23 Amazing Benefits Of Witch Hazel Extract For Skin, Hair & Health

Updated: 11/20/2019

Today, witch hazel extract is used extensively. However, many people do not know the exact benefits as well as the best way to use this extract. This makes them unable to take advantage of all witch hazel benefits. If you are one of them, this article is for you. The benefits of witch hazel extract are described below in an easy to understand way. But first, let's find out some more information about it.

What Is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is scientifically named Hamamelis. It is a flowering plant belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae. This specie is subdivided into four types and is mainly distributed in North America, Japan, and China. The witch hazel stalk is about 10-25 feet (3.0–7.6 m) tall. Its leaves are about 2-6 inches (5.1–15.2 cm) long and about 1-4 inches (2.5–10.2 cm) wide. This plant is usually formulated into extract or oil for use as it has many valuable benefits. They improve the patient's condition by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria ^[1] [2].

What Is The Chemical Composition Of Witch Hazel?

The main chemical components of the witch hazel extract are calcium oxalate, gallotannin, safrole, and chemicals found in essential oils such as carvacrol and eugenol. Its seeds contain tannins, flavonoids and powerful antioxidants.

What Are The Side Effects Of Witch Hazel?

The following is a list of side effects that may occur when you use witch hazel extract. This is not a complete list. These side effects are possible but they do not always occur. Some side effects may be rare but serious. Consult your doctor if you notice the following side effects, especially if they do not go away.

• Itchy and burning
• Redness on the skin
• The rash
• Liver problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Dark urine
• Skin and eyes are yellow

If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. Besides, you should consult your doctor before using witch hazel extract to avoid allergic reactions.

What Do You Need To Know Before Using Witch Hazel?

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should only use witch hazel has recommended by your doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines.
• You are allergic to any substance of witch hazel, other medications or herbs.
• You are suffering from any illness, disorder or other health condition.
• You have any other allergies, such as allergies to food, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Above is information about witch hazel. You probably already have an overview of this plant. Now is the time to learn more about health and beauty benefits of witch hazel extract for skin, hair and more. Have a look at TrueRemedies.com!

Top 23 Health & Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel Extract For Skin, Hair & More

1. Treat Acne

Treating acne is the first one in this list of beauty benefits of witch hazel extract for skin. Acne is always an obsession for everyone, especially women. The main causes of acne are diet, skin care, lifestyle and the environment. Improper acne treatment can cause acne scars. Therefore, you need to be careful in choosing the treatments that you want to apply. Although acne does not harm your health, it makes you feel unconfident. Besides, it also makes your makeup become less perfect. Therefore, acne treatment products are always the top concern of many people ^[3] [4].

Among the effective acne treatment ingredients, witch hazel extract is one of the most popular. This natural ingredient has been used in the beauty industry for many years and is available in a number of well-known acne treatment products. So how exactly does witch hazel extract affect acne? Many studies on this extract conclude that it has many beneficial effects on the skin, including soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, who is currently working at Mount Sinai Medical Center, said: “witch hazel extract is often used to help remove excess oil on the skin, so this ingredient is especially useful for acne sufferers.”

To use witch hazel extract to treat acne, apply one of these following methods:

Method 1. Witch Hazel Extract And Pure Honey

To apply this method, do these steps below:

• Rinse your face with cleanser as usual
• Mix witch hazel extract with pure honey in a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1, stir well
• Apply this mixture to your skin, concentrating on skin areas with acne
• After 10-15 minutes, rinse your face with cool water

This method is suitable for treating acne in people with dry skin. You can do this 2-3 times a week.

Method 2. Witch Hazel Extract And Egg-White

To apply this method, do these steps below:

• Rinse your face with cleanser as usual
• Mix 2 teaspoons of witch hazel extract with 1 egg-white, stir well
• Apply this mixture to your skin, concentrating on skin areas with acne
• After 10-15 minutes, rinse your face with cool water

This method is suitable for treating acne in people with oily skin. Do it 2-3 times a week to get the best results.

Note that witch hazel extract can cause your skin to dry, so Dr. Zeichner recommends not using it excessively to avoid skin irritation.

Method 3. Use Witch Hazel Extract As A Kind Of Toner

To apply this method, do these steps below:

• Rinse your face with cleanser as usual
• Apply witch hazel extract to your face and pat lightly

You can do this method twice a day in the morning and in the evening. This is suitable for both dry and oily skin.

2. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Relieve Eye Puffiness

This is one of little – known benefit in this list of benefits of witch hazel for skin. Do you usually wake up with eye puffiness? This condition is caused by the effects of old age, but they can also be caused by many factors such as lack of sleep, allergies, and habits that cause water accumulation. People with eye puffiness always look tired or sick. But do not worry, witch hazel extract is your solution in this case. Dip a cotton ball into this extract and apply it to your eyes for about 5 minutes. Your eye puffiness will disappear. No joke, this extract is capable of treating this eye problem. That's the conclusion of many of the studies on this extract.

As you know, witch hazel extract helps reduce inflammation. This is essential if you want to quickly treat puffiness. Not only that, one of the main causes of puffiness is skin sagging. Fortunately, witch hazel extract contains many nutrients that help increase skin elasticity and reduce eye strain. As a result, your condition will improve quickly.

3. Soothe Sunburned Skin

Unwanted sunburn is always a pain, especially if this condition leaves terrible scars and creases on the skin. Whatever the cause of sunburn, you can also apply some methods to help reduce or even completely remove the dark skin caused by this problem. Although damaged skin cannot be restored as before, but you still have the ability to help skin return to the original color.

This summer, if you go to the beach without applying sunscreen, your skin will definitely burn. This makes you feel very sore and burning. When you get home, apply a thin layer of witch hazel extract on the skin. This will make you feel better. This extract is able to soothe the skin. In addition, its nutrients also help accelerate the regeneration of new skin cells.

4. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Treat Vomiting

The next one in this list of health benefits of witch hazel extract is treating vomiting. Vomiting occurs when food in the stomach is forced to go out. Usually, you get nausea before vomiting. This condition comes from a variety of causes, including illness, pregnancy, morning sickness, food poisoning, gastroenteritis (stomach “flu”), excessive drinking, and migraines. Some medicines may also cause nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, you can treat vomiting yourself at home with witch hazel extract.

Witch hazel contains a lot of tannins which have anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, it also helps to soothe the stomach, causing the stomach to be irritated. These will help your vomiting to improve significantly. All you need to do in your case is to take about 2-3 cups of witch hazel tea a day until you are no longer suffering from vomiting.

5. Treat Hemorrhoids

Next, one of worth-trying benefits of witch hazel extract for health is treating hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a condition in which blood vessels in the anal canal dilate excessively causing the hemorrhoids to form on the outside or inside the body. This is because the blood vessels are under great pressure. This pressure is caused by defecation, pregnancy, or overweight. Hemorrhoids are common and it can often be treated with home remedies, including using witch hazel extract ^[5].

Witch hazel helps reduce bleeding, swelling, itching and burning sensations caused by hemorrhoids. This type of ingredient can do this because it contains a lot of tannins and flavonoids which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, it is also considered as a very astringent.

To use witch hazel extract to treat hemorrhoids, please apply these steps below:

• Bathe thoroughly, especially in the anal area
• After drying your body, use a hair dryer to dry the anal area. Using a towel can make your condition worse
• Dip a clean cloth to witch hazel extract and use it to gently wipe the anal area for 3-5 minutes
• Let the anal area dry for a few minutes before wearing the clothes

You should do this once a day to get the best results.

6. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Stop Bleeding

When performing daily activities such as work and play, you may experience some accident which causes bleeding. Witch hazel extract is used as an astringent, it helps contract skin cells, reduces bleeding caused by skin cuts or scratches, and forms a protective layer of the wound. The tannin in the extract also helps to reduce pain and swelling, preventing the development of infection.

To get the best effect of witch hazel extract for skin, as soon as bleeding, you clean the wound and apply a thin amount of this extract on the wound.

7. Heal Bruises

You may think that this sounds strange when it comes to this list of health benefits of witch hazel extract. Bruise is a condition in which the skin changes color due to small blood vessels under the skin. Blood from the affected lesions will be concentrated near the skin surface and we will see a dark blue patch. To quickly treat this condition, you can use witch hazel.

Witch hazel extract has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps to tighten blood vessels and reduce swelling. Much more than that, it also helps to reduce the pain. These are all the things that you need to quickly treat bruises. To do this, just apply a small amount of witch hazel extract to the affected area, massage gently. You should do this 1-2 times a day until your condition improves.

8. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Treat Eczema

Eczema usually occurs in young children. Persons with food allergies, asthma and summer fever are also more likely to develop eczema. It causes dry skin in the arms and elbows. Any patient with eczema knows that it causes a lot of pain and discomfort.  To treat this condition, you can rely on witch hazel. The nutrients of witch hazel extract can reduce the dry, itchy and burning sensation caused by eczema. In addition, it also helps fight inflammation and it also acts as a local astringent.

To use witch hazel extract to treat eczema, you can apply this extract directly to the affected area. Besides, you can also mix it with French green clay or neem oil to speed up the treatment.

9. Soothe A Sore Throat

The next one in this list of health benefits of witch hazel extract is smoothing a sore throat. Some diseases like laryngitis, tonsillitis and sinusitis can cause sore throat. This condition is a common condition which can cause pain, itching, and difficulty swallowing. It is usually a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection. The disease usually resolves itself within a few days to a week. During self-healing, you can smooth your throat with witch hazel extract. Due to its high content of tannins, this extract is able to reduce inflammation and pain. Not only that, it also helps to remove excess mucus which is produced in the throat. As a result, the infection will be quickly repelled.

To soothe your throat, rinse your mouth with the decoction of witch hazel extract about 2-3 times a day. Surely you will soon notice the improvement.

10. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Treat Cold Sores

No wonder, this is definitely one that should be mentioned in this list of health benefits of witch hazel extract. Cold sores in the mouth can occur at any time, usually during periods of stress or infection. It can also be a consequence of the infection of the herpes simplex virus. Signs of this disease are pain, itching and burning sensation. Cold sores causes you much pain while you talk, eat, and drink. Fortunately, you can treat this condition quite easily by using witch hazel extract.

With its powerful anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel extract can reduce the symptoms of cold sores. All you need to do is just dab a cotton ball into the witch hazel extract and apply it to the affected area about 2-3 times a day, your condition will improve quickly.

11. Prevent Diaper Rashes

In regard to health benefits of witch hazel extract, not many people know that it can prevent diaper rashes. Diaper rashes are a common condition in infants due to the inexperience of their parents. It is a form of dermatitis in the diaper area. Although any child who uses diapers may have diaper rash; however, according to statistics, more than 50% of children aged 6-9 months have diaper rash. This condition often causes an infant to have anorexia and cry a lot. Diaper rash does not cause much harm to your baby but you should not be subjective because in severe cases, the disease can turn into fungal or bacterial infection.

Fortunately, witch hazel extract can help prevent this condition. This extract has the ability to reduce irritation and rash caused by diaper rash. In addition, the tannin in it also has the ability to fight inflammation and prevent infection. The way to use it is simple, after bathing your baby, apply a thin layer of witch hazel extract on the diaper area. You need to do this carefully to avoid damaging your baby's skin. Pease do this once a day to help your baby prevent diaper rashes.

12. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Soothe Chicken Pox

Smoothing chicken pox is the next one in this list of health benefits of witch hazel extract. Chicken pox is caused by a virus. It is an infectious disease and can be life-threatening. The most prominent signs of this disease are high fever, headache, flu, and rash. These symptoms usually disappear within 2-3 days. After that, the patient will feel better. Although we have preventative vaccines, there is no way to treat chicken pox. However, you can still soothe it by using witch hazel extract.

Certainly chicken pox will give you an unforgettable experience throughout life. To deal with the symptoms of this disease, gently apply witch hazel extract to skin. The active ingredients of this extract are able to soothe the skin and fight inflammation effectively. As a result, the patient will feel less pain and itching.

13. Cure Ear Infections

Ear infection is an inflammation that can occur in both children and adults. There are many different types of ear infections. The main causes of this condition are insect bites, colds, allergies and improper ear hygiene. Whatever the cause, the disease should be treated early to avoid the unexpected consequences, especially deafness. So, once you notice the signs of the disease, use witch hazel extract to prevent the condition from worsening.

You are probably thinking of the great antibacterial properties of this extract. All you need to do is putting a few drops of witch hazel into the affected ear. Then, this extract will do its own thing: reduce stimulation, dissolve built-up wax and dry the pus in the ear. After that, you will quickly feel a lot better.

14. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Reduce Stretch Marks

One of beauty benefits of witch hazel extract for skin is its ability to decrease stretch marks. Stretch marks are stripes or bumps that often appear on the skin of the abdomen, breast, hips, buttocks and thighs. Over time they will fade. Stretch marks are common in pregnant women, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Treatment can help to smooth out the stretch marks but not remove them completely. If you have not found a way to improve your stretch yet, try using witch hazel extract.

Many people do not believe witch hazel can reduce stretch marks, but many studies have shown that witch hazel can act as an astringent, so it will make the skin contract and tighten. This helps the stretch marks gradually fade. All you need to do is to regularly use witch hazel extract to massage the affected area. For best results, you should use this extract early to prevent the formation of stretch marks.

15. Reduce The Appearance Of Varicose Veins

Regarding benefits of witch hazel, its ability to reduce the occurrence of varicose veins is noticeable. Varicose veins are common in women, especially those who work as teachers, waiters and surgeons. It causes uncomfortable symptoms such as numbness and edema. If the varicose veins are not treated early, it can lead to skin sores or thrombophlebitis. Varicose veins are quite common. About 30% of adults develop this disease. Older people, women, overweight people and those who have to stand for a long time have higher rates of varicose veins. To improve or reduce the appearance of varicose veins, use witch hazel.

Due to its high tannin content, witch hazel can cause blood vessel constrict. Besides, it also helps to reduce the swelling caused by varicose veins. As you know, witch hazel extract contains some essential substances especially gallic acid, which have the ability to relieve pain. Therefore, use cloth compresses of witch hazel to improve your condition.

16. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Prevent Swimmer’s Ear

It cannot be denied that witch hazel has versatile uses. One of little-known benefits of witch hazel for health is preventing swimmer’s ear. It is a bacterial infection developing when the ears get wet from swimming. Thanks to antibacterial action, witch hazel can inhibit the development of infection naturally and dry up ear wax and excess oil. You can pour several drops of witch hazel extract into your ear canal with the help of an eye dropper for 2-3 times per day. At the same time, cleanse your ears’ outside part using a swab dipped in the extract of this herb.

17. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Relieve Psoriasis

Considered as a painful skin disorder which features with flaky, dry skin, psoriasis is common among us. If you are suffering from this problem, there is always a simple home remedy for psoriasis which can relieve your symptoms in all natural ways. It is witch hazel with moisturizing and soothing actions. The extract of witch hazel can decrease inflammation and redness resulted from psoriasis. It also relieves irritations of psoriasis plaques.

18. Improve Your Mood

Another advantage of witch hazel extract for health is boosting mood. You can combine witch hazel with some essential oils to form a fragrance with great smell that can improve your mood almost instantly. In order to use witch hazel for mood enhancement, you can combine it with water, lavender and lemon essential oil, then put them in a spray bottle before spraying it around your house. It will give your house fantastic smell, but also help you feel calmer.

19. Benefits Of Witch Hazel – Tone Skin

Skincare experts suggest using witch hazel as a toner, especially for those people with normal to oily skin. Thanks to antiseptic properties, witch hazel can help zap bacteria.

Just simple apply some drops of witch hazel extract on a cotton pad and rub it over your clean face.

20. Relieve Insect Bites

A lot of bug repellents as well as commercial products for relieving insect bites have witch hazel. Some studies have discovered that application of witch hazel cream to irritating skin could reduce symptoms ^[6]. You can use witch hazel to promote healing process in minor cuts or scabs since witch hazel extract consists of isopropyl alcohol, one of natural disinfecting ingredients killing off bacteria and preventing potential infections.

21. Cleanse Hair And Scalp

You can reap one of benefits of witch hazel extract for hair to get healthier, shinier and more volumized hair. Witch hazel is also good for eliminating hair odors, thereby helping ease an irritated scalp.

According to a study, it was found that those shampoos having witch hazel extract could soothe the irritated scalp, inflammation, itching and redness of patients.

You just need to add some drops of witch hazel extract your shampoo or make a homemade hair wash using argan oil, coconut oil, witch hazel as well as other cleansing oils such as orange or lemon oil.

22. Prevent Hair Bumps

Sometimes, after shaving, people encounter the condition of ingrown hairs or hair bumps. However, there is always a simple but effective home remedy for ingrown hairs that you can apply easily – witch hazel. Applying it to any body part will slow bleeding from cuts or nicks, prevent the growth of bacteria and infections in hair follicles, prevent ingrown hairs from building and soothe razor burn. People sometimes also like using a toner made from witch hazel and other healing essential oils to decrease bleeding, swelling and pain.

The above are great benefits of witch hazel. You will find it very difficult to find a common ingredient that has as much effect as witch hazel. So, take it into your medicine cabinet to make your life easier. If you have any contributing ideas about our article of “Top 23 Health & Beauty Benefits Of Witch Hazel Extract For Skin, Hair And More” introduced in Superfoods Category, do not hesitate to drop your words below this post. We will answer as soon as we could.

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