15 Wonderful Uses for Witch Hazel

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I discovered witch hazel in college. I was not exactly the owner of the clearest skin in Britain, and dabbing a little witch hazel extract on my blemished skin stopped me enduring a mountain of abuse. But there are way more uses for this shrub than clearing up spotty skin. (See also: 5 Best Acne Treatments)

To get slightly technical for a moment, witch hazel is (according to Wikipedia):

…an astringent produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch Hazel shrub (Hamamelis virginiana), which grows naturally from Nova Scotia west to Ontario, Canada and south to Florida, and Texas in the United States. This plant was widely used for medicinal purposes by American Indians. The witch hazel extract was obtained by steaming the twigs of the shrub.

The essential oil of witch hazel is not sold separately as a consumer product. The plant does not produce enough essential oil to make production viable, however, there are various distillates of witch hazel (called hydrosols or hydrolats) that are gentler than the "drug store" witch hazel and contain alcohol.

Witch hazel is mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling. The main constituents of the extract include tannin, gallic acid, catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oil (carvacrol, eugenol, hexenol), choline, saponins, and bitters. Distilled witch hazel sold in drug stores and pharmacies typically contains no tannin."

Most drug stores and online pharmacies carry witch hazel in one form or another. My favorite is the handy Witch Stick. But when you get your hands on the mightily useful little medicinal marvel, what can you do with it? Here's a rundown. It's very useful, so put it on the top of your next shopping list.

15 Uses for Witch Hazel

1. The big one: Spot and blemish control

Witch hazel can reduce the inflammation on a pimple. Some people claim daily use helps with acne, and witch hazel can be found in many over-the-counter treatments. Application with a Witch Stick is the most convenient, but you can dab it on with a cotton ball. Ask your pharmacist before you do this, though. (See also: Natural Ways to Fight Acne)

2. Soothe and heal diaper rash

If your baby's rash isn't healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution (Dickinson's is good) with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

3. Shrink bags under the eyes

Some people say that the application of hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It's not an old wives' tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess. And that leads nicely to…

4. Soothe and reduce external hemorrhoids

Not only does witch hazel tighten skin, it's also a good anti-itch remedy. By combining witch hazel with aloe, glycerine or petroleum jelly and rub it on external hemorrhoids, you will reduce itching significantly and dry up most bleeding.

5. Varicose vein relief

Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily.

6. Soothe poison ivy and poison oak

Just like acne and blemishes, the witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling. Something definitely worth packing on your next camping trip.

7. Treat chicken pox blisters

A combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of chicken pox blisters. And it's all-natural. Here's what to do:

Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops bergamot essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel.

Once completely mixed, and 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel and mix again. Pour mixture into spray bottle and use on affected areas (avoiding eyes). A more potent and less unsightly way to treat the chicken pox than traditional calamine lotion.

8. Heal your bruises faster

Been in a fight recently? Well, maybe not. But if you bang your leg or arm and are left with a nasty bruise, a thrice-daily dab of witch hazel can help speed up the healing time of the bruise.

9. Soothe razor burn (and in some instances, prevent it)

The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Apply before or after shaving; it should certainly have an impact on your itchy red skin (and that includes ladies, too).

10. Treat and soothe a nasty sunburn

Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel's specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.

11. Treat dry skin

By applying witch hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

12. Use to heal and soothe various cuts and bruises

Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature's answer to Neosporin. Applying a dab of it will cleanse the cut, protects against infection, and encourage quicker healing of minor skin breaks.

13. Take the bite out of bug bites

With its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Just dab a little on the affected area.

14. Refresh tired eyes

NOT by squirting witch hazel in them, but by soaking a clean rag in witch hazel and cold water and placing the cold compress over your closed eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. If you've been doing a lot of crying, this can get you back to normal quickly.

15. Make your own deodorant

Witch hazel is often used in deodorants due to its natural skin-healing and skin-care properties. Here is a home-made recipe you may want to try.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp high proof vodka
  • 10 drops geranium
  • 10 drops cypress
  • 8 drops bergamot
  • 5 drops neroli
  • 4 drops lavender
  • 3 drops black pepper
  • 4 tb sp (40 ml) witch hazel
  • 2 tb sp (25 ml) cornflower water
  • 2 tb sp (25 ml) orange flower water
  1. Measure the vodka into a 4 oz (100 ml) glass bottle with a spray attachment.
     
  2. Carefully add the essential oils, one by one.
     
  3. Shake vigorously to dissolve the essential oils.
     
  4. Pour the witch hazel into the bottle, using a funnel if necessary, followed by the two flower waters. Shake well.
     
  5. Label the bottle and the deodorant is now ready to use.
     
  6. Before you use the deodorant each time, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the essential oils are fully dispersed.

Note

As with many herbal remedies, certain people, like women who are pregnant or breast feeding, should talk to their physician before using witch hazel. When using witch hazel, let your doctor know if you experience leg swelling, breathing problems, chest tightness or pain, hives, new rashes or irritations, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting or constipation. Most people who use witch hazel will not experience these adverse side effects, but some will, so notify a health official if any problems are noticed.

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Guest's picture
Edie

I've used this product for years, not only is it cheap, but effective for many of the reasons suggested.

I also like Bag Balm. A can lasts me for 3/4 years.

Older products have some good value in them! Try Witch Hazel for blemishes, zits, acne, you will not be disappointed.

Guest's picture
Nicki

Thanks for the tips. Witch Hazel is a great product.
A friend gave me this recipe for a great toner/exfoliant for blemishes or ingrown hairs. One part witch hazel to one part alcohol, then crush a few aspirins into the mixture. Shake before using.
This is the same chemical mix as Tend Skin and other expensive toners.

Guest's picture
Guest

Hi nicki,
the remedy for ingrown hair once you make the solution what do you do next?
thanks,
jen

Guest's picture
Flo

how do u use it though, do u wash your face with it and let it sit for a while then rinse it off, or apply it after cleansing your face and leave it on???

Guest's picture

Thanks for some new ideas and uses for this product!

Fred Lee's picture

I love the idea of natural remedies for things like skin or itch, especially as a parent of two young kids. I'll keep an eye out for witch sticks.

Guest's picture
Vida

I like witch hazel a lot. I've used it as a toner for many years, it's great. I also read the ingredients once on a package of store brand wet toilet wipes and saw that it contained witch hazel.

Guest's picture
Syndi

You can make your own wet wipes using witch hazel. 1 cup distilled water. 1 tablespoon liquid soap. 1 to 2 teaspoons of a vegetable-based oil (I prefer almond). 1 teaspoon 100% aloe. A drop or two of essential oil (lavender is amazing if you're using this for babies). Just mix it all together in a bottle and spay on cloth like napkins. (Viva towels are best.)

Linsey Knerl's picture

I can't sing its praises enough, Paul, so I'm thrilled that you wrote about it. When I was pregnant, it was concerning to hear what's in so many OTC products -- you just don't feel safe using most of the stuff. I loved that witch hazel worked so well on vericose veins and other afflictions.  It's a Mama's best friend!

Linsey Knerl

Guest's picture
Guest

If you bought it at Walgreen's then it was OTC, duhhhh

Guest's picture
Nicole

My sister has always used witch hazel and touted it's benefits for clear skin. After seeing this post, I think it's high time I get some and start using it regularly. I could use some under my baggy eyes today!

Guest's picture

For years I have used Witch Hazel as a DIY aftershave. I just put a few drops of essential oil (i like grapefruit) in it. I love it, it is cheap, doesn't smell to high heaven like other aftershave and I know exactly what I am putting on my face.

Guest's picture

Thanks for the helpful article! I love it when a simple, natural product can be used so many different ways.

Guest's picture

Just wanted to let you know I linked to this in my weekly roundup post. Link is under my name. Thanks!

Paul Michael's picture

Link love is always appreciated. Glad you found this useful!

Guest's picture
ace

I didn't know how useful witch hazel was. It's cheap to buy too.

Guest's picture
Penny

My husband and I are certified organic producers of witch hazel and witch hazel hydrosol. We are working on some videos about harvesting and processing certified organic witch hazel and I will send you the link when they are posted.
Great post and thank you. We will link to it from our page.
Penny and George
A Wild Crops Farm

Guest's picture
Sheryl

I live in Europe and have not found Witch Hazel for sale. I do have a bottle that expired in 2004. Is it still usable?

Thank you.

Guest's picture
Kathy

Hi Penny and George,

My sister has cronic fluid on the ears and takes script after script of antibiotics; she has for years (she is 56). A friend told me about adding 10 drops of witch hazel to distilled water and boil this - then add 10 drops to each ear twice daily. Are you familiar with this treatment for fluid on the ears/chronic sinus infection, etc? Thanks, kathy in Mt Juliet, TN

Guest's picture
Guest Darcy

Which Hazel 16oz bottle

1 Question is this

How Many cups of witch hazel can i put
into bath water?

2 Question is this

How can i make a hot tea, with witch hazel and rosemarry
how much witch hazle and rosemarry to i use for tea?

My husband has serious varicose veins desise

From Darcy
email
edy@gwi.net

Guest's picture
dawn

You didn't mention any of its cleaning properties. Witch hazel is great for bringing the shine back to soapscummy chrome bathroom shower fixtures. It's also the only thin i know of that will easily clean dried hairspray from glass windows.

Guest's picture
Guest

Witch hazel is great for healing tattoos. And awesome for the skin i totally love it

Guest's picture

I use it to shrink the pores on my nose and it works amazing!

Guest's picture
Susan

Thanks for the info. I have had roseaca on my chin and it has left it rather "tough" with large pores. I'm going to try it.

Guest's picture
rosa rugosa

Natural food stores like GNC sell witch hazel w/o alcohol (Thayers is the brand I bought), which is nice if you want to avoid the drying effects of alcohol on your skin, especially on the face. I like using it for a toner/cleanser.
As a gardener, I'll also mention that some cultivars are incredibly beautiful small trees for the garden!

Guest's picture
Guest

i have been buying the dry witch hazel and making a "tea" with it and using it as a toner. I make small batches at a time so it won't go bad. I wonder, if you were to do this would you use something like glycerine as a preservative?

Guest's picture
Michelle

I am a big believer and follower of all-natural products. I spoke with a woman recently regarding my mild adult acne and she had suggested beginning a regimen with a basic natural soap (such as African black soap or as she had recommended, the "Dudu" soap), Witch Hazel (possibly dilute it with 1/4 water), and finish with pure 100% Shea Butter.

The only product I am having difficulty finding is an alcohol-free witch hazel without all the added crap (I tried Thayer's and my face felt 5lbs heavier and sticky). I did see Wild Crops, but I was hoping to find something a little more pocket friendly. Do you have any suggestions? Or do the witch hazels with 14% alcohol generally work ok without overdrying?

I tend to have pretty oily skin so I can't use anything too dry or everything goes into over production, but if I use anything too moisturizing my face feels sticky and gunky. I am trying to find a happy-medium with a more natural regimen.

Guest's picture
Guest

I use Thayer's Witch Hazel with Rose/Vitamin E/Aloe and I add additional aloe gel and blend it on a facial cotton pad at night. I can feel it working and it's very refreshing. I buy my Thayer's from Henry's and Boney's. During the day I use raw African black soap.

Guest's picture
Guest

I would be VERY careful using the Dudu osan soap. I broke out terribly and sunburned badly due to its high concentration of lemon juice. Mind you I can use straight lemon juice without a problem but this soap was my nightmare. Please, please, to prevent bad skin damage, use SPF when using Dudu soap. Thayers rose/witch hazel (like another commenter mentioned) does not feel heavy or sticky at all. The other types of thayers, in my opinion, do. I hope you do not experience the bad effects I did with Dudu osan soap. Good luck.

Guest's picture
Guest

My vet gave me the following recipe for dog ear cleaning solution:
1 part alcohol
1 part white vinegar
smidgen of witch hazel

Guest's picture
Dwight

Happy New Year. I grew up with Dickensons Witch Hazel, my dad is a deciple. His answer to almost any situtation is - use Witch Hazel. He used it to comb our hair, for aftershave, bug bites, cuts, sore muscles, just about everything you mentioned above.

But tonight I wanted to find out just how 'poinsonous' it really is. I have gargled with it periodically over the years. Especially after flossing and my gums bleeding, it feels really good. The dentist was marketing some new kind of antibiotic mouth wash and I figure witch hazel is just as good.

Anyway, is there data on the toxicology of witch hazel?

Guest's picture
Guest

Witch Hazel is NOT toxic unless the mixture you buy has alcohol in it. The isopropyl alcohol is what is toxic.

Guest's picture
Guest

Witch Hazel is NOT toxic unless the mixture you buy has alcohol in it. The isopropyl alcohol is what is toxic.

Guest's picture
Guest

doesn't most mouth wash in the store contain alcohol, and warns you not to swollow? why would the same precautions not apply to witch hazel?

Guest's picture
Guest

Isopropyl Alcohol is not the same as Ethanol (drinking alcohol)
you really don't want to drink isopropyl, the kind in most witch hazel
mouth wash typically has ethanol or a less lethal alcohol

Guest's picture
Lane

I have used witch hazel on my scalp for more than 20 years. When I had an occasional problem with skin irritations (probably pimples) under my hair on the back of my head I began using witch hazel with almost immediate relief. I later started to use it on my entire scalp, rubbing it in and leaving my hair moist. I keep my hair short, less than an inch, so I started to comb my hair while moist and found that it dried pretty fast and in place. After drying I brushed my hair with a short toothed plastic brush and it stayed that way all day but it was soft not stiff. I love using witch hazel and would recommend it to anyone with short hair. Long hair I don't know you may have to experiment. There is no doubt that witch hazel leaves some natural oil on your hair but it does not seem to accumulate from day to day. My two sons in their mid to late 30s do not use witch hazel and are going bald, I am in my 60s and am not going bald. I don't think it will grow new hair but it may help you keep what you have. I'm not making any claims "I just saying".

Guest's picture
Guest

I just wanted to point out that male pattern baldness comes from the mother's side. That is, if your mother's father was bald, then likely you will be bald too. Since you are the boys' father, your hair genes will likely be irrelevant. THeir baldness might not be related to the use of witch hazel.

Guest's picture
Guest

Regarding the comment about male-pattern baldness: my husband has been losing his hair since we were in our early 20s, just like his father, his father's 3 brothers, and his paternal grandfather. All of the men on his mother's side have full heads of hair.

Guest's picture
Guest

I used straight witch hazel (not mixed with water) on a rag on/around my eyes to help the redness and puffiness and although the red eyes are gone.....I got some kind of chemical burn around my eyes and look like a racoon! Carefull!!!

Guest's picture
Guest

hehe that's really funny! im glad

Guest's picture
Carolyn Walden

My dog Boots a Queensland healer is 14 years old and has Arthritis. I give her a joint enhancer daily and that's going on 3 years. At times it's painful and still so hard for her to walk. My grandmother used it all her life and I have used Witch Hazel for 55 years for everything. I keep 4-5 bottles in my house all the time. So I have been rubbing Witch Hazel on her hips and legs twice a day and surly as I'm sitting here she is walking so much better.OMG!! what a joy for her. Thank you Witch Hazel.

Guest's picture
loup garou

thanks! i never thought of those. my grandma told me if you mix it with mouthwash and spray it in your hair (then shampoo it out), it can help it grow longer.
i appreciate the info (i get bruises all the time). way to go!
<3

Guest's picture
Guest

Witch Hazel is also great for taking yellow stains out of finger and toe nails due to dark polish. Put a little in a spray bottle, spritz on toes or fingers after you get out of the shower and it will come right out

Guest's picture
HollyEtta

Love the stuff. Currently I'm using it straight from the bottle on a rather bad scrape on my right hand. I did it on a chain-link fence. It's helping with the inflamation and the pain.

For years I've used a mix of half Witch Hazel and half fresh Cucumber juice on my face. Mix just a small quantity and refrigerate it. Dab it on over the entire freshly cleaned/washed face, follow with regular moisturizer and makeup for the day. It feels good, refreshing.

It helps with those blotches/skin spots and refines the pores. Oh, yes. It also helps those itchy bug bites and rashes.

Guest's picture
Stella

Thanks for such a comprehensive list! I use witch hazel as an astringent/skin toner daily--it's very soothing.  I read somewhere that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties as well...

Guest's picture
Domonique

I really agree with this because I have been using witch hazel for two weeks now and it has worked wonders on my acne

Guest's picture
Domonique

I really agree with this because I have been using witch hazel for two weeks now and it has worked wonders on my acne

Guest's picture
caroline

i cant wait to use it on my face now after ready this as i have been suffering from an adult acne for about a month now and when a few go and clear up, more appear after a day or so, never seem to get anywhere no matter what stuff i try.

Guest's picture
Pat

I just bought a bottle of witch hazel. I have a problem with sweating a lot...especially on my face....and I live in Florida so the high temps and humidity don't help. I read that applying witch hazel at night can lessen sweating the next day. Don't know if it will work but it's worth a try. I remember my mother always having a bottle in our refrigerator. As a kid I never gave it a second thought except that it had a strange name...lol.. I wonder if that is part of the reason she is 82 and people think she in her 60s. Everyone comments on her great skin. Soooooo...if it doesn't help with sweating at least it'll be good for my skin.........but........it would be so wonderful if it helped with the sweating....make up is a joke in the summer...runs right off my face...I need something to keep it under control. Anyone have any other ideas?

Guest's picture
Guest

hi i also have a bad sweat problem on my face and witch hazel is goooood i apply at night as a toner/cleanser and again after showering and it has reduced my sweating about 50% unless doing really active stuff give it a try also i have no lines on my face only nearly 40 but i get comments all the time bonus

Guest's picture
Guest

Buy loose sage leaves and make a strong tea- reduces sweat by 50%- trust me it works!!!!!!

Guest's picture
jessicad

personally using this for several weeks i believe that statement (about it making you sweat less) is true! i live in florida as well, and i cant get enough of this stuff!

Guest's picture
Guest

I love to use Witch Hazel After-Shave. It is a matter of refreshing. I got it from:
http://www.herbs-wholesale.com/witchhazelaftershave-9747.html
My skin is now so cool:)

Guest's picture
Jamie

I have the same problem... It's called hyperhydrosis,, facial sweating... I've read that witch hazel helps with this! I suffer from facial sweats that are so embarrassing and my makeup rubs off to.. All year long... Ordered me a bottle of witch hazel and some astringent with it.. Can't wait for it to come in mail and to try it! Hope this works! Also tea tree oil helps done but doesn't last long.

Guest's picture
GuestTony Nwaokobia

How can one get natural Witch Hazel in Africa precisely Nigeria

Guest's picture
Guest

buy it online

Guest's picture
Guest

How can i get witch hazel in Nigeria

Guest's picture
Guest

I have used Witch Hazel for 2 years now. Twice a day as a toner. I am 56 (soon to be 57) and people don't believe it. I have few lines on my face. My face is clear and the skin is soft and looks good. I have found that name brand witch hazel works better than the store brands-feels better and works faster. I am going back to Dickinson's as soon as I finish this other bottle.

Guest's picture
Guest

do you mix it with water or do you just rub it on your face

Guest's picture
Tabitha

wa la

Guest's picture
R. Lange

I have a problem with underarm odor, and do not want to use aluminum products on my skin, so I accidentally discovered that using witch hazel will help rid me of the odor (even when soap and water won't work)! What a great find for me (and others around me when I couldn't find ANYTHING to help me! I didn't mix it with anything - just put it on a washcloth and used it like soap!

Guest's picture

Young Living has an under arm deodorant that is highly effective and all natural. I use it because I can't use any of the commercial products on the market.

Michelle

Guest's picture
jobu

when i was a kid and we came home from the beach with jellyfish stings, my mother always put witch hazel on them and it REALLY helped.

Guest's picture

Hi Jobu,
I personally have the impression we are loosing trust on natural remedies, thinking pharmaceutical companies have much better solutions for everyone, but remember, even aspirins come from natural sources and were just found because people used natural remedies that had no explanation to anyone.
HERBCYCLOPEDIA

Guest's picture

you can now get on-line Thayers organic witch hazel toners and astringents in the uk and europe from www.thayerswitchhazel.com
hope this helps

Guest's picture
Tim

I started using Thayer's Lemon Witch Hazel this month as an after shave. It is the best I have ever used hands down. No more dyed after shaves or balms loaded with petrochemicals or parabens.

Guest's picture
Heidi

i heard its good for sweating. if u sweat a lot on your face does it stop it?? anyone know

Guest's picture
Yo

It doesn't stop it, but it helps a LOT! I use it in the summer all the time because I'm really sensitive to the heat, and it's especially great for when I'm going out and want to wear a little makeup without it melting off my face after a few hours!

Guest's picture
Guest

I had been suffering from swollen ankles for several months when I bought some witch hazel to try on varicose veins.

I have small patches of the broken blood vessels on my ankles and noticed some enlarged veins around the lower parts of my feet.

I began a daily wipe down of these areas and within 5 days noticed I no longer had any swelling in my ankles.

I continued the daily application for a couple of months, when I decided to relax my regimen. I still use it a couple of times a week, but have not had swollen ankles AT ALL since.

Guest's picture
Merwin

One day a few years back I was walking alone in the woods on a sunny late winter day and stopped for a few minutes and suddenly noticed I was smelling a most wonderful fragrance. I saw no flowers .. it was winter. I thought it must have been the presence of angels. It was later that I learned I was catching the scent of Witch Hazel. It's nice to know what it looks like .. and every time I'm reminded of the presence of angels when I see the bush and smell the flowers.

I'm anxious to try some on my scalp. Thanks for all the info.

Guest's picture
Guest

Another soothing use for witch hazel is for care of the swollen area after childbirth. Tremendous relief not only with swelling reduction properties but with the cooling first application.

Guest's picture
Roisin

I think it's also used to gargle with, by singers and public speakers? I have seen it in stores related to voice training - they have the sheet music etc, and a shelf of Witch hazel stuff :P

I don't know if anyone has mentioned that - if so, I'm sorry for repeating! I read through the comments but maybe I missed it :-)

If anyone knows more about this though, I'd love to know more!

Guest's picture
scott

Is it good for gum disease? do you know?

thanks.

Guest's picture

Witch hazel has many properties but we shouldn´t use it in excess as it contains marginal quantities of safrol, a known carcinogen that has been linked to hepatic adenomas in rats. This is not only the case of Hamamelis virginiana but also certain essential oils.

Guest's picture
diane

now that i read what you posted about not using it excessively as it contains marginal quantities of safrol, it makes me think not to use it at all. I was using it at night after cleansing face and I am well satisfied with it and was going to use it everyday. What to do.....I have acne breakouts often and i am over 60 and it has helped me alot so far.

Guest's picture
Dee

Has anyone ever heard of using Witch Hazel to help grow hair back??

Guest's picture

The only medical trials I´ve ever heard related to the use of Hamamelis for hair were performed by the University of Freiburg, Germany, but only for hair loss.

Guest's picture
Anne

how would you use it though? I have had hair loss due to stress I think and mild PCOS recently. How would you apply it and where? I also heard you could use it for intimate wash is that true?
Thankx

Guest's picture
Timaya

T.N. Dickinson's is 100% natural !

Guest's picture
leisel

also works well with olive oil as makeup remover :)

Guest's picture
Catherine

I recently dry-shaved... the worst decision of my life. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like my legs were on fire. It was god awful. Never again will I make such a mistake. So I ran downstairs to the kitchen after some helpful googling, and pulled out the milk. I used a paper towel to rub it all over my legs. It did work, but only providing temporary relief, because after I went back up stairs, the burn returned. Long story short, I ended up using witch hazel, and it is a miracle product indeed. All redness and irritation was gone in a matter of minutes. In fact, it even provided results within the first few seconds. Witch hazel is a must-have astringent - a staple for miscellaneous bodily malfunctions.

Guest's picture
Guest

Same here, I had razor bumps they spreed all over from one follicle to the other, and I used witch hazel, and the bumps were gone in minutes.....I couldn't even show them to my doctor because they were so swollen before I went, but the redness went away, and the bumps literally vanished..

Guest's picture
Lisa

I have used it on my face for 20 years and it helps keep the redness out of some harmless skin cancers. Not saying it is a cure, but one has gone completely. I also use paw paw on the skin cancers.
But I have been using Dickinson's on a major surgery scar (hysterectomy) and as a cold compress on my very sore swelly belly and it looks very good after only one week.
Highly recommend it for anyone healing a swollen wound.
I hear some plastic surgeons use it also.
But, my doctor and none of the nurses in the hospital knew anything about it, which is a shame as it works so good.

Guest's picture
Susan

I have had many pre-cancers, basal cell cancers, and a melanoma. I go every year for a full body check with a dermatologist. Precancers will turn cancerous eventually, then you'll have scars. I personally wouldn't risk using WH on precancers. I do use it WH for roseaca and it works well, but I don't know that I would trust it for permanently reducing precancers or "harmless" cancers. Many skin cancers grow down into the skin and not necessarily bigger on the surface that you can see.

Guest's picture
Guest

Do not let this go. Get them removed. If let go they can grow deeper and you will have to have deep gouges out of your face to get rid of it. If your doctor says not to remove, get another opinion. Line up a plastic surgeon for after surgery.

Guest's picture
Guest

Have used Witch Hazel for many things and have been very pleased with results. But as I often suffer with cold sores and the usual cold sore treatments don't help I was wondering if anyone has tried witch hazel instead and if the results have been positive!

Guest's picture
Guest

I ocassionally suffer with cold sores as well and was wondering if witch hazel workes on it?

Guest's picture
cari nn

Look into Melissa (also called lemon balm) essential oil for the cold sores.

Guest's picture
Katt

also to get rid of acne...
1. wet face w/ warm water
2. exfoliate face w/ lemon juice + sugar
3. rinse face w/ warm water then w/ cool water to close pores
4. Pat face dry
5.soak a cotton ball w/ Sea Breeze Astrigent + clean your face w/ it... that will take the residue that you didn't get when you were washing your face
6. you can but you don't have to, you can use a light moisterizer
the astrigent moisterizes your skin but if you feel the need too, you can use a LIGHT moisterizer.

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Guest smooth

i was raised on witch hazel i'm over 50 , for bruses, black eyes .pink eye. sprang ,swelling ,after a shampoo the feeling is great on the scalp, hemmorids .itching , fever blister .swimmers ear. cramps with a moist towel on the ovaries section of the tummy. swollen joints hanky moisten wraped on the fingers.towel for larger arears.so many uses . peace: smooth

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Guest

I love witch hazel! I used to use Clinique's skin toner and loved it for many years. I noticed two of the main ingredients were witch hazel and rosewater. So I buy a bottle of witch hazel at my local drug store and a bottle of rosewater at the local herb store or natural food place (about 15 dollars for 4 ounces). Then, I pour half the witch hazel into another bottle and add half the bottle of rosewater to each bottle. TA-DA!!!! My own toner/astringent. I use it twice a day and it's marvelous - even got my husband using it! Since I have combo skin, it keeps the oil down in my T-zone and keeps the rest of the skin moisturized. Been doing this for about 4 years and love it!!!

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Susan

I wrote about 2 months ago and said I was going to try it for rosaeca on my chin, which had made the pores larger and the skin kind of tough. It has worked great. After washing my face with Dove, I pat it dry with a CLEAN wash cloth. Then I use a cotton ball to apply the witch hazel. I do put Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin with SPF on after the witch hazel has air dried. Within a week I could see my red chin spot beginning to get smaller. It has been 2 months now. It hasn't all completely gone, but is so different in texture it has given me new hope. I talked to a relative who is a pharmacist who has his own "natural" garden. I told him what I was doing and he was all for it. I'm 57 yo. Please take care of your skin now, say no to surgeries!

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Guest

I've been using witch hazel now as a "whole face" aftershave for a little over 6 months. I wet my face and apply it to all exposed skin from the base of my neck upwards -face, nose, forehead, fronts and backs of my ears, and back of my neck.

I think, and my wife agrees, that my skin is a lot better now. I looks healthier and, she says it looks younger. I think it took about two weeks to see the difference. I use Thayers. It has aloe, glycerin, etc. Near as I can tell, it is all natural.

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michael

this information in what you really needed

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KT

I've been using witch hazel as an astringent every night for the past 6 months and haven't noticed anything. Grrrrr

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NikkiG

Years ago I went to my gyno for a mild yeast infection. He told me to wipe w/witch hazel, and viola, it was gone in 2 days.

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Brawny71

That deodorant recipe looks like a lot to buy, how much would it make? That being said, I love Thayer's (alcohol-free) Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner!

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Guest

I learned about witchhazel in the Army to help heal blisters, it works. It also helps to reduce the pain from muscle aches. If you're a person that pushes their body too far sometimes it's good to have around.

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jackie

can you use witch hazel on a stye?

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Guest

I used it on my dog for bug bits and Itching and dry skin she love it after I give her a rinse with it by pouring it strait on her with out getting any by her eyes or mouth . try it you will see it great