15 Uses for Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is made of an astringent substance that is actually an extract derived from the bark and leaves of a flowering plant called Hamamelis virginiana. Most people buy witch hazel to use on their skin. Witch hazel has a bunch of handy uses.

The witch hazel bush (Hamamelis virginiana) is a small tree with fragrant yellow blooms. It is the only tree in North America to have flowers, ripe fruit and next year’s leaf buds on its branches at the same time.

Here are some uses for witch hazel:

1. Makeup remover - It will take less effort and really speed up your nighttime routine.

2. Cleanse oily skin - It does a great job of getting sweat, oil, and dirt off of your face and balancing your skin’s oil production.

3. Treat acne - When you get rid of excess oils on your skin and get rid of dirt and debris, you unclog your pores and let acne dry out.

4. Shrink your pores - If you have large, open pores on your skin, then you will find that a daily application of witch hazel will help to shrink their appearance.

5. Get rid of dandruff - Massage it into your scalp, and then follow it up with your standard shampoo and conditioner in the shower and rinse it all out.

6. Shrink varicose veins - Dab some witch hazel on with a cotton ball several times a day. Some people who have tried this report that it reduces the appearance of the veins, while others say it can alleviate the discomfort which is sometimes associated with them.

7. Get rid of bags under your eyes - Witch hazel is an effective remedy for getting rid of bags under your eyes. It helps to tighten up the skin under your eyes.

8. Soothe puffy eyes - Dab a couple of cotton balls in witch hazel, and then set them on top of your eyelids. Keep your eyes closed. Take a 10-minute catnap, sit up, and look in the mirror. The puffiness and redness should be gone, or at least greatly reduced.

9. Tame frizzy hair - If you have frizzy hair, witch hazel can help you to tame your locks. Just add a little to your shampoo before washing. You will be stunned at the difference when your hair dries!

10. Make a natural deodorant - You can make an easy spray-on deodorant which is 100% natural using half a cup of witch hazel, a quarter of a cup of aloe vera gel or juice, a quarter teaspoon of baking soda, and ten drops of your favorite essential oil. Just mix it all together in a spray bottle and use it.

11. Treat and prevent razor burn - Applying witch hazel after you shave can soothe your skin and reduce inflammation, preventing razor burn from forming at all.

12. Treat a sunburn - Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for quenching the burn. Soak a washcloth in the witch hazel and apply it for several minutes so it has time to soak in. You can do this several times per day.

13. Heal bug bites - If you’re tired of scratching at your bug bites and making them worse, one easy and effective way to get relief is by using witch hazel.

14. Clean wounds - If you have a light scrape or cut, you can use witch hazel to clean and disinfect the wound site. The antiseptic properties will reduce the chances that a bacterial infection will take root, and will also speed up the healing process.

15. Combat psoriasis, eczema and other irritating skin conditions - If you have a chronic skin condition, witch hazel is a great treatment. It can help to soothe itching and reduce redness and irritation.

Witch hazel has many beneficial properties, including antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The unique mixture of properties and health-promoting components makes witch hazel a product that can benefit you in a wide variety of ways.