14 Witch Hazel Uses & Benefits For Skin, Health & Home

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), a North American shrub, has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its medicinal properties.

Extracted from the leaves and bark, witch hazel is widely known as a natural astringent and topical remedy. But its benefits go far beyond skincare—this versatile plant can improve your beauty routine, home care, and overall health.

In this article, we’ll explore 14 surprising uses of witch hazel, backed by science, and even show you how to make your own at home.

Let’s dive in!

Witch Hazel Uses And Benefits

Witch Hazel flowers in Fürth City Park, Germany — – Witch Hazel plant in Fürth City Park, Germany

1. Witch Hazel as a Natural Astringent for Oily Skin

Witch hazel is packed with tannins, which help shrink pores and reduce excess oil. It’s especially effective for people exposed to environmental pollutants, as it cleanses the skin and minimizes blemishes.

Studies, like one published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2024), highlight its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great remedy for blackheads and acne-prone skin.

2. Witch Hazel for Blemishes & Bruises

Witch hazel’s astringent properties make it ideal for treating blemishes and discoloration. Apply it with a cotton ball to reduce acne, inflammation, and even bruises. Its ability to tighten skin and reduce swelling speeds up the healing process.

3. Witch Hazel for Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Thanks to its skin-tightening effects, witch hazel can reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Gently dab it around the eye area (avoiding direct contact with the eyes) to refresh and rejuvenate tired skin.

4. Decrease Swollen Veins Naturally

According to Dr. Sumit Kapadia, expert in vascular surgery, Witch hazel can soothe varicose veins and reduce swelling. Apply it with a soft cloth to the affected area to improve blood flow and alleviate discomfort. Its tannins help constrict blood vessels, providing quick relief.

Check Also: 8 Research Backed Essential Oils For Broken Capillaries

5. Stop Bleeding Faster with Witch Hazel

Witch hazel’s natural astringent properties make it an excellent remedy for minor cuts and scrapes. Store-bought witch hazel often contains isopropyl alcohol, making it a great disinfectant for cleaning wounds before bandaging.

6. Post Hair-Removal Soother

Both men and women can use witch hazel after shaving or waxing to prevent bleeding and reduce inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated skin, making it a must-have in your post-hair-removal routine.

7. Hemorrhoid Relief with Witch Hazel

Hemorrhoids can be painful, but witch hazel offers relief from itching, swelling, and bleeding. Many over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams contain witch hazel, but you can make your own by mixing it with aloe vera gel for a soothing, natural remedy.

Research backs these claims as well. Witch hazel suppositories showed significant symptom reduction in a clinical study. Patients saw improvements in just a few days, with nearly complete relief after about a week.

8. Soothe a Sore Throat with Witch Hazel Tea

Witch hazel’s astringent properties extend to throat care. Brew a cup of natural witch hazel tea (avoid store-bought versions with additives) to gargle and reduce mucus, swelling, and throat discomfort. It’s particularly effective for tonsillitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis.

Check also: 12 Best Foods For Sore Throat And 9 Worse

9. Treat Damaged Gums Naturally

A witch hazel concoction can reduce gum swelling, pain, and bleeding. It’s also helpful for alleviating discomfort from emerging wisdom teeth or post-oral surgery recovery.

10. Witch Hazel for Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) occurs when the ear canal gets infected. Use an eye dropper to apply witch hazel, which helps remove wax, oil, and pus. Follow up with an antimicrobial like tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar for added protection.

11. Soothe Diaper Rash Quickly

Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a gentle remedy for diaper rash. Regular application can speed up healing and soothe irritated skin.

12. Cool Down Sunburn Naturally

Mix witch hazel with aloe vera gel to create a soothing sunburn remedy. This combination reduces peeling, cools the skin, and promotes faster healing.

13. Eliminate Contact Dermatitis

Witch hazel is effective against itching and dryness caused by contact dermatitis. Use it to treat rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, or urushiol, a plant compound that irritates the skin.

14. Witch Hazel for Bug Bites: Reduce Itching and Swelling Fast

Keep witch hazel on hand during outdoor activities to treat bug bites and stings. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce itching and swelling, providing quick relief.

How to Make Witch Hazel Concoction at Home

Witch Hazel concoction in a big jar — – Witch Hazel concoction / Image source: outdoorapothecary.com

Making your own witch hazel is simple and ensures a pure, natural product. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

½ pound of witch hazel bark
Distilled water
Pure grain alcohol
Strainer
Stock pot

Instructions:

Place the witch hazel bark in a stock pot.
Add enough distilled water to cover the bark.
Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Strain the mixture and combine it with an equal amount of pure grain alcohol.
Store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years.

For further reading about making your own Witch Hazel concoction at home, I suggest checking this article by Barbi from outdoorapothecary.com – a bioregional herbalist, wildcrafter, gardener, forager, and nature lover.

Witch Hazel vs. Tea Tree Oil: Which Is Better for Acne?

When it comes to natural acne remedies, witch hazel and tea tree oil are two of the most popular options. Both have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but they differ in strength, application, and suitability for different skin types.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is better for your acne concerns:

Feature	Witch Hazel	Tea Tree Oil
Best For	Sensitive skin, mild acne	Severe acne, fungal infections
Anti-Inflammatory	Yes	Yes
Antimicrobial	Mild	Strong
Application	Direct application or toner	Must be diluted with a carrier oil
Skin Type	Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin	Best for oily or acne-prone skin; may irritate sensitive skin
Key Benefits	Reduces redness, shrinks pores, and soothes irritation	Targets bacteria, reduces severe acne, and prevents breakouts
Potential Side Effects	Rare; may cause dryness if overused	Can cause irritation or allergic reactions if not diluted properly

When to Use Witch Hazel for Acne

Witch hazel is ideal for those with sensitive or dry skin, as it’s gentler and less likely to cause irritation. It works well as a daily toner to reduce redness, shrink pores, and remove excess oil. Its mild antimicrobial properties make it effective for preventing mild acne and blackheads.

When to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Tea tree oil is a stronger option for treating severe acne or fungal-related skin issues. Its potent antimicrobial properties target acne-causing bacteria, making it effective for stubborn breakouts. However, it must always be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) to avoid skin irritation.

FAQs About Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can benefit your hair and scalp in several ways:

Reduces oiliness: It acts like a dry shampoo, keeping your scalp from getting too greasy between washes.
Soothes irritation: Its natural anti-inflammatory properties help calm an irritated or inflamed scalp.
Fights dandruff: By reducing inflammation and controlling oil, witch hazel can help prevent dandruff.
Improves scalp circulation: Massaging witch hazel into the scalp increases blood flow, promoting healthy hair development.

However, if you have a very dry scalp or hair, it’s best to avoid using witch hazel, as it can be drying.

Dermatologists have mixed opinions about using witch hazel on the skin. Some appreciate its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which can help reduce oiliness and soothe irritation.

However, others caution that witch hazel may cause dryness or irritation, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.

Leaving witch hazel on your scalp overnight is not generally recommended, as it may cause dryness or irritation, especially if it contains alcohol. You should apply witch hazel to your scalp, leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse it out.

You should avoid using witch hazel if you have sensitive or dry skin, as it can cause further dryness or irritation.

Also, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to steer clear due to limited safety information. It suggested to do a patch test before using witch hazel to check for any adverse reactions.

Some people advise against using witch hazel because it often contains alcohol, which can dry out and irritate your skin. Even alcohol-free versions have compounds that might cause sensitivity.

People use witch hazel pads to relieve discomfort from hemorrhoids, as the witch hazel helps reduce swelling, itching, and minor pain. Additionally, after childbirth, applying witch hazel pads can soothe perineal pain and swelling. These pads are also used to cleanse and freshen the vaginal area, maintaining proper hygiene.

Bathing in witch hazel can help reduce skin inflammation and irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It may also soothe minor skin irritations and provide relief from conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Applying witch hazel to minor cuts can help reduce swelling and fight bacteria, thanks to its tannins. However, some formulations contain alcohol, which might cause stinging or irritation. It’s best to use alcohol-free versions

Distilled witch hazel is typically extracted using alcohol, which can be drying to the skin. In contrast, some products use steam distillation without alcohol, making them gentler. When choosing a witch hazel product, look for alcohol-free options if you have sensitive or dry skin.

For best results, use witch hazel as a toner twice daily—once in the morning and once at night.

Bottom Line

Witch hazel is a versatile, natural remedy that offers a wide range of benefits for skin, health, and home care. Its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties make it a powerful solution for treating acne, reducing puffiness, soothing irritation, and even relieving minor wounds or bug bites.

Gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective for a variety of concerns, witch hazel is a must-have in your natural health toolkit.

Whether you’re looking to improve your skincare routine, soothe discomfort, or create DIY remedies, witch hazel is a reliable and time-tested option. Always opt for natural, alcohol-free versions for the best results, and consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe conditions.

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14 Witch Hazel Uses & Benefits for Skin, Health & Home
How Witch Hazel Benefits Your Health and Home

Witch Hazel Uses And Benefits