It does clean the skin, and according to the Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines, it helps to stop bleeding and reduce swelling 2. You can also use the spray to treat bed bug bites, this makes this DIY insect repellent one of the best uses of witch hazel around the house. Shake it up, and then spray. Spritz witch hazel on the dirty glass and wipe it clean. Witch hazel has many benefits for skin, including relieving inflammation, tightening pores, and helping with razor bumps. Shake well and spray to eliminate odor from stinky shoes, Step 1. This use goes hand-in-hand with that above. You should only use witch hazel a few times a week to avoid over-drying or stripping away the skin's natural protective barrier. After using witch hazel in . 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! Difference Between Witch Hazel and Hydrogen Peroxide Remember these three steps when using witch hazel: 1. Witch hazel turns out to be a phenomenal cleaner for your bathroom. Treat Damaged Gums. You can use witch hazel to disinfect and clean your dogs ears; doing so will provide relief from the constant itching and also treat the infection. 6. 23. By Carolyn Fort and Zee Krstic Published: Apr 3, 2020 Save Article No more streaks and harsh chemicals being wiped all over your floor! Much like its shelf-mates hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol, witch hazel has a number of household uses beyond skincare and home remedies. Heal cuts and fade bruises. Personally, I love this stuff. I was thrilled when I discovered how much less effort it took to get my makeup off with its help! The combination of Witch Hazel. 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. Take a look below at 10 wonderful uses for witch hazel and how you can use it in your own home. Is Witch Hazel Safe for Dogs? - Fauna Care Curious has anyone ever tried witch hazel on leather? Step 2. 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. Just dab some on with a cotton ball several times a day. Witch Hazel can often replace a daily cleanser for those with normal skin types. 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. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); Reichert started using witch hazel to brighten carpets after going into a clients home and seeing her decades-old white carpet in perfect condition. Follow up with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer. "It tends to tighten and dehydrate, thus exacerbating such conditions.". You may come across recipes online that call for witch hazel in cleansers or sanitizing agents, especially if it's meant to be applied on the skin. Tilford advises against applying witch hazel for dry skin conditions. Boiling one teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel in . As it turns out, witch hazel has a whole ton of handy uses! As deep-cleaning surfaces around the home have become a top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been wondering if they can use non-chemical cleaners to sanitize and disinfect surfaces, including witch hazel, which is often included in homegrown recipes for hand sanitizer. I understand that vaginas are self cleaning and have a delicate pH so I never douche, use feminine washes, or do anything besides use warm water and mild . Witch hazel (removes deposited impurities) as required, Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial) 1 drop, Baking soda (scrubs out stains) as required. Just as the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory powers of witch hazel are great for you, they can be helpful to your pet as well. How to Use Witch Hazel | Benefits of Witch Hazel for Skin - thayers Mix up a simple yet effective mopping solution for vinyl, linoleum, and tile floor. (ie. Is Witch Hazel Good for Skin? | Paula's Choice Use as needed to sanitize your hands. Dont miss a thing by downloading Apple News here and following Prevention. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you should check with your doctor before using witch hazel. Reach out to us to learn more! Shake well and spray to eliminate odor from stinky shoes. 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. If you notice any of the following signs, please hold off on putting anything into your pet's ears until your vet has had a chance to evaluate them: Earflap is red and warm to the touch. Washes can be made with distilled water Witch hazel alcohol or any mixture of the three you choose. Soaking in a cool water bath (or taking a cool shower) for approximately 15 minutes helps to relieve some of the pain and itchiness caused by shingles. This is a great way to save money, since you can go through those Preparation H pads pretty quickly. 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). Vaginal odor & witch hazel. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 5. On that note, witch hazel can remove stains from your skin too. Because of its alcohol content, the witch hazel will dry quicklyno need to rinseand youll be left with a clean, streak-free shine. 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. Add witch hazel to your arsenal of natural cleaning products to help avoid cleaners with hazardous ingredients. Continue reading to learn the 10 best uses of witch hazel for cleaning, odor removal and more. Stir the mixture together and start mopping. Use an eyedropper to insert several drops of witch hazel into each ear to dry up pus and break up wax and . You can also use it on high-shine floors, including marble. However, Witch Hazel should not be considered an effective disinfectant if youre trying to protect yourself from influenza or Coronavirus, since the. 7. All you have to do is spray some witch hazel on the grimy or smudged glass and rub it clean with a cloth. 10 Wonderful Uses for Witch Hazel: Say So Long to Scars. You can use a witch hazel solution for cleaning the cat's ears. People with very oily skin like to use it to remove excess oil, says dermatologist Rajani Katta, MD, professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine. Click on button and make sure to select all the images you want to upload. Witch hazel is a tree-like plant indigenous to North America and parts of Asia. Thicker/bigger chunks of salt work best but witch hazel doesn't work for cleaning glass. All rights reserved. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Apply 5 to 10 drops in each affected ear using a clean dropper bottle or baby syringe. But this problem can be solved easily. Cautions Of Using Witch Hazel On The Skin. Both of them speed up drying time as well, so you get the job done faster. The puffiness and redness should be gone, or at least greatly reduced. Once your makeup has been removed . 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. In high dosages, witch hazel can cause kidney and liver damage when it is taken internally. 1. When NOT to Clean Your Pet's Ears | Preventive Vet Be sure to use a gentle soap that wont be too harsh on your glasses. Looking to do some quick maintenance mopping? Remove your makeup with it. Witch Hazel products in your local drug store because common Witch Hazel is such a powerful first aid tool. Combine water and witch hazel in a spray bottle, Step 3. The tannins in witch hazel work as a . Thanks! Prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. So after you have had anyone sick in your home, give this a spray all over the house. As with most other things, you must expect that there are some manufacturing differences between brands.Some companies might choose to add preservatives, alcohol, or other ingredients to enhance the product but for the most part witch hazel is an all-natural extract great for cleansing, skin repair, and fighting bacteria. Email and Push Notification Subscriber Settings. It should also help to reduce any swelling. 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. Massaging your scalp with full-strength witch hazel before shampooing will strip away oil and dandruff, making your shampoo more effective. 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 use Witch Hazel as a mild disinfectant for cuts or scrapes thanks to the natural grain alcohol that appears in most brands you can buy over the counter! Another form of irritation we all have to deal with is razor burn. Witch Hazel: How to Use | Cleveland Clinic In a spray bottle, combine witch hazel, water and apple cider vinegar for a DIY countertop cleaner. After you've washed your face thoroughly, pat it dry with a soft cloth. Put witch hazel on a cotton ball and wipe jewelry clean. Reduce Soreness and Inflammation In Sore Gums, Sore Throat, Laryngitis. For a little extra boost of cleaning power on heavily soiled floors, add 1 tablespoon of borax to the mopping solution. Katta warns against using witch hazel to treat sunburns, rashes, poison ivy and bug bites. Will Witch Hazel Clean A Bong However, you can greatly speed up the healing process by soaking a thin, clean cloth in witch hazel and applying it to the bruise several times per day. While there is not enough evidence to . And, to clean frequently-touched surfaces a little more often, check out the Environmental Protection Agencys full list of approved antimicrobial cleaning products for COVID-19 here. Heres what you need to know. Your email address will not be published. Witch hazel topical side effects. Use this witch hazel-based, all-purpose cleaner to clean your tiles, floors and even eliminate odor from your refrigerator. Soothes Sore Throat. Essential Witch Hazel Uses According to Dermatologists - Byrdie To clean the outside of the ears, apply several drops to a swab and rub around the inside of the ears. and our (Ive been guilty of that!) And for those times when an itchy patch of skin is driving you crazy, our Production Manager Brittany has an easy Witch Hazel remedy! Dip a cotton ball or pad into witch hazel and press it onto any cuts or bruises on your face. Pour 2 tablespoons of witch hazel into a spray bottle. This provides protection against infection and may also deter mites, since it is harder for pests to thrive in a clean environment. See On Aesop. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Simply applying witch hazel after you shave can soothe your skin and reduce inflammation, preventing razor burn from forming at all. Blood is one of the most feared stains in the average laundry room. 8. 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. If you have large, open pores on your skin and cant stand the sight of them, then you will find that a daily application of witch hazel will help to shrink their appearance. Our commitment to clean, safe and healthy environments. Finally, witch hazel has a few additional uses around the house. Bathing daily also helps keep the skin clean, lowering the chance of skin infection. With prolonged and regular use, your shoes become saturated with sweat, especially in the toe area. Witch hazel for acne: Effectiveness and how to use it - Medical News Today 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). Add a bandage, and youre set. Our cleaning experts at Merry Maids have a few suggestions below. Then apply your favorite formulation of Thayers Witch Hazel before adding a moisturizing cream or serum. 4 Ways to Apply Witch Hazel to Your Face - wikiHow If the cold sore blister has already formed, put the witch hazel on it as soon as you can. 1 tablespoon witch hazel. Attach the spray nozzle and shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients together. Although it is popular as a toner, it can be found in shampoos as well. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 10 Wonderful Uses for Witch Hazel - A Few Shortcuts Witch hazel can reduce swelling, dry the excess mucus and reduce pain. Finish with an enzyme cleaner. Blend well and transfer it to a squeeze bottle for easy use, Single-Step Method: Use a witch hazel-soaked cotton ball to clean your dogs ears, Step 1. This is not a complete list of side . Shop. This mixture contains polyphenols and tannins. Witch hazel provides the dual benefits of encouraging the oil to mix with the water and helping the scent last longer. I would try hot water and salt first. You can also use this solution as an air freshener. Fill a spray bottle with witch hazel and lightly mist floors, then give them a pass with a microfiber mop. "Witch hazel is a botanical anti-inflammatory that is often used in the skin care industry. One important note before we get into its multipurpose uses: Witch Hazel is not an adequate substitute for proper disinfectant. 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. This tonic lasts up to two years if stored in an airtight bottle in a cool, dry place. Your email address will not be published. This will really speed up your nighttime routine. You can make your own natural DIY antiperspirant by combining witch hazel, aloe vera gel, baking soda and sage essential oil. 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. Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel extract and use it to clean and disinfect your dogs ears daily until the infection goes away. Depending on the location of the window, your blinds may be subject to anything from cooking grease splatters to heavy moisture or dust. Witch hazel is a popular folk remedy for spider veins. You can order your witch hazel from Amazon or Ebay. If youre the proud parent of a dog or a cat, you know that accidents can happen. You will be amazed at how useful it is, and how much money it ends up saving you over time. Leave the witch hazel on for 5 to 10 minutes. Dickinson's Witch Hazel , $4) with warm water and a bit of lemon juice to create a fresh-scented, all-natural cleaning solution that works brilliantly on metal, glass surfaces, tile, and even jewelry. Contrary to popular opinion, witch hazel has nothing to do with witches, magic or wizardry. Research indicates witch hazel has both good and bad properties for skin. Risks. Lastly, rinse your jewelry in water for a final cleaning. Instead of buying eyeglasses cleaning solution from the store, why not create it yourself quickly and economically at home? While not a skincare use, witch hazel's cleansing properties can also be used to clean other surfaces. is one of your best defenses against COVID-19. That means you dont have to buy Preparation H to treat your hemorrhoids. With a few bottles of witch hazel around, your home and your smiling face will both look squeaky clean. But over time, the shine and sparkle become somewhat subdued. Used cosmetically, Witch Hazel Distillate can cleanse, regulate the skin's oil production, eliminate excess sebum, nourish, tighten, tone, soothe, and reduce the chances of future blemish outbreaks. Mario Badescu. To make, combine 1/2 cup Witch Hazel, 1 cup of water, and about 15 drops of. After sopping up any liquid with paper towels, she uses a spray bottle to spritz the spot with witch hazel, which helps prevent stains from setting and reduces odors. Witch hazel is an effective remedy for getting rid of them. You know those annoying bags that show up under your eyes when youre tired? Your email address will not be published. Other ways you can use witch hazel to your advantage is to prevent razor burn or ingrown hairs, soothe redness and stinging from sunburns, and minimize the appearance of pore size, says Dr . Is Witch Hazel Good for ingrown hairs? - yourbestselves.com Witch hazel can do wonders for your skin, but you shouldn't be using it to clean your house. And, in particular, are DIY disinfectants and sanitizers even effective? It reduces swelling, calms irritation, minimizes . Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. 6. If youre a fan of essential oils (many use them for their nice-smelling, mood-boosting benefits), you know you need to combine them with a carrier oil or a base so youre not putting high concentrations directly on the skin. 8 Household Uses for Witch Hazel | Merry Maids $14. Youll love our magazine! If you add some witch hazel to paint, you can thin it out. 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. Sage is one of the best because it also has deodorant properties, and smells awesome. Start at the top of the blinds and spray in a side-to-side sweeping motion, working your way down. Stick to store-bought disinfectants or, for DIY disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or isopropyl alcohol. Shampoo hair as normal. Today Ill be sharing a few practical uses for Witch Hazel, several of which are perfect for handling spring and summer maladies. Because of the antimicrobial properties of witch hazel and tea tree oil, this hand sanitizer is a powerful disinfectant. Ingesting witch hazel can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. As it turns out, one of the key active ingredients in Preparation H is nothing more than witch hazel. Leftover residue from stickers, price tags, or labels can be maddeningand notoriously tough to eliminate completely. If you notice your furry little friend constantly scratching its ears, chances are that your pet may have an ear infection. 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. It also is great for personal hygiene, cosmetics, wound care, and more. .css-lwn4i5{display:block;font-family:Neutra,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:-0.01rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;text-align:center;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-lwn4i5:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}How to Clean All Types of Jewelry, A Cleaning Expert Breaks Down Laundry Stripping, How to Get Every Kind of Paint Out of Clothes, 11 Best Wood Floor Cleaners, Tested by Experts. 2. Witch Hazel Uses You Should Try. That means that you'll want to apply it after using a cleanser to re-balance skin pH. Spray your DIY antiperspirant on the most sweat-prone areas to control perspiration. That way it will have time to soak into the skin and really work its magic. So pick up a bottle! William Schaffner, M.D., the medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, says the best DIY remedies for a true disinfectant are bleach and water, or hydrogen peroxide, as well as isopropyl alcohol. How To Make A Homemade First Aid Ointment, How To Get That Post-Workout Glow In 2 Simple Steps. Yeah . Thieves actually kills airborne bacteria. Step 1. Is Witch Hazel Good for Skin? the Benefits and Risks of Witch - Insider