Best 9 Uses for Witch Hazel
Before you get confused, witch hazel is neither a witch nor a woman named Hazel. It is in fact a type of flowering plant that has become popular of late because of its medicinal and healing properties.
Uses for witch hazel have become widespread thanks to the testimony of satisfied consumers who made the plant famous through word-of-mouth.
You can find a number of these testimonies in a few select websites dedicated to herbal or medicinal plants that talk about the many wonderful benefits to be derived from the regular use of witch hazel.
The comments and testimonials are recommended readings, especially for individuals who have never heard of this plant before. These will be especially helpful to those who do not yet know the benefits that can be enjoyed with the use of witch hazel.
What are the Various Uses for Witch Hazel?
When you research applications for witch hazel, one of the first things that will come out is the use of witch hazel as an astringent. The plant
contains tannin, a natural astringent that helps to tighten pores as well as treat pimples and acne.
Extract from the plant may be applied to the skin to treat pimples and acne as well as reduce the oiliness of the skin, particularly facial oiliness.
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Apart from treating acne and pimples the astringent, resin, and procyanidin found in witch hazel may also help reduce swelling or inflammation.
Soak a clean piece of cloth in witch hazel extract and place this on swollen feet or joints and also on varicose veins. This will help reduce the swelling and also ease the pain.
Witch hazel is an active ingredient in a number of topical creams for the treatment of symptoms associated with hemorrhoids, swollen veins, and tearing of the perineum which usually occurs after giving birth.
On Babies
If your baby constantly suffers from diaper rash, apply a small amount on the affected areas. Witch hazel has been known to quickly heal diaper rash.
You can find a witch hazel solution that is commercially sold in pharmacies and you can use this on your baby’s diaper rash.
Chicken Pox Relief
You can make a homemade solution to help relieve pain caused by chicken pox spots or blisters. This will be especially helpful for kids who have chicken pox as it also reduces itching.
To make your own chicken pox solution, combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
- One tbsp. honey
- Lavender oil, about forty drops
- Lemon essential oil, about fifteen drops
- Bergamot oil, about fifteen drops
- Peppermint oil, five drops
- One tsp. carrot seed oil
- One-half cup aloe vera gel
Mix all ingredients together. Add about half a cup of distilled witch hazel. Blend well together and then put in a spray bottle. Spray on the chicken pox blisters.
Skin Treatment
Witch hazel is excellent for the treatment and prevention of razor burns. Apply a generous amount of witch hazel solution onto your skin before shaving. This will prevent razor burns from developing after shaving.
You may also use witch hazel solution to treat sunburned skin. Again, the healing properties of witch hazel will help speed up the healing process of sunburned skin plus it also helps with the discomfort or pain associated with sunburn.
You can soak a piece of cloth in witch hazel and then place this on your skin or you may also apply witch hazel extract or solution on your sunburned skin after bath.
You may also apply the same on insect bites to relieve itching and swelling.
For Personal Hygiene
You may not have heard yet that witch hazel is also used as a deodorant. Yes, seriously. Some consumers are allergic to commercially-made deodorant – the most common symptoms of which are itching and redness in the armpits.
This has led to the discovery of witch hazel as an excellent substitute for commercial deodorant. Some people simply dab a piece of clean cloth with a few drops of witch hazel extract or solution while others have come up with their own recipe for homemade deodorant.
You may want to try the following recipe for your very own homemade deodorant:
- One-fourth cup of witch hazel
- One-fourth cup of aloe vera gel
- One-fourth cup of water
- One tsp. vegetable glycerin
- A few drops of essential oil of your choice for your preferred scent
Simply combine all of the ingredients together in a clean bowl and then transfer the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
For Itchy Scalp
For an itchy scalp, mix one part witch hazel with two parts water and then pour a small amount on your scalp. Massage the scalp and then rinse.
For Eye Bags
For eye bags, soak a small piece of cloth in witch hazel and cold water. Place the soaked cloth under your eyes. This is an excellent quick fix for puffy, red eyes caused by crying.
You may also put a few drops of witch hazel on a cotton ball and then gently rub this under your eyes.
Note: Apart from its medicinal and personal hygiene applications, you may also use witch hazel to clean your mirrors and jewelry with.
