I had my first lesson with witch hazel when my son had some nasty bug bites that were relentlessly itchy.
No anti-itch cream, oil, or gel was cutting it. My mom, who has been using witch hazel for decades, suggested that I try it.
Since then I have kept it on hand and used it many other ways to care for my family, pet, and home. It has become the holy grail of medicine in my home.
Here are 16 reasons why you should use witch hazel in your home today.
1. Pore Zapper
With hazel contains natural properties that reduce inflammation, sores and infection. It is known as a natural astringent.
According to HomeRemediesWeb, it has skin-healing abilities that work to tighten and reduce the appearances of acne all the while killing the bacteria and cleaning the skin of the clogged pores releasing it of built up toxins in one simple step.
Dilute witch hazel extract in equal parts water and apply it two to three times daily.
2. Calm Diaper Irritation And Rash
Apply witch hazel extract diluted with water on the affected area using a cotton ball for a soothing and faster recovery. This natural ailment is much safer and effective than most diaper rash topical treatments.
It contains an astringent comparable to zinc oxide, an effective method for soothing an irritated baby bum. A study, in the European Journal of Pediatrics in 2007, noticed that witch hazel ointment helped reduce minor skin irritations in children.
Recommended Product: Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel
3. Tired No More
Witch hazel is known to tone and tighten up the skin, which can help de-puff or reduce under eye bags.
Just soaking a cotton pad with some witch hazel and applying it over your closed eyes for 5 minutes will not only eliminate the appearance of sleepless nights, but it will also make your skin look more youthful.
4. Diminish The Appearance Of Stretch Marks
Pregnant and post-pregnant ladies don’t fear! The secret confidant for getting rid of difficult stretch marks is here.
Witch hazel applied to the affected area twice per day for about five minutes helps tighten the loose skin around the stretch mark because of the astringent properties. The color of the stretch marks is also reduced when you apply witch hazel.
5. Speed Up Recovery Of Bruises
Research conducted by BioMed Central reports that the anti-inflammatory activity of witch hazel will help your bruises heal faster by constricting the bruised tissue and reduce the bleeding to that area.
Applying a generous amount of witch hazel on a cotton ball two to three times a day will make the bruises fade faster and help heal the underlying damage.
6. Hair Flakes No More (Dandruff)
Dandruff caused by a scalp that is too oily can be reduced with witch hazel. A study in the International Journal of Trichology in 2014, reported that people with sensitive scalps had reduced irritation after using witch hazel.
Fill an empty spray bottle with equal parts of water and witch hazel. Mix up the two ingredients. Spritz the mixture all over your scalp and leave it on your head for a few minutes, then rinse.
7. Natural Bug Repellant
What you put on your body gets absorbed into the skin. Why not put on something natural that will not irritate your skin with harsh chemicals.
Witch hazel is a better alternative that does not contain nasty chemicals. It’s easy to make and cheaper than commercial bug sprays. Try this homemade bug spray by Homeremedyshop.
All you need is a few tablespoons of witch hazel, natural oil, and 100 drops of essential oils. That’s it!
Related: These 14 Plants Actually Repel Mosquitos For You
8. Soothe Those Back Door Bumps (Hemorrhoids)
The antiseptic and astringent properties help to alleviate the itching and burning symptoms of painful hemorrhoids.
Nidal A. Qinna, from the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research has evaluated the safety of witch hazel used to treat hemorrhoids. His studies have determined that witch hazel eases vessel swelling and does not cause systematic toxicity to the body.
The medicinal properties calm the irritated area and bleeding caused painful hemorrhoids.
9. Herbal Burn Remedy
Witch hazel is a natural burn treatment that can be used in the treatment of first and second degree burns. A compress with witch hazel provides a cooling effect to the affected area.
Treating sunburns will help it heal faster and possibly enough prevent the skin from peeling and flaking.
10. Treat Cold Sores
You know that tingling sensation when you can feel a cold sore coming up. Those little swollen red blisters on the side of your lips can be an embarrassing feeling.
According to a research study cited by the University of Michigan Health System, people who used creams containing witch hazel multiple times a day experienced a reduction in size and swelling of the cold sore.
Try applying a few drops of witch hazel extract on the cold sore using a cotton ball. It will work to naturally dry out the skin and prevent it from spreading.
11. Soothe Itch From Poison Ivy
Poison ivy has an oily compound that binds to the protein in the skin once it comes into contact with poison ivy. A rash will develop and your body interprets the oily compound to be foreign and it tries to kill it off.
Applying witch hazel will quickly dry up the blisters and ease the itching.
12. Helps Rid Of Pesky Ticks
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Our beloved pets can benefit from using witch hazel. Its ingredients are safe to use on their skin. During the summer months, ticks and fleas are more prevalent and can become a problem.
They carry serious illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. To repel and kill the presence of ticks and fleas, simply dilute witch hazel in water and add an essential oil of your choice.
Mix well and spray on your pet’s coat. Witch hazel is also great to disinfect any area where a tick was removed.
Related: 15 Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally
13. Alleviate Razor Burn
Razor burns can be uncomfortable after a good shave. It can be an unsightly seen to have bumpy red legs that burn like a mother. A foolproof way to alleviate any annoying razor burn is to simply apply witch hazel.
It makes a good after-shave for men and women. It calms the inflamed skin and soothes any stinging sensation.
14. Remedy Sore Or Inflamed Gums
Gargling a delicious blend of boiled witch hazel, water, and a few cloves a few minutes a day greatly reduces the possibility of infections and swelling of the mouth and throat.
Its ability to shrink swollen tissue makes witch hazel suitable to treat laryngitis. This homemade herbal remedy is a fairly inexpensive alternative as compared to pricier mouth rinses. The toxic free ingredients are better for healing the infected and sore mouth.
15. All Purpose Cleaner
Yes! You heard right. Witch hazel is not only good for the body, but it is an all-purpose cleaner for your home. It removes tough grease stains from wooden cabinets. It can take off any sticky residue from surfaces.
It cleans glass and even makeup brushes. Combine ½ cup of witch hazel, 1-cup water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for an eco-friendly citrus-fresh scent.
Related: How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
16. Treat Swimmer’s Ear
When water enters the ear canal, it can damage the canal lining allowing bacterial or fungus to get in. Sometimes this happens when the ear is not fully dried. Witch hazel is an herbal home remedy effective for drying the added moisture and reducing the inflammatory symptoms.
Just dap some witch hazel on a cotton ball and place over the affected ear for relief.
How Will You Start Using Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel is a century old medicinal secret to relieve and treat the body of inflammation and irritations. It should be considered any mom’s weapon of choice for its multipurpose properties and budget-friendly price.
It has the ability to nurture and protect damaged skin. It disinfects and cleans any tough stain or residue and additionally, its antiseptic and antibacterial properties are key ingredients to skin ointments, astringents, and cosmetic products.
I don’t have to worry about having harmful side effects after using it on my children. Dr. Schultz, from DermTV, offers additional in-depth and valuable information regarding the benefits and many uses for witch hazel.
Why buy an expensive product with toxic chemicals and fragrances that harm my delicate skin when I can purchase witch hazel from my local drugstore for a fraction of the cost that is natural, chemical free, and can be used for virtually everything.
