Top 48 Health & Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Its Uses & Side Effects

What Is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is known as a deciduous tree that explodes with aromatic yellow flowers in the late fall & winter. Three species of this tree come from North America, in which Hamamelis virginiana grows extensively east of the river of Mississippi. After the bark and leaves of the witch hazel are steamed or boiled, the distillate is mixed with alcohol. This extract is commonly used as witch hazel water. Moreover, you may also use the bark and leaves of the witch hazel to make a tea. There are a lot of benefits of witch hazel for health, skin, and hair. To discover these benefits, read this articles on the Effectiveremedies.com in the line of Superfoods.

What Are The Benefits Of Witch Hazel & Its Uses On Health & Beauty?

In fact, witch hazel has been applied in the treatment of problems related to health by the Chinese, Native Americans, and Japanese for centuries. The volatile oils, tannins, gallic acid, flavonoids (procyanidins), resin, and many other natural components present in witch hazel give it the astringent, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial effects. Hence, witch hazel oils, extracts, and teas are also used in natural remedies for many skin problems such as:

• Burns
• Cuts and bruises
• Puffy eyes
• Itchy and irritated skin
• Insect bites and bee stings
• Blemishes
• Cold sores
• Acne
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Poison Ivy
• Boils

In addition, this plant is also useful for many other health conditions such as:

• Dandruff
• Bleeding and sore gums
• Ulcers
• Hemorrhoids
• Diarrhea and dysentery
• Arthritis pain
• Varicose veins
• Sprains
• Heavy menstruation
• Stiff muscles

Moreover, the anti-aging and antioxidant effects in witch hazel are also helpful for reducing the damage of the sun's UV radiation, wrinkles, and aging symptoms.

1. Health Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Treat HPV

Witch hazel slows down the expansion of HPV warts. To use this for treating HPV, distill witch hazel to take its juice. Then, apply it to warts for about 10 minutes. Next, use a soft cloth to clean your warts. Repeat this remedy twice daily within 1 to 2 weeks.

2. Treat Folliculitis

Witch hazel helps to reduce the itch and redness caused due to folliculitis. You may soak a clean cotton pad in the witch hazel and then apply it to the affected areas for about 10 minutes. Repeat this action twice daily until the folliculitis condition gets better.

3. Health Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Get Rid Of Blood Blisters

The astringent tannins present in the witch hazel are effective in reducing the pain, drying out blood blisters quickly, and reducing inflammation. Dab a little witch hazel extract on the blood blisters and then let it dry. Repeat it for 4 times per day within 1 or 2 weeks.

4. Health Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Soothe Bed Bug Bites

Witch hazel contains a mild anesthetic due to its tannins properties, which helps you to reduce the itchiness caused due to the bed bug bites.

For more information about remedies for soothing bed bug bites with witch hazel, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Bed Bugs Bites Removal On Body  (Remedy no. 4)

5. Treat Chicken Pox Blisters

The astringent properties in the witch hazel help to reduce the itching and give a cool feeling to your skin. It also helps to shrink the blisters thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties in it. Simply, regularly dab the witch hazel on the blisters with the help of a cotton pad.

6. Treat Itchy Eyes

Witch hazel is considered as one of the common ingredients for treating inflammation in America and India. So, simply soak cotton balls in the witch hazel and then apply them to the eyes. Then, you will feel more comfortable because it contains astringent properties that help to reduce the swelling.

7. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Stop Bleeding

Witch hazel can naturally tighten the skin and promote a faster healing process.  Use organic witch hazel to apply to the minor scrapes & cuts to stop bleeding. Witch hazel bought at the stores contains isopropyl alcohol that disinfects, making it become a common option for cleaning wounds or cuts before bandaging.

8. Relieve Hemorrhoid

Relieving hemorrhoid is considered among health benefits of witch hazel. It contains mild astringent and healing properties that can aid in relieving the discomforts caused due to hemorrhoids. This astringent effect may be useful in reducing pain, itching, & swelling and shrinking the inflamed blood vessels.

You can get detailed instructions for using with hazel for hemorrhoid at Natural Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids Treatment & Pain Relief (Remedy no. 7)

9. Treat Fever Blisters

Witch hazel may suppress the pain as well as reduce the time of a blister outbreak. It consists of the powerful antioxidant effects that get rid of fever blisters effectively. In addition, it also reduces the inflammation and treats your sores fast.

To get the detailed recipe of using witch hazel for treating fever blisters, click at the Natural Home Remedies for Fever Blisters on Face in Adults  (Remedy no. 20)

10. Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Remove Genital Warts

Witch hazel can help to make tissues shrink and then fall off by inhibiting the growth of warts and cutting off the supply of blood to these tissues.

To get more information about methods for removing genital warts with witch hazel, click at the  Natural Home Remedies for Warts on Hands, Feet & Other Parts (Remedy no. 3)

11. Home Remedies For Frostbite

This herb is good for treating frostbite safely and quickly. It also aids in improving the frozen skin areas as well as preventing further infections. To use this herb, pour witch hazel on the affected skin areas.

12. Reduce Digestive Problems

The tea from witch hazel is also a therapeutic natural ingredient that is great for people who suffer from diarrhea or dysentery. It soothes the troubled gut and aids them in recovering faster. Nevertheless, remember to consult your doctor before using this tea.

13. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Treat A Sore Throat

Thanks to its astringent effects, witch hazel can help to reduce the discomfort caused by a sore throat.  Simply, gargle with this tea to relieve the swelling, dry out the excess mucus, and reduce the pain caused by sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, or some other throat diseases.

14. Relieve Poison Ivy & Poison Oak

The itching & burning caused due to poison ivy & poison oak can be relieved with a simple application of the witch hazel. In addition, it also helps to ease the swelling. Simply, dab a little witch hazel tonic on your infected area to cleanse it and relieve the itch.

15. Health Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Treat Damaged Gums

Treating damaged gums is another of benefits of witch hazel that you should know. A mouth rinse from witch hazel can help to relieve the pain and swelling caused due to the infected or irritated gums. It also helps to stop the minor bleeding of your gums.  Try 1 teaspoon of this tea with 1 drop each of myrrh and clove oil to reduce teething pain for infants safely.

16. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Dry Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s Ear, also called Otitis externa is caused by a microbial infection of your ear canal.  Add some drops witch hazel to each ear with an eye dropper to dry up the pus, remove excess oil, and destroy wax and debris that clog your ear canal.  Let your ears drain and then gently clean with a clean cotton swab.  Follow up with an anti-microbial like apple cider vinegar, basil oil, or tea tree oil.

17. Treat Cold Sores

You can dab a cotton ball soaked with witch hazel on the cold sores a few times per day to reduce uncomfortable, unsightly cold sores. According to scientists in Germany, the antiviral properties present in witch hazel may inhibit the development of cold sores.

18. Soothe Diaper Rash

The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb make it a safe remedy for soothing the pain caused due to diaper rash.  Regularly applying this liquid will also help to reduce the damaged skin faster and then reduce the discomfort.

19. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Treat Eczema

Treating eczema is among benefits of witch hazel thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. It not only aids in stopping the incessant itching but also reduces some symptoms such as scaling, redness, scarring, and burning.

Simply apply witch hazel to the affected skin areas twice a day.

20. Treat Varicose Veins

Witch hazel can aid in strengthening your blood vessels and relieving the symptoms of this problem. Besides being an astringent, it consists of gallic acid and essential oils, which are useful in reducing the swelling & pain.

To know how to use witch hazel for treating varicose veins, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Varicose Veins On Legs And Face (Remedy no. 6)

21. Soothe Razor Burn

The anti-inflammatory property found in witch hazel help to stop the itchy and bumps around the irritated hair follicles. You may also apply it before shaving for preventing, or after for soothing any razor burn.

Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Burns On Skin Including Hand & Face

22. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Home Remedies For Cysts

Being a natural astringent, witch hazel can help you to remove cyst effectively by using its leaves and barks. It also contains tannins that can tighten the pores and remove excessive oil on the skin.

Simply, apply a little witch hazel cream or gel to the affected area daily.

23. Treat Swollen Lips

The list of benefits of witch hazel will be incomplete without including the treatment for swollen lips. It can aid in reducing swelling, cleaning the cut, and soothing the pain.

To learn the remedies for swollen lips using witch hazel, click at the How to Get Rid of Swollen Lip Fast and Naturally (Tip no. 14)

24. Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Fight Acne

This natural astringent may help to fight acne by reducing the inflammation, oil buildup, and redness. It may also reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin and speed up the healing process of scars, infection, and scabs. If your skin is oily, it helps to balance the pH level of your skin and moisturize it without making your skin greasy.

Use a cotton ball to apply witch hazel to the affected skin for a few times per day.

25. Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Remove Your Makeup

The astringent effects in witch hazel make it ideal as a natural makeup remover. It helps to remove any trace of makeup quickly, which will speed up the nighttime routine. You can also make a homemade makeup removal to save your money.

26. Fade Away Blemishes And Bruises

This is one of other benefits of witch hazel for skin. It is useful in treating blemishes already present on your face or other skin areas. Apply witch hazel to the affected areas to reduce irritation & appearance of acne or other skin conditions. When applied to bruises, witch hazel can also aid in fading discoloration and reduce the healing time of any underlying damage.

It is amazing when talking about healing bruises. Simply, soak a thin cloth into the cup with witch hazel and then apply it to the bruise a few times per day.

27. Nourish Dry Skin

Witch hazel removes excess oil & impurities and then nourishes your skin with moisturizing properties that help to prevent your skin from drying out. Even though it does eliminate oils from the skin, it will not dry it out like other store-bought astringents. When used right after taking a shower, it helps to seal in the moisture, which is great for dry skin.

Learn more: Natural Home Remedies For Dry Skin On Face & Body In Winter

28. Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Cleanse Oily Skin

Witch hazel does a great job that helps to get rid of sweat, oil, and dirt from your face and balance the oil production of your skin. If you use this liquid once a day, you will really be amazed about your skin.

See more: The Best Makeup For Oily Skin And Acne

29. Home Remedies For Rashes

Removing rashes is another of benefits of witch hazel because it is a natural astringent. This means that it helps to prevent the inflammation of your rashes. In addition, it is also effective in fighting other skin infections including psoriasis and eczema.

For information about the remedies for rashes with witch hazel, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Rashes On The Body (Remedy no. 10)

30. Relieve Staph Infection

Relieving staph infection is another of benefits of witch hazel. It helps to keep infections at bay and reduce inflammation thanks to its natural astringents. It is also used to decrease the development of bacteria, so this liquid is one of the effective remedies for staph infection at home.

Click at the Natural Home Remedies for Staph Infection on Face & Body Skin  (Remedy no. 3) to know how to use witch hazel to treat a staph infection.

31. Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Tighten Belly Skin

Witch hazel is comprised of tannins, adding to its astringent agents that are useful in tightening your skin. When mixed with rosemary that helps to improve your blood circulation, it aids in tightening your belly skin after losing weight.

To know this useful remedy using witch hazel, click at the Home Remedies For Natural Skin Tightening After Weight Loss (Remedy no.8)

32. Reduce Sunburn

The extract of the witch hazel acts as a natural astringent to assist in treating a lot of skin conditions including sunburn. Witch hazel contains tannins & catechins that may soothe the inflammation caused by sunburn by reducing the swelling, soothing the damaged skin, and killing the bacteria.

To know how to use witch hazel to reduce sunburn, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Sunburn Relief On Shoulders & Other Parts  (Remedy no. 24)

33. Treat Sun Damaged Skin

Witch hazel, when mixed with aloe vera, baking soda, mint leaves, and clean water, helps to heal your sun damaged skin.

To discover the detailed recipe with this liquid, click at the Natural Sun Damaged Skin Treatment (Remedy no. 10)

34. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Remove Hickies

The tannins in witch hazel can help you to stop bleeding and accelerate the healing process.  The tannins may also tighten the skin proteins while its anti-inflammatory property can clear hickies quickly.

Soak a cloth in this witch hazel tea and put it on the hickies for a few times per day. Or, mix witch hazel with arnica salve and rub this on your hickies.

35. Fight Signs Of Aging

Witch hazel can help to treat premature aging and signs such as wrinkles, the loss of skin elasticity, discoloration, dryness, redness, and scars. It also aids in protecting the skin against melanoma, cancer, and other damage caused by ultraviolet light, thanks to its polyphenols and tannins that may inhibit the rapid increase of melanoma cells, aiding in protecting healthy skin cells when you age.

See more: Natural Home Remedies For Wrinkles On Face

36. Prevent And Treat Stretch Marks

Witch hazel may tighten the loose skin around your scars, which will reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You may also use it as a preventative, so this is something that every pregnant woman needs to have on hand.

Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Stretch Marks On Breasts & Thighs

37. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Treat Skin Irritation

This is one of other benefits of witch hazel that you should know. Applying witch hazel cream can reduce mild skin irritation. Some research shows that using a witch hazel ointment (Hametum) on the skin may help to improve some symptoms of an irritated skin or skin injury as effectively as the dexpanthenol cream in children.

38. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Make A Natural Deodorant

Making a natural deodorant is another of benefits of witch hazel that you should not ignore. Mix 1/2 cup witch hazel, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 cup of the gel or juice of aloe vera, and 10 drops of sage oil. Then, pour this mixture into a spray bottle to use it. After using, it is wet for a while and then dries fast after soaking into the skin.

39. Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Brighten The Skin Around Eyes

Its ability to tighten the skin and reduce the inflammation makes it a great natural remedy for healing discoloration and puffiness around the eyes; and this is one of the popular beauty benefits of witch hazel.  Just remember not to let this natural astringent contact in the eyes because it will lead to significant pain, and lingering the discomfort from the dryness.

40. Use Witch Hazel After Hair Removal

You can use witch hazel following up to shaving any body part. Not only does it stop bleeding from cuts or nicks but it also works to prevent razor burn. Moreover, people who use hot wax treatments for removing hair may also use witch hazel as a natural anti-inflammatory post-waxing and use it to stop bleeding from the damaged hair follicles.

41. Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Tame Frizzy Hair

In case, you have a frizzy hair, it can aid you in taming your hair. Just pour a little witch hazel into your shampoo before shampooing your hair.

42. Remove Dandruff

The essential oils present in the witch hazel aid in nourishing your scalp and rejuvenating the dry scalp. Use witch hazel as a natural conditioner after shampooing to help to remove dandruff and give a shining look to the hair.

43. Treat Dry Scalp

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that aids in curing the dry & itchy scalp by relieving the inflammation. It also eases the itchy scalp caused by hair coloring.

To get the detailed recipe of using witch hazel for treating dry scalp, click at the Quick Natural Home Remedies For Dry Scalp In Winter (Remedy no. 20)

44. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Cure Itchy scalp

Thanks to the natural astringent effects in the witch hazel, this herb can help to cure itchy scalp effectively. Also, it may keep the dryness at bay.

You can get detailed instructions for using with hazel for curing itchy scalp at Natural And Effective Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp In Summer (Remedy no. 11)

45. Remove Oily Hair

It helps completely eliminate the oil from your hair. You may follow the following steps to make this solution.

Take witch hazel oil (4 drops) and then mix it with 2 tablespoons of water. Dab a clean cotton ball into this mixture and apply this cotton ball to the scalp. Repeat it daily or 3 to 4 times per week.

46. Adds Volume To The Hair

The extract of the witch hazel is volatile in nature. So, you may use it on the hair when preparing to style it. Remember to use its non-alcoholic form for this purpose. You may easily find it from a drugstore. Pour this solution into a clean spray bottle and spray it on the hair and allow it to stay for 7 to 10 minutes before styling your hair.

47. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Reduce Irritation Of The Scalp

In fact, people with skin conditions such as psoriasis usually have broken scalp that gives an annoying burning sensation. The extract of the witch hazel may reduce the healing time of the broken scalp as well as help to repair the wounds to reduce the irritation.

48. Reduce Hair Loss

Witch hazel enhances the circulation of the blood to the hair roots when massaged on your hair. This fortifies the grasp of your hair follicle into your scalp tissues and helps to keep hair fall under control.

See more: Best Natural Home Remedies For Hair Fall Control & Treatment

What Are The Side Effects Of Using Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is most probably safe for most adults if used directly on their skin. For some people, it may cause minor irritation on their skin.

Witch hazel has safrole, a cancer-causing chemical, but in too small amounts to be of concern.

Witch hazel is very likely safe for most adults if they take small doses. For some people, it may cause stomach upset as taken by mouth. A large dose may cause liver-related problems.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: There is still not enough reliable data about the safety of using witch hazel for pregnant or breastfeeding women. So, it is better to avoid using it.

Children: Witch hazel is very likely safe for children if applied directly to their skin.

Where And How To Buy Witch Hazel?

Many products – particularly these on the shelves in chain retail stores can be marked as witch hazel on the labels.  However, most of them are diluted with isopropyl alcohol that dries out the skin and hampers its rejuvenating & healing abilities. When buying witch hazel, opt for an organic witch hazel that does not contain isopropyl alcohol or any other potentially harmful chemicals.

References:

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0088062

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/72/2/339.short

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25210333

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