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Witch hazel can feel like a domestic solution for everything after all, there's a good chance that this plant-derived liquid has always been in your medicine cabinet. After the Witch Hazel has dried, she places one drop of lavender essential oil onto the skin and follows it with a squirt of her favorite lotion. Like what you just read? Many of the most popular uses for witch hazel are cosmetic. Spicy Air Cleanse Room Freshener Spray. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. "Topical witch hazel is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, and because many acne lesions are inflammatory, witch hazel has been used to decrease the . Sometimes you dont have bags under your eyes, but you get a kind of general puffiness. No more streaks and harsh chemicals being wiped all over your floor! Soothes Sore Throat. For more information, please see our Just soak a washcloth in the witch hazel and apply it for several minutes so it has time to soak in. Witch Hazel Uses You Should Try. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Just as the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory powers of witch hazel are great for you, they can be helpful to your pet as well. Excessive sweating or perspiration can be quite embarrassing, especially if its accompanied by bad odor. Your email address will not be published. As such, the amount of witch hazel you use to clean a wound, should be fine for your dog to lick at a little bit, But you don't want to let them be excessive about it (especially if you used a witch hazel product that contains isopropyl alcohol). It is here that witch hazel once again comes to the rescue. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The witch hazel is a popular plant to grow indoors and outdoors due to its medicinal properties. 15 drops thieves essential oil. Tilford advises against applying witch hazel for dry skin conditions. Lavender essential oil (pleasant-smelling and antimicrobial) 7 or 8 drops. The astringent quality helps to cleanse my skin and get rid of excess oils, but its really gentle and it doesnt dry it out either. Three, it's useful for hemorrhoids, which are, of course, the bane of all existence. Additionally, you can scrub your jewelry with some baking soda powder to remove any deposits or stains and get it looking as good as new. The wipes and pads are used to relieve itching, burning, and irritation caused by hemorrhoids or bowel movements. Many of the items we cant live without are multipurpose: They save time, space and effort on the busiest days. Like stretch marks, they can be troublesomely stubborn. I used the Vaseline to slick my hair back. Witch hazel is better suited towards oily, acne-prone skin types," says Park. The most convenient way to add witch hazel to your skin care routine is to use it as a toner: Wash and rinse your face with a gentle cleanser, then add a few drops of witch hazel to a cotton ball . Take a look! Even though this is probably the most popular use for witch hazel, it is worth taking a moment to mention it, just in case you use witch hazel for something else right now! Here are a few different uses for witch hazel for your dog or cat. Formulated with witch hazel, salicylic acid, and sage leaf, this facial cleanser by Aesop cleanses without dehydrating the skin, and is gentle enough to use on all skin types. While clear glass windows and doors give a home an open and welcoming feel, keeping the glass free of dirt and smudges can often prove to be an arduous task. Use this witch hazel-based, all-purpose cleaner to clean your tiles, floors and even eliminate odor from your refrigerator. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Mens Health, Womens Health, Self, Glamour, and more. Add 3 to 4 drops of cinnamon essential oil as well. But over time, the shine and sparkle become somewhat subdued. Unkempt ears can cause itching for your dog and unpleasant odors for everyone. In a small spray bottle, mix equal parts witch hazel and distilled water and about 10 drops of tea tree oil, then spray down your equipment after your workout. 31 Ways To Use Labels & Tags This Holiday! All can effectively neutralize germs associated with the novel coronavirus. The best way to do this is by mixing it with some white toothpaste first. 17. However, health officials do know that washing your hands well and often (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds!) 10 Wonderful Uses for Witch Hazel: Say So Long to Scars. Because of this natural anti-inflammatory chemical composition, there are some products that may mix witch hazel with alcohol and other ingredients to cleanse and soothe skin. She saturates a cotton ball with Witch Hazel and uses it to swab the itchy area. Prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You do however need to be very careful when applying it, because if it gets into . Press a cotton ball soaked with witch hazel firmly on the sticky gunk for about 2 minutes, then gently scrape away residue with the dull side of a butter knife or similar tool. Contrary to popular opinion, witch hazel has nothing to do with witches, magic or wizardry. Though it is often found in commercially prepared hand sanitizer or DIY hand sanitizer recipes, it is included for its skin-soothing benefits rather than any germ-fighting ones. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. I have a bottle of that all the time and I just go around and spray things like the carpets or the fabric on the couch. To remove set-in blood stains using witch hazel: Use an elastic band or hair tie to isolate the stain from the rest of the garment (think tie-dying), Soak the stained portion of the garment in witch hazel for approximately 30 minutes, Discard witch hazel and rinse the stained area with cool water. Instead of buying eyeglasses cleaning solution from the store, why not create it yourself quickly and economically at home? Combine 1 cup of witch hazel, 1 cup of water, and a drop of dish soap in an empty spray bottle and shake well. Method 1: DIY Insect Repellent. For most people, she says, the irritating, drying potential is going outweigh any anti inflammatory effects.. If you come across websites that list witch hazel as a disinfectant, it may be because there is very limited research which suggests tannins found within witch hazel could target bacteria associated with the avian flu and human papillomavirus (this 2014 study published in PLoS ONE shared this finding). tsp vitamin E oil. Shop. More importantly, we can use the extract of this plant as a . Add about 15 drops of tea tree essential oil. Witch hazel is also known to be the winter bloom, which is a flowering shrub with rejuvenating properties. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, it has a number of holistic health and beauty useseverything from soothing itchy mosquito bites to cleaning minor cuts and scrapes. Witch hazel's astringent nature is great for decreasing oil in your skin; the liquid has anti-inflammatory and sebum-control properties 1 that make it fare quite well for oily and acne-prone skin (and is why witch hazel toners have gained their beloved reputation). It also is great for personal hygiene, cosmetics, wound care, and more. Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. Full Answer Witch hazel (antibacterial) 1 tablespoon, Baking soda (absorbs odor-producing particles) 1 teaspoon, Lavender essential oil (fresh and fragrant scent) 2 or 3 drops. (Spam-FREE), 10 Best Uses of Witch Hazel for Cleaning, Odor Removal and More, Single-Step Method: Mix witch hazel and cinnamon oil to make a natural spray repellent, Step 1. This mixture contains polyphenols and tannins. However, Witch Hazel should not be considered an effective disinfectant if youre trying to protect yourself from influenza or Coronavirus, since the. Attach the spray nozzle and shake the bottle well. Fill your bong with warm water, and while holding your hands over the shaft and mouth-hole, give the bong a good shake. Witch hazel acts as a powerful disinfectant and can be mixed with water and lavender essential oil to make an all-purpose cleaner, especially for your windows, floors and refrigerator. They may also be used to clean the outer vaginal area after childbirth or the rectal area following rectal surgery. Risks. Simply combine witch hazel (like T.N. It may also help reduce acne, since it can cleanse your skin of excess oil. But witch hazel should not be used to disinfect surfaces, and witch hazel alone is not an Environmental Protection Agency-approved product approved to disinfect surfaces. 6. Witch hazel is not recommended for people with rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and swollen bumps to form on your face. Single-Step Method: Mix witch hazel and cinnamon oil to make a natural spray repellent. The witch hazel you see in your supermarket is distilled witch hazel extract obtained from the dried leaves, barks and twigs of the flowering shrub. Alternatively, you can spritz the witch hazel solution directly onto the microfiber cloth and wipe down blinds, refreshing the cloth with additional sprays of solution as you go. Shake well and use as an antiperspirant, Method 7: DIY Makeup Brush Cleaning Spray, Step 1. This astringent substance is actually an extract derived from the bark and leaves of a flowering plant called Hamamelis virginiana. There is no confirmatory evidence that witch hazel is effective as an antiseptic, says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. To clean your blinds with witch hazel: Combine 1 cup of witch hazel, 1 cup of water, and a drop of dish soap in an empty spray bottle and shake well. Blood is one of the most feared stains in the average laundry room. Thats because witch hazel is rich with tanninsnaturally occurring compounds found in plants, seeds, bark, and leaveswhich are known to have some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can make your own natural DIY antiperspirant by combining witch hazel, aloe vera gel, baking soda and sage essential oil. If you find a tick rooted into your dog or cats body, deposit a few drops of witch hazel on top of it. Finish with an enzyme cleaner. Youll love our magazine! She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. Dip it in some baking powder and use a clean, old toothbrush to scrub the item to fully remove any stains or impurities from all the nooks and crannies. However, witch hazel should not be used by people with dry or extremely sensitive . and our This feminine hygiene wash uses natural ingredients that will leave you feeling refreshed. Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive floor cleaning solutions, just pour half a cup of witch hazel into a gallon of warm water. Youll be feeling great in no time! FEMININE HYGIENE TIPS 101 Use witch hazel with Aloe Vera, alcohol free to keep your bum bum fresh throughout the day. A vigorous workout is good for your health, but all that sweat can leave your yoga mat, weights, workout bands, yoga blocks, or other personal fitness equipment a little smelly. Go here to subscribe. Also learn how to use witch hazel for making deodorant, var. The presence of this natural alcohol is one reason Witch Hazel is a more gentle astringent than rubbing alcohol. Make sure you spray it in the toe area, which is ground zero for germs and odor. With a few bottles of witch hazel around, your home and your smiling face will both look squeaky clean. Infuse dried flowers in boiling water for 30 minutes, then allow to cool completely. You can also add tea tree oil to disinfect your pieces, especially your earrings. The astringent breaks down the sticky bonds for easy removal. We recommend GoodGopher Out of all these, there can be only one best way to clean a bong Simply you can use witch hazel with a bit of cotton pad and apply to the part where the itching problem is occurring. Apply 5 to 10 drops in each affected ear using a clean dropper bottle or baby syringe. With prolonged and regular use, your shoes become saturated with sweat, especially in the toe area. If youve recently blundered through a patch of poison ivy or poison oak, the itching and burning can be alleviated with an application of witch hazel. Just add cup of witch hazel to a gallon of warm water for a cleaning combo that will break down and dissolve old wax and other dirt and leave a streak-free shine. Carolyn Fort brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. The extract, which is derived from the plants bark or leaves, is distilled and often used as an astringent to relieve mild skin irritations like insect bites and minor cuts or scrapes, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Is witch hazel an anti-inflammatory? You can easily find. This will really speed up your nighttime routine. Gently rub the bristles to dislodge the dried product. Steps. You can use it as a preventative too, so this is something every pregnant woman should have on hand! Gargling with witch hazel can heal inflamed gums and reduce the pain dramatically. Stir the mixture together and start mopping. I have about 3 grams of tar saved up. 3. And, in particular, are DIY disinfectants and sanitizers even effective? Privacy Policy. How To Make A Homemade First Aid Ointment, How To Get That Post-Workout Glow In 2 Simple Steps. Put witch hazel on a cotton ball and wipe jewelry clean. Cookie Notice Youll save a lot of money this way, as actual paint thinner can be quite expensive. You can even prevent a sunburn from peeling this way, and you can speed the healing process along, lessening the damage. This is where witch hazel comes to the rescue. You can make an easy spray-on deodorant which is 100% natural using half a cup of witch hazel, a quarter of a cup of aloe vera gel or juice, a quarter teaspoon of baking soda, and ten drops of your favorite essential oil. This tonic lasts up to two years if stored in an airtight bottle in a cool, dry place. or rubbing alcohol when it comes to cleaning out a cut. Prior to joining GH in 2019, Zee fostered a nutrition background as an editor at Cooking Light and is continually developing his grasp of holistic health through collaboration with leading academic experts and clinical care providers. Hemorrhoids can cause irritation, bleeding, and discomfort. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Finally, witch hazel has a few additional uses around the house. "Witch hazel is a botanical anti-inflammatory that is often used in the skin care industry. Maybe you got something stuck in your gums while eating, or perhaps you have an infection or ate something that irritated you. Witch hazel (removes deposited impurities) as required, Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial) 1 drop, Baking soda (scrubs out stains) as required. If youre the proud parent of a dog or a cat, you know that accidents can happen. Witch hazel alone is on neither of these lists: Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, tells Prevention that there isn't any "confirmatory evidence" that witch hazel is as effective as a true antiseptic. You may actually be surprised to learn that there are a few recipes for homemade makeup remover that could save you a pretty penny! I started DIYnCrafts long ago to spread crafts and happiness. Ear canal is narrowed (called "stenotic") compared to what it normally looks like. Once again, the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of witch hazel will come to your rescue. So. Just in time for summer, witch hazel is here to save the day. Bathing daily also helps keep the skin clean, lowering the chance of skin infection. But as COVID-19 cases continue to climb in the U.S., many stores and online retailers still have had a hard time keeping it in stock. Add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel extract. Suffer from dry, flaky skin on your scalp? You could also use the spray as an air freshener of sorts, and spray it around whatever room youll be spending time in. Rubbing alcohol works for this too. Witch Hazel typically contains only 13-14% alcohol, which means it wont get the job done for this task! Its grease-cutting properties make it ideal for removing any residue lingering on the slats of your blinds, but it wont damage them or dry them out. Be sure to use a gentle soap that wont be too harsh on your glasses. Witch Hazel has the unique ability to clean skin pores and absorb excess oil without leaving skin too dry. Combine water and witch hazel in a spray bottle, Step 3. Step 2. Here are some smart ways to use it: 1. Ticks cant stand witch hazel. Soak your jewelry in a solution of witch hazel and tea tree essential oil, Single-Step Method: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and use as a cleaner, Single-Step Method: Use a witch hazel spray to clean dirty windows. Check it out! I definitely dont recommend doing thatlol. And who wouldnt want shiny jewelry? While witch hazel may assist with some skin problems, the evidence of its effectiveness is equivocal. I get some of my face stuff on my nostril piercings accidentally, and it doesn't seem to have bothered them yet (2 months old, and healing with litha). The ability of Witch Hazel as an astringent to tighten the skin and minimize inflammation, means that it is the perfect natural treatment for dealing with darkness and puffiness around your eyes. Tea tree or eucalyptus oil packs a powerful odor-busting punch, but you can experiment with any combination of scents you prefer. Your email address will not be published. "It tends to tighten and dehydrate, thus exacerbating such conditions.". Depending on the location of the window, your blinds may be subject to anything from cooking grease splatters to heavy moisture or dust. The organic compounds within witch hazel make it a powerful astringent substance, meaning that it can help to tighten skin. I had to use it to get Vaseline out of my hair after a sock hop in mide school. Your email address will not be published. Witch hazel helps to relieve scalp conditions such as an itchy scalp or eczema. This just smells clean. It can also reduce irritation of hair follicles that can inhibit new hair growth. These 9 Little-Known Uses For Flour Are Surprisingly Practical, 9 Unique New Uses For Your Old Kitchen Appliances. Depending on the size of your spray bottle and how strong youd like your scent to be, youll want to use anywhere from 10 to 30 drops of essential oil. Vaginal odor & witch hazel. Spray on a light layer of witch hazel and use a microfiber mop with it. Add 6 drops of peppermint essential oil to the spray bottle. (ie. Chicken pox is no fun for anyone. Give your old dingy clothes a new lease on life with two powerful brightening agents. The wound will be less likely to infect, and the soothing effect will help to calm down your furry friend. You will be stunned at the difference when your hair dries! Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. Witch hazel is a medicinal plant. That raises a major question: Does witch hazel actually kill germs? It's best to first test the mixture on a small area of your skin in case you have a reaction. Washes can be made with distilled water Witch hazel alcohol or any mixture of the three you choose. Add equal parts witch hazel and distilled water to a spray bottle, then add your favorite essential oil or oils. All you need to do is combine one part water with one part witch hazel (you can also use isopropyl alcohol), and one drop of soap. 9. And if you cant find any, making your own isnt exactly the ideal solution. By Carolyn Fort and Zee Krstic Published: Apr 3, 2020 Save Article Sold in drugstores, witch hazel astringent is derived from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant, also known as winterbloom, snapping hazel and spotted alder. The total size of all your images should be less than 1 MB. If you are trying to scrub a tough stain off of a surface, try using witch hazel. Generally, witch hazel is used as a toner. Witch Hazel was the only thing that worked. Its cost-effective and does a great job. Joann Pan is a content creator based in New York City. Liquid Castile soap (breaks down hardened product) 1 teaspoon. I do not suggest this as a reliable method as we do not know how it stacks up with coronavirus, says Rajeev Fernando, M.D., an infectious disease expert in Southampton, New York. Most of the time, you can get a bottle of witch hazel for under $2.00, making this a very inexpensive remedy for hemorrhoids. Use of Witch Hazel # 3 - Helps to banish blackness around the eyes. such as lavender, lemon, eucalyptus or cedar, combined in a spray bottle as an air freshener. Sunburn is a form of inflammation, so witch hazels anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for quenching the burn. One important note before we get into its multipurpose uses: Witch Hazel is not an adequate substitute for proper disinfectant. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Varicose veins are an unsightly cosmetic blemish with a similar appearance to stretch marks. While it may be used in sanitizing products or hand sanitizers, witch hazel is not meant to be used as a disinfectant. I use it all the time. For oily or acne-prone skin, a quick swipe of Witch Hazel throughout the day is a great way to remove excess oil without the hassle of a full face wash . You can combine witch hazel with cinnamon essential oil and water to make a highly effective DIY insect repellent, which is particularly effective against bed bugs. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For a little extra boost of cleaning power on heavily soiled floors, add 1 tablespoon of borax to the mopping solution. To use this makeup remover, apply a small amount of oil to a cotton ball or facial pad, and then gently wipe the face with the moistened pad. Witch hazel is a tree-like plant indigenous to North America and parts of Asia. That is why it works so great to shrink pores and reduces the appearance of stretch marks. Merry Maids also offers enhanced disinfection services using effective 3M disinfecting products for extra peace of mind. Use the spray to clean your makeup brushes, Step 1. Due to its medicinal properties and its action as an astringent, witch hazel can be used in a variety of ways for health and beauty. When you have a spill, prevent it from setting with that combination. Not only is witch hazel great for your scalp, but it also can be helpful for your hair care routine in other ways. But heres another multi-use recommendation: witch hazel. Witch hazel (antibacterial) 4 tablespoons, Peppermint essential oil (antimicrobial and fresh-smelling) 6 drops, Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial) 4 drops, Eucalyptus essential oil (antimicrobial) 2 drops, Thyme essential oil (antiseptic, antibacterial and pleasant-smelling) 1 drop. These two treatments alone have reduced my acne to about 25% of what it used to be. 4 oz spray bottle. Bottom line: Save the witch hazel for those minor scrapes and bug bitesand keep washing your hands. 8. While witch hazel is safe to use topically on dogs and is not known to interact with other medications, there are some risks pet parents should be aware of, vets advise. Take a 10-minute catnap, sit up, and look in the mirror. Continue reading to learn the 10 best uses of witch hazel for cleaning, odor removal and more. Caution: Pregnant women should not use sage oil. Hemorrhoids are no fun for anyone. Nothing itches and burns quite like your skin after a day out on the beach. Some people who have tried this report that it reduces the appearance of the veins, while others say it can alleviate the discomfort which is sometimes associated with them. Reach out to us to learn more! While recipes vary, some call for witch hazel as the active ingredient to wipe out illness-inducing pathogens. Eliminate the grime and tarnish that builds on jewelry over time. Witch hazel is a naturally occurring astringent that constricts blood vessels, which in turn reduces swelling and inflammation. and was widely used as an herbal medicine s by Native Americans. Always test on a small, inconspicuous patch of carpet first to check for the possibility of discoloration. But it's not a magical elixir, unfortunately, and it cannot be used to properly disinfect a surface to kill germs, including viruses and bacteria. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The EPA has maintained lists with approved disinfectants for killing germs, having also recently launched a list of cleaners that have been shown to neutralize the virus that causes people to develop COVID-19. Zee Krstic is a health editor for Good Housekeeping, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle. All rights reserved. Although not all side effects are known, witch hazel topical is thought to be likely safe for most people when used as directed. Massaging your scalp with full-strength witch hazel before shampooing will strip away oil and dandruff, making your shampoo more effective. As it turns out, witch hazel has a whole ton of handy uses! Its even great for fighting odors in stinky gym shoes! Feel free to do this as often as necessary. Finally, add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 1 drop of thyme essential oil. While there is not enough evidence to . Spray your DIY antiperspirant on the most sweat-prone areas to control perspiration. How To Clean Your Scalp With Witch HazelEliminate itchy scalp. Remember these three steps when using witch hazel: 1. You can use witch hazel in combination with various antimicrobial essential oils to make a DIY spray that will eliminate the foul odor and bacteria from your shoes. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.