These healing qualities are attributed to tannins, the chemical that gives plants and fruits their dry, bitter taste. Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, is a small, yellow-flowered, North American shrub containing a high level of tannins. You will find many different brands of witch hazel preparations on the market. Some are excellent; others are diluted and not as effective. The best witch hazel is made fresh from leaves and bark and used within a week of preparation. You will find the method below. Use witch hazel undiluted to clean jewelry. Soak the piece in witch hazel, then dry. Or wipe the jewelry down with a cotton ball or cotton swab moistened with witch hazel. Mop Floors Some studies indicate that witch hazel may be beneficial in fighting certain types of viral infections. Scalp sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from cosmetic hair treatments to dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Dr. Ihor Basko, a holistic veterinarian based in Honolulu, Hawaii, often combines witch hazel with aloe vera juice (using a one-to-one ratio) as a simple home remedy for itchy skin. Risks of Witch Hazel for Dogs An astringent is a substance that promotes the contraction of skin tissue, usually made with alcohol. In other words, an astringent tightens the skin and closes up pores, meaning less oil on your face. The alcohol in the astringent dries up whatever oil is left over. Witch Hazel Uses for Your Skin To make it, add Witch Hazel leaves and/or bark to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 45 minutes and drink it as is, or use honey to sweeten it. Soothing Witch Hazel Gel for Skin IrritationsHayes E, McCuiston LE, Kee J. Pharmacology: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences. As soon as you feel the beginning of a cold sore, dab on a little witch hazel. Witch hazel can get rid of cold sore overnight. It calms the inflammation and prevents it from progressing to the blister stage. Use it regularly on existing cold sores to speed healing. Heal Sore Gums and Mouth Mix witch hazel and water in a spray bottle. Add essential oil. Shake and spray on fabrics or to clear stale smells. Clean Your Jewelry Witch hazel is an excellent tonic for scarred skin and tightly stretched skin. Pregnant and breastfeeding women use witch hazel wipes over the stretched belly and breasts to reduce stretch marks, even out the skin tone, and make scars less noticeable. Moisturize Dry, Itchy Skin

Korting HC, Schafer-Korting M, Hart H, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin. Influence of vehicle and dose. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1993;44:315-8.. View abstract. Apply the witch hazel to a cotton pad or cloth and place it on the affected skin.Keep the moist pad on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove pad and allow the skin to dry naturally. Witch Hazel Use as an Antiperspirant Sterex Witch Hazel Gel is perfect for use after any hair removal treatment, Sterex witch hazel gel is an ideal addition to your professional beauty salon. Containing natural witch hazel gel containing 80% liquid extract of witch hazel. Boots Boots Witch Hazel Gel is a soothing gel that helps keep the skin clear and helps prevent spots and pimples.This may prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting your skin. For this reason, witch hazel is commonly added to many over-the-counter acne products and is especially useful for individuals with oily skin. Witch hazel uses and benefits are numerous. It is a wonderful skin cleanser, also a useful household product for cleaning and antiseptic use. In generations past, it was found in almost every medicine cabinet and used daily. Witch hazel is often used as a natural remedy to provide relief from the discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids. Trüeb RM. North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Based Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out. Int J Trichology. 2014 Jul;6(3):100-3. View abstract. Witch hazel regulates the oil production of the skin, removes excess oil, and kills bacteria on the skin that cause odor problems. With regular use, it acts as an antiperspirant, but it may take a few days to get perspiration regulated. Use a deodorant as needed. Improve Your Mood

Though research is limited, witch hazel is believed to help treat the itching, redness, pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory effects ( 9). Anyone desiring to use witch hazel orally should seek solutions that do not contain isopropyl alcohol and are not labeled “For External Use Only”. Summary Typical preparations include alcohol, so read the label and make sure you are getting the type you want. You will usually find alcohol preparations labeled as witch hazel and non-alcohol preparations labeled as witch hazel water. What is the Best Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel works to relieve hives and allergic reactions by suppressing the inflammatory response and soothing the skin. It also shrinks the blood vessels on the skin, calming the histamine response. Witch Hazel for Hives and Allergic Rashes Hormann HP, Korting HC. Evidence for the efficacy and safety of topical herbal drugs in dermatology: part I: anti-inflammatory agents. Phytomedicine 1994;1:161-71.

What’s more, it has hemostatic properties, meaning that it may stop bleeding caused by hemorrhoids ( 10).To use Witch hazel to combat acne, mix witch hazel with water and tea tree oil, and then apply to the affected areas using a cotton swab. Witch Hazel Facial Toner Sensitive skin, defined by abnormal sensory symptoms, is a very common condition, affecting an estimate of up to 45% of Americans ( 6). Witch hazel shrinks the inflammation and helps heal sore gums and mouth sores. Swish witch hazel around the mouth after brushing and spit it out. Soothe a Sore Throat and Laryngitis