severe puffiness. As it can be more effective if it’s cool, storing your witch hazel in the refrigerator is a good idea, particularly if this is the main reason you plan to use it.
3. Hair Cleanser and Scalp Protector
Use witch hazel on your hair to help reduce oil buildup — which leaves your hair shinier, healthier and more volumized. It’s also great for removing hair odors, helping with an irritated scalp, or speeding up healing from any bites or acne at the base of the neck when you’re prone to sweating.
One study conducted by the Center for Dermatology and Disease in Zurich, Switzerland, found that shampoo containing witch hazel extract helped soothe patients’ irritated scalps, redness, itching and inflammation. After testing the effects of witch hazel on 1,373 patients, a percentage of patients reported improvement in symptoms and better tolerance of other hair products.
Add several drops to your shampoo or make your own hair wash using coconut oil, argan oil, witch hazel, and other cleansing essential oils like lemon or orange oil.
4. Makeup Remover
For a gentle, all-natural make-up remover try using a quick witch hazel recipe that combines oil and water.
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 2 tablespoons oil such as almond, extra virgin olive oil or jojoba
- 2 tablespoons filtered water
- 1-2 drops of tea tree oil (if you are making the cloths)
For the solution itself, just combine the witch hazel, oil and water in a bottle and shake before each use. Use a round cotton pad or a cotton ball soaked with the remover to remove makeup.
5. Eczema Soother
If you’re suffering from eczema, witch hazel can help with that too, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It not only helps stop that incessant itching, but it improves symptoms like scaling, redness, burning and even scarring. One study found that patients with eczema who were treated with witch hazel on one arm, and a non-steroidal cream on the other over three weeks, experienced just as effective relief in improving symptoms with the witch hazel as compared to the cream.
Simply apply witch hazel onto affected areas of the skin twice a day.
6. Hemorrhoid Healer
Witch hazel also acts as a hemorrhoids home remedy. You can apply witch hazel water to the skin to help lower pain and inflammation caused by uncomfortable hemorrhoids. It’s useful for relieving itching, irritation, bleeding and burning from hemorrhoids as well.
Most experts recommend using hazel water (Hamamelis liquid extract diluted with water) up to six times a day on irritated skin or after every bowel movement.
(BONUS) Underarm Dark Spot Remover
Witch hazel can also be used as a natural deodorant that also doubles as a dark spot remover under your arms. To use it instead of your regular stick or aerosol deodorant, pour a generous amount onto a large cotton pad and dab liberally under arms, letting it dry before dressing. For those with thick underarm hair, using witch hazel in a spray bottle to thoroughly penetrate the hair and reach the skin may be necessary for effective odor control.