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I thought I was pretty cool until I realized plants can eat sun and poop air. Let me give you a few seconds with THAT mental image. Is it vivid? Good. Because apparently, plants nowadays have added to their awesomeness by having superpowers.
What I really mean is, out of the many plants that we use in our houses or on our bodies, witch hazel is one of them. It’s an overlooked plant that’s used for many things….you’d be surprised! It’s used everywhere from fighting acne, treating diarrhea, to an easy DIY household cleaner.
What is Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel is basically a plant. It’s leaves, bark and twigs are all used in some way or another, usually to make medicine. On a manufacturing level, witch hazel leaf extract, bark extract, and witch hazel water are combined to make a liquid that’s easy to use on a daily basis.
Is Witch Hazel Safe?
Witch hazel is actually quite safe. If consumed directly to help with diarrhea or any other stomach related issue, it could cause a little pain or a minor stomach upset. If you apply it to the skin, it could cause a bit of inflammation, however, this is also quite rare.
As with anything, too much of something is harmful. Consuming too much witch hazel could cause kidney or liver damage. Avoid witch hazel if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.
20 Witch Hazel Uses:
1. Gentle Surface Cleaner
Is your kitchen counter so sticky that your fingers go on a mini slip and slide every time you clean? Give it a good spritz of witch hazel. Wipe down the counter as you normally would, and this will leave a wonderful shine on the surface for sure.
And I totally understand that after the dinner rush, you really don’t want to spend any more time in the kitchen than you have to! Any surface like granite or marble which is shiny can be cleaned easily with witch hazel. Be sure to use a microfiber cloth, as this will absorb much more dirt and particles.
2. Pet Stain Eliminator
Accidents are bound to happen when you own pets. Or kids. When any pet stains occur, clean it up with paper towels or any cloth that easily absorbs whatever presents your pet left behind. Then spray some witch hazel in the area to avoid any setting in or any funky odors from staying behind.
3. DIY Deodorant
Whew! If you’re wondering where that stench is coming from after your workout, there’s no way it’s you. Kidding, it’s totally you. Oh look, that plant just withered as soon as you passed it on your jog.
Trust me, deodorants are probably the number one product I end up spending all my money on. Make this DIY deodorant to keep people safe around you and save money!
Add a bit of witch hazel extract to cotton pads, and dab your underarms. Let it dry before you put on any clothes. For a scented deodorant, add 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract and rose water to a spray bottle. Use it every day!
4. Cold Sores
Cold sores aren’t fun or attractive, and can really irk you especially in the wintertime when your skin lacks moisture. Dab some witch hazel directly onto the cold sore to prevent it from blistering. If it’s already blistering, the witch hazel will reduce it.
5. Carpet Cleaner
Keeping the carpet clean is a monumental task. Keeping a white carpet clean? Equivalent to wearing the Thanos gauntlet. Painful. But not impossible!
Use a mixture of club soda, witch hazel and spritz it onto the carpet. The witch hazel acts like alcohol, cutting through all the grease and dirt. Your carpet will be clean in no time! Test it out on a patch of the carpet before you go overboard and apply it over your entire $300 carpet.
6. Jewelry Cleaner
Noticing that your jewelry is starting to look a little dull? Wet wipes aren’t going to do the trick this time! Yes, I’m totally guilty of doing this when I run out of time. Who isn’t?
Apply some witch hazel to cotton cloth/pad, and clean your jewelry. Since it acts like alcohol, it cuts through the grease and dirt, giving you that shine again.
7. Treat Troublesome Skin
Let’s be real. We get a new pimple at least every week. This is true to the point where I just started naming my old pimples Bob, Daphne, and Tony because they refused to leave.
Dab a bit of witch hazel cream to your skin to clear up that acne! Check for any allergies, and try it first on a patch of skin before going to town with it.
8. Heal Minor Cuts
Getting cut is never pretty. And no matter how much you dream about it, no prince is ever going to sweep you into his arms and give you first aid. Is it just me who gets carried away? Guess I’ve been watching too many K-dramas!
Apply some hazel extract to the wounded area with a cloth. This disinfects scrapes, cuts, and scratches. It hasn’t been proved to get rid of bruises, but you could try applying the hazel extract 3 times a day. Results often vary from person to person.
9. Lighten Up
Another late night doing work? We’ve got you covered. Whether it’s from stress, crying over Ross and Rachel, a bad breakup, or being overworked, you’ve got bags the size of mini jawbreakers under your eyes.
Douse some cotton balls in witch hazel and lay them over the affected area. Relax for 15 minutes, and let the magic happen. Or just use this witch hazel cream.
10. Treat Dry Skin
This is definitely relevant since it’s the winter! My skin feels so dry sometimes that I wonder if I’ve switched bodies with a random reptile.
Douse some cotton balls in witch hazel and apply it on your legs. Then place a drop of essential oil on your skin, followed by your favorite lotion. This combination will hydrate and keep your skin moisturized since lotion or oil separately often works only for a short time.
11. Heal And Soot Diaper Rash
Using chemical products on babies is not a good idea, babies get rashes because of the dryness on the diapers.
Witch hazel is a natural product and will not harm your baby’s soft skin. After applying Witch Hazel, you will see immediate results. Using Witch Hazel in small quantities is highly recommended.
12. Soothe Poison Ivy
Witch Hazel can cure itching caused by poison ivy, because of its anti-itching and drying properties.
Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel, and dab it on the infected area, you will see immediate results.
You should carry a witch hazel stick with you while going for hiking or camping because it can save you from a lot of infections.
It can cure irritation caused by poison oak and poison sumac too.
13. Soothe Razor Burn
Razor bumps or burns can be caused by in growth of hair or a bad shaving technique.
Witch hazel reduces the redness and inflammation of the skin. It is a great choice as it is antiseptic.
Rinse the area with warm water and apply witch hazel with cotton.
It can clear razor burns or bumps in a few days if applied regularly.
14. Treating Chicken Pox Blisters
Make a spray with aloe vera, honey, witch hazel, and your favorite essential oils. This spray will reduce the irritation caused by chickenpox blisters, you don’t need to worry about the side effects because it is natural.
Ingredients approx :
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 30 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops bergamot essential oil
- 2 teaspoon carrot seed oil
- 1 cup aloe vera gel
- 1 cup distilled witch hazel
Pour the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the blisters 2 to 3 times in a day.keep it away from your eyes.
15. Soothe Sunburns
When you hit the beach or pool on a sunny day and forget your anti-sun lotion you may get sunburns and trust me, you don’t want to experience these spots, but if you do get a burn then applying witch hazel can reduce the redness, irritation, and discomfort.
If it still does not get better, you can make a mixture of half aloe vera and half witch hazel, as aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties and apply directly on the infected area.
16. Cure Sore Throat
Gargling with witch hazel can provide relief. Boil a tablespoon of witch hazel in a cup of water for 15 mins and then gargle with it.
Witch hazel can reduce swelling, dry the excess mucus and reduce pain.
17. Treat Damaged Gums
Gargling with witch hazel can heal inflamed gums and reduce the pain dramatically.
Take a teaspoon of witch hazel to dilute it with water and gargle.
If you had your wisdom teeth removed or dental surgery, you should try this, as it will speed up the healing process.
Note: Do not use Witch Hazel that has isopropyl alcohol.
18. Swimmer’s Ear
If you are a swimmer or like swimming, then you may about the swimmer’s ear.
There are a lot of ear drops that can help heal the swimmer’s ear, but you can heal the natural way too.
Take a cotton swab to apply witch hazel on it and dab it on the outer area and let it dry. It will reduce the itching, dry out the puss and remove excess wax from the ear.
19. Tick Remover
If you see a tick on your dog or cat’s body, spray a few drops of witch hazel on it and you will see it loses its grip and you can pull it out without causing much pain to your dear pet.
Disinfectant the wound by applying witch hazel to it.
20. DIY Mouthwash
Mouthwashes that you get in the market contain a lot of harmful chemicals like sorbitol.
You should try using this recipe, as it will keep your teeth and gums healthy and make your breath feel fresh.
Ingredients (approx.)
- 2 cups aloe vera gel
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoon witch hazel
- 3 teaspoon baking soda
- 15 drops peppermint essential oil
After using it your mouth feels fresh and minty for a long time.
Store it in a cool and dry place away from the sun.
Caution:
Consuming witch hazel in small quantities (15-20 ml) per day is generally safe. If you take a big dose, then you might have stomach irritation or vomiting.
Discuss side effects with your doctor.
If you are applying witch hazel directly on your skin, apply it on a small patch to know if you are allergic to it or not.
