22 Best Uses of Witch Hazel for Health and Beauty

As intriguing as it may sound, witch hazel has nothing to do with witches or sorcery.

Witch hazel, a common household item, has always been just around the corner but never got its due as a potent health and beauty remedy. It is an age-old skin healing shrub. Its leaves, twigs, and barks undergo a delicate distillation process to give us a mild astringent, commonly referred to as witch hazel water, Hamamelis water, or distilled witch hazel extract.

The witch hazel extract contains tannins, catechins, flavonoids, and essential oils such as eugenol and hexenol that together make it an excellent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent for treating different skin conditions.

Coming to its beauty applications, the antioxidants found in witch hazel work as scavengers on free radicals to prevent skin damage. Its astringent nature also resolves a number of everyday cosmetic maladies.

If you wish to learn what all this shrub is capable of, read on to learn the 22 best uses of witch hazel for health and beauty.

Note: Witch hazel is available in two variants: alcohol-based and non-alcohol witch hazel. If you are using it for any skin condition, opt for the non-alcohol variant only.

HEALTH

Method 1: Varicose and Spider Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins appear when the valves in the blood vessels are unable to resist the backflow of blood. As a result, the de-oxygenated blood gets pooled up in the veins, making them appear dark and bulgy (in case of varicose).

Tannins found in witch hazel can help eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Topical application of witch hazel can also reduce the swelling by constricting the tissues and reducing the retention of blood, making this one of the best uses of witch hazel for health.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply witch hazel on the spider/varicose veins

• Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel.
• Dab the affected area with the soaked cotton ball.
• Allow the liquid to air dry completely.

Apply it 2 or 3 times every day. The witch hazel will begin working on the veins, and you will notice a visible change in just a few days. Continue using it for 1 or 2 months to get rid of the condition completely.

Method 2: Acne Treatment

If you have an acne-prone skin, you can use witch hazel as a natural astringent to cleanse your pores. It helps get rid of any bacteria, dirt, and excess natural oil produced by your skin. Witch hazel is also anti-inflammatory and will soothe your irritated skin during flare-ups. It is also highly effective for getting rid of back acne.

Note: If you have an overtly sensitive skin and if the application of witch hazel causes breakouts. Stop the application immediately and try using another remedy to get rid of acne.

Single-Step Treatment: Apple witch hazel on the breakouts

• Pour out some witch hazel on a cotton ball.
• Dab it directly over the acne.
• Allow it to air dry.

Repeat the application 2 or 3 times a day to treat acne within 3 or 4 days.

Method 3: Diaper Rash

The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel can also come in handy to reduce the pain and redness of a diaper rash. It will also get rid of any bacteria that may infect the diaper area. The remedy also contains aloe vera gel, which works as a skin healer, and the lavender oil prevents infection. Lavender oil also increases the shelf life of this spray. This solution can also be used as a facial toner to treat sunburns and heal minor burns and cuts, making it one of the best best uses of witch hazel for health.

Things you’ll need:

• Aloe vera gel (heals skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Lavender oil (anti-inflammatory) – 5 to 6 drops
• Witch hazel (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Add aloe vera gel and lavender oil to witch hazel

• Pour out around 2 tablespoons of witch hazel in a container.
• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel.
• Add 5 to 6 drops of lavender essential oil as well.

Step 2. Mix well and store in a spray bottle

• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
• Transfer the mix to a spray bottle and shake well before each use.
• Clean the diaper area thoroughly.
• Spray the solution all over the diaper area.
• Wait for the liquid to dry completely before securing a fresh diaper.

Use the spray with every diaper change to treat a diaper rash in just 2 to 3 days.

Note: The shelf life of the solution is 2 to 3 weeks, when kept refrigerated at all times.

Method 4: Eczema Relief

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to turn patchy and itchy. It can sometimes also lead to the formation of blisters and cause fluid discharge, indicating infection (medically known as weeping eczema). Witch hazel has been proven effective in dealing with weeping eczema by drying out the blisters and reducing the inflammation. You can also prepare a mask by mixing it with green clay that also helps cool down the skin and relieves severe itching. You can also learn other ways to get rid of eczema here.

Things you’ll need:

• Witch hazel (astringent/anti-inflammatory)
• Green clay (relieves itching) – 2 tablespoons

Single-Step Treatment: Apply a paste of witch hazel and green clay on the affected skin

• Take 2 tablespoons of green clay in a bowl.
• Add enough witch hazel to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected skin.
• Let it dry completely before rinsing it off with cool water.

Use it once every day to banish the itchiness and heal the skin quickly.

Method 5: Cuts and Bruises

The astringent nature of witch hazel can also help heal a cut or bruise by constricting the blood vessels to stopping the bleeding. It reduces the swelling and redness of the bruise. It also works as a disinfectant, cleaning the injured surface to prevent any infection.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply witch hazel on cuts and bruises

• Pour out some witch hazel over a cotton pad.
• Press it against the cut or bruise and hold it for 2 to 3 minutes.

Repeat application 2 or 3 times in a day for 1 or 2 days or more depending on the severity of the wound.

Method 6: Sore Throat

Witch hazel is also an effective remedy for a sore throat. It helps shrink swollen tonsils and pulls out the troubling bacteria. It can work wondrously to relieve pain in conditions such as laryngitis, sinusitis, and tonsillitis. You can also mix in some clove oil, which works as an analgesic to relieve a sore throat.

Things you’ll need:

• Warm water – 1 cup
• Witch hazel (antibacterial) – 1 teaspoon
• Clove oil (pain-reliever) – 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix witch hazel and clove oil in warm water and gargle

• Add 1 teaspoon of witch hazel to 1 glass of warm water.
• Add 2 or 3 drops of clove oil to the solution.
• Mix the ingredients well and use the solution to gargle.

Use this mix as a gargle 3 or 4 times every day for 2 to 3 days to heal a sore throat.

Method 7: Poison Ivy or Oak

If you accidentally brushed up against a poison ivy plant, don’t fret. The compound urushiol present in poison ivy is what leads to contact dermatitis resulting in a painful rash. Witch hazel will help cool down the itch and reduce the swelling. The spray used in this remedy also contains apple cider vinegar (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent), peppermint oil and salt (antiseptics), and aloe vera gel that helps soothe irritated skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Aloe vera gel (soothes skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Salt (antiseptic) – 1 teaspoon
• Peppermint essential oil (antiseptic) – 2 to 3 drops
• Apple cider vinegar (anti-inflammatory) – ½ tablespoon
• Witch hazel (astringent) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Mix aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar in witch hazel

• Pour 2 tablespoons of witch hazel in a container.
• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel.
• Add ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar as well.

Step 2. Add salt and peppermint essential oil

• Add 1 teaspoon of common salt to the mix.
• Finish by adding 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil.
• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3. Transfer the solution into a spray bottle and use

• Transfer the prepared anti-itch solution into a spray bottle and secure the cap.
• Spray it directly on the itch whenever you suffer from a poison ivy rash. It may sting a bit, but the itching will subside in a few minutes, leaving behind a cooling effect.

Repeat application as and when needed. You can store the solution up to 1 month, when kept refrigerated at all times. You can also try out other remedies to get rid of a poison ivy rash in one day here.

Method 8: Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are the swollen blood vessels that result from excessive pressure on the veins around the lower rectum area. This could lead to pain and minor bleeding from the veins. Witch hazel works as an astringent to constrict the blood vessels supplying to the area and, as a result, reduce swelling. It also disinfects the area to prevent infections.

Single-Step Treatment: Regularly wipe the anal area with witch hazel

• Wet a tissue paper with witch hazel.
• Use it to wipe and clean the anal area after bowel movements.
• Alternatively, you can place a witch hazel-soaked tissue over the anal area and leave it overnight.

Use witch hazel regularly for 4 to 5 days to reduce the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Continue using it to keep the area clean to get rid of hemorrhoids.

Method 9: Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a skin condition that leads to red, scaly, and itchy skin patches. A mix of witch hazel and glycerin could help soothe the affected skin and may even treat the condition completely. The witch hazel works as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent, while the glycerin helps seal the moisture into the skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Witch hazel (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon
• Glycerin (attracts moisture) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Mix witch hazel and glycerin in equal proportion

• Take 1 tablespoon of glycerin in a container.
• Add to it 1 tablespoon of witch hazel.
• Mix the two well to form a consistent solution.

Step 2. Store the mix in a spray bottle and use

• Pour the prepared solution into a spray bottle.
• Secure the cap and store.
• Take a bath and pat your skin dry.
• Spritz the solution directly over the affected skin and rub it lightly until it absorbs into the skin completely.

Use it every day after a bath and whenever your skin feels dry. This remedy should provide you relief in just 1 or 2 weeks.

Method 10: Bug Bites Remedy

Bug bites are often accompanied by itchy skin and swollen bumps. You can use witch hazel to reduce the swelling, and its cooling effect will soothe the itchiness. You can add in some peppermint oil, which will work as an anti-inflammatory and cooling agent.

Things you’ll need:

• Peppermint essential oil (cooling agent) – 10 drops
• Spray bottle half-filled with water
• Witch hazel (astringent)

Single-Step Treatment: Mix witch hazel and peppermint oil in water & use

• Fill the remaining portion of the spray bottle with witch hazel.
• Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.
• Secure the cap and shake well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
• Use it as an anti-itch spray whenever you get a bug bite.

The solution will stay good for up to 6 months. You can just spray some on to treat insect bites like bed bug bites, mosquito bites or even chigger bites.

Method 11: Yeast Infection Cure

Yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of Candida Albicans, common fungi found in every healthy human. When the balance conks off, it gives way to an infection. Yeast infection generally develops in moist and warm areas of your body such as the vagina, urinary tract, or underbusts.

Single-Step Treatment: Apply witch hazel on the infected area

• Soak a cotton pad with witch hazel.
• Use it to wipe the infected area.

Clean the infected area 4 to 5 times every day for at least a week to get rid of the infection completely.

BEAUTY

Method 1: Makeup Remover

Witch hazel, combined with other skin-friendly ingredients, can make for a safe makeup remover. The tannic acid, which gives witch hazel its astringent properties, removes excess dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. The coconut oil breaks through the water-proof makeup, and the lavender oil adds antibacterial properties to the wipes. It also increases its shelf life.

Things you’ll need:

• Water – ¼ cup
• Coconut oil (removes water-proof makeup) – 1 tablespoon
• Lavender essential oil (antibacterial) – 8 or 10 drops
• Cotton pads
• Witch hazel (removes excess oil) – 3 tablespoons

Step 1. Mix all the ingredients

• Add around 3 tablespoons of witch hazel to ¼ cup of water.
• Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
• Add 8 or 10 drops of lavender essential oil as well.
• Use a hand blender to mix all the ingredients.

Step 2. Soak the cotton pads in the solution

• Place few cotton pads in a lidded jar.
• Pour the prepared solution over the pads and secure the lid.

Step 3: Use the saturated pads to remove makeup

• Use the saturated cotton pads to wipe off makeup and dirt from the face.

The wipes can be stored and used for up to 1 month.

Note: Do keep a check on the cotton pads. If they get contaminated and begin to develop mold, discard the pads and prepare a fresh batch.

Method 2: Toner for Oily Skin

Those who have it know it what it means to be gleaming unnecessarily throughout the day because you have oily skin. Oily skin also makes dust and pollution stick to your skin leading to acne and breakouts. Using witch hazel can help banish excessively oily skin and its related skin troubles, making this DIY toner one of the best uses of witch hazel for beauty.

Things you’ll need:

• Tea tree essential oil (antibacterial) – 10 drops
• Lavender essential oil (anti-inflammatory) – 10 drops
• Water – ¼ cup
• Apple cider vinegar (exfoliates skin) – ¼ cup
• Witch hazel (astringent) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Mix witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and water in a spray bottle

• Mix ¼ cup each of witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and water in a spray bottle.

Step 2. Add the essential oils and use after every face wash

• Add 10 drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oils.
• Fix the nozzle back and shake well to blend the ingredients.
• Wash your face with face wash.
• Spray the solution all over your face and follow it with your regular skin-care regime.

Use it 1 or 2 times every day to manage oily skin. You can also try out a few DIY face masks for oily skin, to control oil secretion.

Method 3: Dandruff Cure

Witch hazel can come handy as an anti-dandruff treatment. It helps soothe the inflamed and broken skin on the scalp. It also works as a natural conditioner. You can either add it to your regular shampoo or prepare an anti-dandruff spray using witch hazel and essential oils.

Things you’ll need:

• Witch hazel (anti-inflammatory) – 4 tablespoons
• Lavender essential oil (anti-fungal) – 10 drops
• Rosemary essential oil (anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory) – 10 drops
• Sandalwood essential oil (soothes skin) – 10 drops

Single-Step Method: Mix witch hazel and essential oils to make anti-dandruff spray

• Pour around 4 tablespoons of witch hazel into a small spray bottle.
• Add 10 drops each of lavender, sandalwood, and rosemary essential oils.
• After hair wash, squirt the solution generously all over your scalp and hair.
• Use your fingers to work it into the scalp.
• Allow the solution to dry on its own.

Use it after every hair wash to reduce the itching from dandruff and also treat it completely within a month.

Method 4: Eye Bags and Puffy Eyes

Whether it is a heart break, or you worked on all night, puffy eyes can make your face look tired. Stress, hormonal imbalance, and allergies can also lead to puffy eyes. Similar to green tea, tannins present in witch hazel help tighten the skin under the eyes and reduce the puffiness. To increase the effectiveness, refrigerate the witch hazel for 10 to 15 minutes before use.

Single-Step Method: Place witch hazel-soaked cotton pads over baggy eyes

• Soak cotton pads/balls with cool witch hazel.
• Close your eyes and place the soaked cotton pads over the puffy eyes.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes while you relax.
• Remove the cotton pads and your eyes should feel less tired.

Method 5: DIY Deodorant or Body Mist

Commercial deodorants may make you smell great all day, but you cannot ignore the chemicals that harm your body eventually. You can also make your own deodorant by using witch hazel along with other common and skin-safe ingredients.

Things you’ll need:

• Clary sage essential oil (deodorizer) – 10 drops
• Aloe vera gel (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Baking soda (deodorizer) – 1/3 teaspoon
• Witch hazel (antiperspirant) – ½ cup

Note: Do not use Clary sage oil if you are pregnant.

Step 1. Mix witch hazel, Clary sage oil, aloe vera, and baking soda

• Take ½ cup of witch hazel in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel.
• Add 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Finally, add 10 drops of Clary sage oil.

Step 2. Blend well and transfer into a mist bottle

• Use a motorized blender to mix all the ingredients.
• Transfer the solution to an empty and clean mist bottle.
• Shake well each time you use it to banish foul body odor.

Method 6: After-Sun Spray for Sunburns

The cooling and anti-inflammatory witch hazel can also soothe nasty sunburns. You can either apply it directly or mix in some rose water and lavender essential oil, which also have skin-soothing and skin-healing properties.

Things you’ll need:

• Rose water (soothes skin) – ¼ cup
• Lavender essential oil (heals skin) – 5 drops
• Witch hazel (anti-inflammatory) – ¼ cup

Single-Step Method: Combine all the ingredients and use

• Pour ¼ cup of witch hazel into a container.
• Add to it ¼ cup of rose water.
• Also, add 5 drops of lavender essential oil and mix them well.
• Transfer the solution to a spray bottle and refrigerate.
• Spray it over the sunburnt skin and allow it to air-dry.
• Use as needed.

This after-sun spray will stay good up to 2 months when kept refrigerated at all times.

Method 7: Use as Nail Paint Thinner

If your favorite nail paint has gone dry and you don’t have a thinner at hand, revive it with a few drops of witch hazel.

Single-Step Method: Add a few drops of witch hazel to revive dry nail paint

• Add 3 to 4 drops of witch hazel to the dry nail paint.
• Secure the cap and give it a good shake.
• Your nail paint will be restored to liquid form.

Method 8: After-Shave Lotion (Razor Burn)

Witch hazel can also be used as a homemade after-save lotion. It can be combined with some aspirin tablets to soothe the razor burns. The aspirin works as a painkiller, reducing the inflammation of the freshly shaved skin. The witch hazel helps cool down the area.

Things you’ll need:

• Aspirin tablets (painkiller) – 4 tablets
• Witch hazel (anti-inflammatory) – ½ cup

Step 1. Mix aspirin tablets and witch hazel

• Pour ½ cup of witch hazel in a spray bottle.
• Add to it 4 aspirin tablets.

Step 2. Mix well and spray on the razor burns

• Secure the cap of the spray bottle and shake well before each use.
• Spray a generous amount of the homemade after-shave lotion on the freshly-shaved skin.
• Allow it to air dry.
• Use as needed.

Method 9: DIY Sanitizer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do promise killing 99.9% germs but often leave your hands extremely dry. Witch hazel is a non-alcoholic solution for this too.

Things you’ll need:

• Vitamin E oil (moisturizes skin) – 1/3 teaspoon
• Tea tree essential oil (antibacterial) – 15 drops
• Witch hazel (astringent) – 1 and a ½ teaspoon
• Aloe vera gel (antiseptic) – ½ cup

Step 1. Add all the ingredients to a container

• Pour ½ cup of aloe vera gel. You can also make your own aloe vera gel.
• Add 1 and ½ teaspoon of witch hazel.
• Add around 1/3 teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
• Also, add 15 drops of tea tree essential oil.

Step 2. Blend well and store in a squeeze bottle

• Use a hand blender to blend the ingredients well.
• Transfer to a squeeze bottle and use as needed.
  

Method 10: Pores Tightening and Brightening Serum

Everyone desires firm and bright skin. The multi-purpose witch hazel can give you just that. Combine it with some Vitamin C powder that helps lighten skin and lavender essential oil that works as a skin healer.

Things you’ll need:

• Lavender essential oil (heals skin) – 1 or 2 drops
• Vitamin C powder (lightens skin) – 1 teaspoon
• Witch hazel (tightens skin) – ½ cup

Step 1. Mix witch hazel, vitamin C powder, and lavender oil

• Pour ½ cup of witch hazel in a spray bottle.
• Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin C powder.
• Add 1 or 2 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Screw on the cap and shake well to mix the ingredients.

Step 2. Use the solution every day as facial toner

• Clean your face with a facial cleanser.
• Spray the solution all over your face.
• Let it sit for 1 or 2 minutes, and then wipe off the excess liquid with a cotton pad.
• Follow it with your regular moisturizer.

Method 11: Acne Facial Mist

If you suffer from frequent bouts of acne, then this facial mist will serve you well. Witch hazel combined with tea tree oil forms an excellent anti-acne solution. Use it every day and say bye-bye to acne.

Things you’ll need:

• Witch hazel (anti-inflammatory) – ¼ cup
• Tea tree oil (anti-microbial) – 10 drops

Step 1. Mix witch hazel and tea tree oil in a spray bottle

• Pour ¼ cup of witch hazel in a spray bottle.
• Add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil to it.

Step 2. Mix well and use it as anti-acne spray

• Wash your face with your regular face wash.
• Shake the bottle and spray the solution all over your face. Do avoid the eye area.
• Allow the solution to dry completely before applying an oil-free moisturizer.

Use it 2 or 3 times a day to keep pimples at bay. You can also use homemade face masks to get rid of acne and scars.

Tips

• You can also use witch hazel to treat an ear infection such as swimmer’s ear. Just administer 1 or 2 drops of witch hazel in each ear 2 to 3 times a day.
• Witch hazel is a quick remedy for treating blisters in the mouth.
• Even though witch hazel is well tolerated by both kids and adults, it is advisable to do a patch test to check for any side effects.

Summary of How to Use Witch Hazel for Health and Beauty

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