10 drops essential oil
- 2-ounce spritzer bottle
Pour the witch hazel tonic into the spritzer bottle and add the water, 1 to 2 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, or a combination of them. Store this spritzer in a cool dark place. While there are many opportunities for using this spritzer, one suggestion is to use it as a refreshing facial mist at bedtime after you wash your face. It can be particularly soothing on hot nights.
Cautions About Witch Hazel
While witch hazel is fantastically useful for a variety of uses, there are a few warnings you must keep in mind:
Use only a small amount: Because of its potency, a little amount of witch hazel goes a long way when applied topically or consumed orally. Particularly when consumed, less is best because too much may cause dizziness, nausea or a rash.
Always dilute it with water or a carrier oil: To reduce the likelihood of skin irritation or inflammation, youu2019ll experience the best results by combining witch hazel with an equal amount of water or a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
Avoid orally consuming store-bought types: This is because most commercially available witch hazel products contain isopropyl alcohol which is unsafe for consumption. You will want to brew your own witch hazel tea if you plan to drink it or use it orally.
If you have never used witch hazel before, you may be surprised by its vast potential. Given its durability as an effective herbal remedy for skin conditions and hemorrhoids, it may be time you tried one of natureu2019s best remedies.
