My first encounter with witch hazel wasn’t exactly a pleasant one. After I gave birth to my first child, a nurse handed me witch hazel pads and explained all about hemorrhoids—something I wasn’t expecting to deal with. Fortunately, I never needed those pads, but the experience left me with a negative impression of witch hazel.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself looking for natural alternatives to baby wipes as part of switching to cloth diapers. My research led me back to witch hazel, and I decided to give it another chance.
I discovered that witch hazel isn’t solely for postpartum care. Known as hamamelis distillate, this plant extract has been used for centuries in medicine and beauty products because it’s primarily a skin remedy. Native to North America, witch hazel has a long history of use by Native American tribes for treating skin issues.
Witch hazel extract can be made through either distillation, which you’ll find in stores often preserved with alcohol, or via decoction, which some believe is more concentrated. If you’d rather not make your own, there are stronger store-bought options available.
Over time, witch hazel has become a staple in my natural home remedies, useful for everything from easing skin irritations to makeup removal. Here are some of my favorite uses:
Witch hazel works wonders for various skin issues. It tightens and tones the skin, so many people use it with a cotton pad for cleansing. It alleviates problems like psoriasis, acne blemishes, dry skin, and itching, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It’s also recommended after childbirth for soothing the perineum. I prepare a tincture with witch hazel and post-birth herbs in a spray bottle for relief. You can even create homemade versions of hospital pads by soaking organic cotton pads in witch hazel for a soothing effect.
I haven’t tried this myself, but a friend improved her stretch marks using witch hazel. Spraying it on once a day for a few months, along with dry brushing and a stretch mark salve, worked like a charm.
Witch hazel is part of my homemade baby wipes recipe, perfect for sensitive baby skin. It’s also effective for diaper rash.
A midwife friend recommends using witch hazel compresses for varicose veins. Simply soak cloths in witch hazel and apply them to your legs for relief.
It’s great for hair too! Pre-shampoo, it adds shine and tackles frizz, and it can even help with dandruff. I keep a spray bottle in the bathroom for my scalp before showering.
For those with sensitive skin looking for a deodorant alternative, witch hazel with a touch of lavender essential oil is a good choice. It can also help with reducing odor and skin sensitivity.
Witch hazel is a lifesaver for itching. It calms conditions like chickenpox, eczema, and bug bites. I combine it with lavender in an anti-itch cream and have a glass bottle on hand for quick application.
It can also reduce bruising, as I found out after bumping my forehead just before a family event. A witch hazel compress diminished the bruise in a few days.
While I rely on apple cider vinegar for sunburn relief, witch hazel is another great option. Stored cold, it soothes sunburn and razor burn.
Finally, witch hazel is the base for my homemade bug spray, providing skin benefits along with bug-repelling action. Its astringent properties help stop bleeding and promote healing for minor cuts, thanks to the tannins that tighten the skin.
However, be cautious about store-bought brands, as they often contain more alcohol than witch hazel, which can dry and sting sensitive skin. I prefer a double-distilled, potent brand for its effectiveness.
