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Benefits and uses of Witch Hazel
  • Natural Home

Witch Hazel Uses and Natural Benefits for Skin

Katie WellsMay 7, 2018Updated: Jul 30, 2019
Reading Time: 5 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Home » Witch Hazel Uses and Natural Benefits for Skin
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • What Is Witch Hazel?
  • Benefits of Witch Hazel+−
    • 1. Natural Skincare
    • 2. Postpartum
    • 3. For Stretch Marks
    • 4. Diaper Rash and Baby Wipes
    • 5. Varicose Veins
    • 6. For the Hair (Anti-Dandruff)
    • 7. Single-Ingredient Deodorant
    • 8. Itch Remedy
    • 9. Bruise Spray
    • 10. Sunburn or Razor Burn
    • 11. In Bug Spray
    • 12. On Minor Cuts
  • Finding Good Quality Witch Hazel

My first introduction to witch hazel was not a pleasant one. I remember when I was given a container of witch hazel pads after the many hours of pushing that led to the eventual birth of my firstborn. As I sat there on my ice pack and felt pain in places I didn’t know could feel pain, a rather stern nurse gave me a primer on what hemorrhoids were, how they could occur after birth, and what to do about them…

Thankfully, I never needed those pads, but the whole experience turned me off to witch hazel.

Fast forward a few years, and I was making the switch to cloth diapers. I wanted to find a natural alternative to regular baby wipes, and in my research on baby-safe ingredients I once again stumbled upon witch hazel.

I decided my prejudice might not be quite fair, and took a second look.

What Is Witch Hazel?

When I started researching it surprised me to learn that witch hazel isn’t just a remedy given to new moms. Also called hamamelis distillate (from its Latin name hamamelis virginiana), this plant-based substance has been used for centuries both medicinally and in skincare and beauty products. It is a chiefly an external remedy applied to the skin. (Although there is such a thing as witch hazel tea, I haven’t tried it yet.)

Witch hazel extract is a a natural astringent or hydrosol made from the bark of the witch hazel shrub or tree. While many of the herbs, spices, and other natural remedies I cover seem to all come from exotic lands, the witch hazel tree is native to North America. The Native American Indians in the northeast especially often used witch hazel for as a healthy remedy and for various skin problems.

There are two methods to getting extract from witch hazel bark: 1) as a distillation (commonly found in stores, with some type of alcohol added as a preservative) or 2) as a decoction, similar to this method for making herbal tinctures. Some herbalists say the decoction method makes a more concentrated version with higher levels of tannins, the component that gives witch hazel its astringent properties, but the distilled version is more shelf-stable.

If you don’t feel like making your own, there are better store-bought options that are double-strength distilled.

Benefits of Witch Hazel

Now that I’ve gotten over my first bad impression, I use witch hazel at home in a whole variety of ways. It is a staple in my natural home remedy kit for first aid and skin care, as it’s handy for everything from soothing minor skin irritations to removing makeup.

Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

1. Natural Skincare

As mentioned, witch hazel is a multi-purpose remedy that can help with a wide variety of skin conditions. Many people apply it with a cotton pad to cleanse the face and for its astringent properties, which tighten and tone the skin. Apply it to soothe skin disorders like psoriasis, blemishes from acne, or just general dry skin and itching. This isn’t just folklore or wishful thinking, either… studies like this one explain how its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties work.

I like to use it in this homemade vitamin C facial toner recipe, which has been great for my naturally oily skin.

2. Postpartum

Witch hazel is often recommended post-childbirth (hopefully by a friendlier nurse or midwife than the one I had) because it makes a great postpartum healing spray for the perineum. I make a tincture of witch hazel extract and after-birth herbs that I keep in a spray bottle for post-birth soothing.

It is also possible to make a homemade version of the pads often handed out in hospitals by pouring natural witch hazel over organic cotton pads (and even adding herbs or aloe for additional soothing).

3. For Stretch Marks

I haven’t tried it personally, but a friend was able to make her stretch marks almost completely disappear by spraying witch hazel extract on them once a day for a few months. I recommend this treatment along with dry brushing and this stretch mark salve. Dry brush before a shower, and apply witch hazel after and let dry on the skin. Then apply the stretch mark cream. The toning action of the witch hazel along with the moisturizing salve treatment should go a long way to improve skin.

4. Diaper Rash and Baby Wipes

Witch hazel is an ingredient in my homemade baby wipes (that can be made using cloth wipes or with a disposable option) because it is excellent for the skin. Combined with aloe, it has been very soothing on my little ones. Witch hazel is also great for diaper rash, and I keep a small bottle and some organic cotton balls in my diaper kit as a quick remedy.

5. Varicose Veins

Another remedy I haven’t personally tried, but a midwife friend recommends, is a compresses for varicose vein relief. Soak cloths in witch hazel to make compresses and apply to the legs to reduce the discomfort of varicose veins.

6. For the Hair (Anti-Dandruff)

The same properties that make witch hazel beneficial to the skin also make it good for the hair and scalp. I’ve used it pre-shampoo to help add shine to my hair and de-frizz, but this same process can help with dandruff. I keep a spray bottle of witch hazel in the bathroom to spray on the scalp before showering and then wash out in the shower.

7. Single-Ingredient Deodorant

I love my homemade deodorant, but baking soda can be irritating to some people. A magnesium-based spray deodorant can be a great alternative, but for especially sensitive skin, plain witch hazel (or add a few drops of lavender essential oil) can be a great alternative. I also recommend trying an armpit detox to reduce odor and make armpits less sensitive.

8. Itch Remedy

I keep witch hazel in the first aid kit for treating all kind of itching. It can be really helpful in reducing the itch from chickenpox, eczema, poison ivy, and bug bites.

In fact, I keep a small glass bottle of witch hazel and lavender in the first aid kit, and my children will go find this and use on bug bites or skin itching if they need it. I also make an anti-itch cream using it that is great for spot treating itchy areas.

9. Bruise Spray

Just as it can sooth varicose veins, witch hazel can help reduce the appearance and pain of a bruise. I learned this firsthand when I managed to turn around into the side of a kitchen cabinet and give myself a big forehead bruise the week before a family wedding. A witch hazel compress once a day helped vanish the bruise within a few days.

10. Sunburn or Razor Burn

Apple cider vinegar is my go-to for sunburn, but witch hazel also works well. Keep a spray bottle of it cold in the fridge for cooling relief for a sunburn. It even helps reduce swelling or irritated skin from razor burn after shaving.

11. In Bug Spray

Witch hazel is the base for my homemade bug spray. It is an excellent base for the dried herbs or essential oils in DIY bug spray and adds lots of skin benefits of its own. Since it is also helpful for itchy skin and even poison ivy, it is a good duel-purpose remedy for camping or beach trips. (Even use it on insect bites… but if you apply this bug spray, you shouldn’t need that tip!)

12. On Minor Cuts

Since the tannins in witch hazel work to tighten the skin, they can also help promote healing and stop bleeding on a minor cut. This is the same action that makes it useful for hemorrhoids and skin irritations. (Just make sure not to use the kind with added alcohol, or it will sting.)

Finding Good Quality Witch Hazel

Many store-bought brands contain more alcohol than witch hazel and can be drying or sting sensitive skin. I always buy this brand, which is double-distilled and more potent than most store-bought options.

Ever used witch hazel? What do you use it for?

11 Natural Uses for Witch Hazel

Category: Natural Home

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (49 Comments)

  1. Kay

    October 26, 2015 at 8:16 AM

    I use it as a toner, everyday, day and night. After washing my face, I simply soak a cotton pad with witch hazel and use it on my face. I get way less black head(almost none) on my nose since I started to use it.

    Reply
  2. Dan

    October 26, 2015 at 7:28 AM

    Aftershave, toner to sooth skin or i will use it for cleaning. I mix essential oils with it. I just use the storebought brands. It doesn’t seem to irritate me and mountian rose herbs can be a bit on the pricey side.

    Reply
    • Sarah

      April 4, 2018 at 10:19 AM

      I would love to have your cleaning recipe, do you mind sharing?

      Reply
  3. Fiona

    October 26, 2015 at 5:07 AM

    I use it as aftershave and also as a toner for my face. I will definitely try it for dandruff. Thanks for the information.

    Reply
  4. Marguerite

    October 25, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    I actually use witch hazel in tandem with a lotion I found that is extremely moisturizing, ozone layer lotion. I love the astringent qualities but need the Shea butter lotion to work with it.

    Reply
  5. Kelli

    October 25, 2015 at 6:28 PM

    Witch Hazel is fantastic!! I always buy the alcohol free type so that I can use it for myself and my dogs. Alcohol of any kind either topically or internally is not good for animals.

    Reply
  6. Kari

    October 25, 2015 at 6:26 PM

    Thank you for your posts. I really look forward to your weekly re-cap, and I always learn something new!

    Reply
  7. Patti

    October 25, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    I was starting to get a cold sore so my friend whipped out her bottle of witch hazel and had me firmly press down on the cotton ball she soaked with witch hazel onto the tingling skin and voila – no cold sore.

    The same friend recommended it for a bee sting and helped with the stinging pain and duration. I ran out and bought a bottle.

    Reply
    • cathy

      December 30, 2015 at 11:07 PM

      What all did you do for the cold sore, cause I get those badly

      Reply
      • Patti

        December 31, 2015 at 1:54 PM

        The second you feel that first tingle, put the Witch Hazel on the cotton ball (or cloth) and press firmly on the area where you felt the tingle. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat. Repeat the procedure as often as you can throughout the day/s. It also helps to eat well, get enough citrus, sleep well and avoid too much sun.

        Reply
  8. Stacey

    October 25, 2015 at 5:56 PM

    Thank you for this list – terrific uses for witch hazel! My husband uses it as an aftershave, it stops the stinging and burning on his face and neck.

    Reply
  9. coreen

    October 25, 2015 at 3:56 PM

    I’m interested in more people’s comments! Sounds like a good thing to have available at all times!!!
    Thanks so much for the information!

    Reply
    • Tiffany

      October 25, 2015 at 10:31 PM

      I’m in my 40’s and have used it for about six months. I used to spend a lot of money on products and saw no results. Use witch hazel and Shea butter on my face and it’s made a difference in my skin which is softer and less irritated. You won’t be disappointed.

      Reply
  10. Deb

    October 24, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    Even though I’m in my 50’s, I still get acne from time to time. My teenage son’s acne products are too harsh for my otherwise “mature” skin. Witch hazel clears me right up, and my son has gone the natural route also, with success!

    Reply
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