It’s not alcohol or peroxide, but what is it? That was the question I asked when I found out about witch hazel. It sounds like something from the old days but I never really knew what it could do for your body. Once I found out, I saw witch hazel in a whole new light and started using it almost daily!
Witch hazel (which has the species name Hamamelis virginiana), a type of plant native to North America, is a member of the Hamamelidaceae plant family. Sometimes also called winter bloom, the leaves, and bark from the plant are used to make a skin-healing astringent that’s capable of naturally reducing acne, blisters, insect bites, poison ivy, inflammation and much more. It goes back to being widely used for medicinal purposes by American Indians. Now, many more people swear by it too. Here are some of the favorite uses for this wonder product:
1. Acne fighter
As a natural home remedy for acne, applying witch hazel to acne-prone skin can help slow down inflammation, redness, oiliness, and bleeding. As a natural cleanser, it’s capable of reducing bacteria growth on the skin and speeds up the time needed to heal infections or scabs.
Another benefit for sensitive skin is that it reduces the look of pores (although no product can actually shrink pores) and helps stop excess oil production, sweating, and the development of blackheads or whiteheads, which can contribute to embarrassing breakouts.
Instead of opening up a pimple and making the problem worse, apply witch hazel directly to the skin wherever you notice a zit or breakout forming. It’s even more effective when used in combination with other antibacterials like tea tree oil, coconut oil or apple cider vinegar.
Apply witch hazel with a clean cotton ball up to several times per day anywhere you experience irritation, starting slowly and giving your skin time to adjust.
2. Reduce Puffy Eyes
Puffy eyes are another common skin problem that many people face, it can be caused by allergies, stress, overindulging in alcohol, sun exposure, cigarette smoking, and many other factors.
The next time you wake up and find yourself with puffy eyes, be sure to have some witch hazel around, and you’ll have a quick fix for that problem.
Witch hazel is known to tighten skin, which helps reduce under-eye baggage and puffiness. Just soak some cotton balls with witch hazel, and apply it to closed eyes. Let it remain for five minutes or so, allowing it to soak into the skin. Repeat one more time for 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.