Uses for Witch Hazel

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Witch Hazel is frequently used in DIY products, but do you know why? Learn more about the many uses for witch hazel with these practical tips and ideas.

Witch Hazel is frequently used in DIY products, but do you know why? Learn more about the many benefits and uses for witch hazel with these practical tips and ideas. #witchhazel #diy #usesforwitchhazel #usingwitchhazel #benefitsofwitchhazel

Uses for Witch Hazel

It is no surprise that we like to use simple and more natural ingredients in our every day lives. This includes body care products. Have you ever heard of using witch hazel for cleaning? How about to soothe your everyday aches and pains? or smooth your skin? You might be surprised just how much this powerful plant can do! Today we’ll learn a little more about Witch Hazel and all of it’s many uses.

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is a plant that is a natural, astringent. The extract has been used for many years extensively for medicinal purposes. These days, it is sold as witch hazel water (mixed with alcohol, purified water, rose water or aloe) and available in many stores, pharmacies or online. Many people like to use to as a natural way to treat minor skin issues like bruises, pain, itching, and hemorrhoids. It can also be used in many other ways around your home and in your DIY projects.

Topical Uses for Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel has been shown to help reduce:

  • itching
  • swelling
  • bruises
  • hemorrhoids
  • varicose veins
  • sunburn

Witch Hazel can also be used for relief from:

  • bug bites
  • small burns
  • stop minor bleeding

  Here are some ways to use witch hazel on your skin:

-Apply under your eyes to tighten bags and reduce puffiness under eyes.

-Apply to the skin to treat diaper rash.

–These Homemade Baby Wipes with witch hazel help soothe baby’s skin with each change.

-Use to ease peri-pain post-childbirth. Make a cooling pad by soaking witch hazel into a Cloth Pad or gauze. Stick in the fridge to cool and apply to the area to help prevent infection and provide relief. (This can be done to help hemroids as well.)

— Try making this Homemade Aftershave Lotion with Witch Hazel to apply to skin after shaving to ease razor burn.

-Apply on fresh wounds to disinfect and stop the bleeding before bandaging.

-Use to treat poison ivy and chicken pox blisters. The witch hazel will help dry them up and reduce itching and inflammation.

–Witch Hazel can be used to make an alcohol free version of Homemade Hand Sanitizer.

-Apply to your face daily as a toner to help cleanse your skin and tighten your pores.

-Apply to acne spots to help reduce redness, inflammation and help dry acne up.

–Find more natural remedies for acne and make these Homemade Zit Zapper Sticks for trouble spots

Household Uses for Witch Hazel

  • deodorizer 
  • air freshener
  • household cleaner
  • window cleaner
  • jewelry cleaner
  • goo gone
  • bug repellent

Here are some ways to use witch hazel in your home:

-Spray a mixture with equal parts of distilled water and witch hazel in your home as a natural deodorizer. Add in a few drops of Essential Oils for an added scent.

–Use Witch Hazel to make Homemade Bug Repellent. Spray it on yourself, your clothes or even outdoor furniture to keep mosquitos and bugs away.

-Combine 1 part witch hazel with 2 parts water to use as a household cleaner. Add a few drops of lemon oil or lemon juice to leave a fresh lemon scent throughout your home.

–Looking for more homemade cleaners? Check out these DIY Recipes For Cleaners

-Add a little witch hazel to your mop water to give your floors and extra shine.

-Use witch hazel to help remove stickers and left behind residue from tags.

-Soak your jewelry in witch hazel for about 20 minutes and scrub with a toothbrush to give your jewerly a quick clean.

-Use on windows, glass, chrome and even your glasses for a quick clean and streak free shine.

Using Witch Hazel on your Pets

Witch Hazel can even be used on your pets. If you choose to use it, make sure you use some WITHOUT alcohol, as alcohol can be harmful to your furry friends.

  • itching
  • clean dogs ears
  • tick removal

Here are some ways to use witch hazel on your pets:

-Put Witch Hazel on a cloth or cotton ball and apply to itchy spots to reduce itchiness and risk of infection from scratching.

-Apply to a cotton ball, and squeeze out any excess liquid. Gently rub the inside of the dogs ear to clean.

-Drop a few drops of Witch Hazel on a tick before attempting to remove it to help it loosen its jaws. After removal, use more witch hazel on a cloth to disinfect the area.

While generally safe for adults, witch hazel does have some side effects you should know about. In some people, it can cause some minor skin irritation. If you notice irritation, discontinue use. Taking witch hazel by mouth is NOT recommended. And remember, always consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. This post should in no way be your only source of information. We don’t treat or diagnosis any issues here, just passing on the info on how this product can be used.

Looking for more ways to use common household products? Check these out:

15 Unique Uses for Toothpaste
Hydrogen Peroxide Uses For Home And Body
Uses for Epsom Salt
Uses for Shea Butter
Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
Uses for Olive Oil
Uses of Aloe Gel
Castile Soap Uses For Your Home & Body

Find even more ideas on our Uses For Page

 What are your favorite uses for witch hazel?

This post on Uses for Witch Hazel was originally published on Little House Living in September 2013. It has been updated as of September 2019.

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11 Comments

  1. Growing up as a teen my mom had me use witch hazel on my face for breakouts and oily skin. I left it squeaky clean 🙂

  2. Thayer’s makes a nice product with Witch Hazel. Alcohol Free Toner, Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E. They also have a cucumber scent, one with just aloe, and one medicated. DrVita.com has 12 oz bottle for $7.70 and free shipping. Great on the face or arms, legs, or feet. I give my hubby a quick back rub with it and it is just nice. Cooling, clean, fresh feel, but no alcohol. Can place in a smaller squirt or spray bottle for added convenience in application.

  3. I just wanted to say thanks for all the “uses for…” articles. They are interesting and informative. Thanks for doing all the work for me!!

  4. It works great for blisters caused by a recess monkey-bar marathon. Just soak cotton balls in witch hazel and place on the sore areas. Instant relief!!!

  5. I have a friend that swears a tree wound will heal faster and more neatly (without fizzures that allow fungal pathogens to decay the inside of the tree), if a would is cleansed regularly with witch hazel.

  6. Witch Hazel makes a super cheap “freshener” on toilet paper before use. “Freshening up” is catching on and some of these products can be pricey. I use a small spritz bottle (making it handy to grab and use) – fill it 3/4 full with Witch Hazel. Add 5 – 10 drops of Tree Tea Oil. Fill remainder of bottle with water. It makes a nice way to freshen up after a bathroom run.

  7. We used it on damp hair when setting with curlers in the days of “DIPPITY DOO & ALBERTO VO5′ kept our hair curly, clean & shiney.