However, witch hazel should not be used by people with dry or extremely sensitive . I use essential oils a lot to get rid of odors, but you cant just spray essential oils into the air. Many of the items we cant live without are multipurpose: They save time, space and effort on the busiest days. Yes, although using witch hazel is not safe for cats, using witch hazel for cat fleas is effective. To use witch hazel for acne, first clean or steam your face. While recipes vary, some call for witch hazel as the active ingredient to wipe out illness-inducing pathogens. 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. You can also use it on high-shine floors, including marble. 6. Rubbing alcohol works for this too. Shake well and spray the solution to deodorize your home, Step 2. Ticks cant stand witch hazel. Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive floor cleaning solutions, just pour half a cup of witch hazel into a gallon of warm water. Keep a bottle near your home workout area or in your gym bag for exercise on the gothough we recommend not using this on communal equipment in case others are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Treat Damaged Gums. Although witch hazel contains a . Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. The stain should lift right off! Varicose veins are an unsightly cosmetic blemish with a similar appearance to stretch marks. Witch hazel is a botanical astringent from the plant Hamamelis virginiana. tsp vitamin E oil. Pour cup of witch hazel into a spray bottle. After you've washed your face thoroughly, pat it dry with a soft cloth. If the cold sore blister has already formed, put the witch hazel on it as soon as you can. Maybe you got something stuck in your gums while eating, or perhaps you have an infection or ate something that irritated you. of witch hazel. 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. have even shown Witch Hazel to have antiviral properties. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Witch hazel can help with acne. Combine water and witch hazel in a spray bottle, Step 3. You might be surprised to learn that witch hazel is actually a plant. Give your old dingy clothes a new lease on life with two powerful brightening agents. And for those times when an itchy patch of skin is driving you crazy, our Production Manager Brittany has an easy Witch Hazel remedy! Once again, the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of witch hazel will come to your rescue. 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 . , and lotion knocks out all kinds of itchy and scratchy skin woes. Step 3. IN ur actual vagina, no i dont think so because of the alcohol content. We recommend GoodGopher Out of all these, there can be only one best way to clean a bong Simply you can use witch hazel with a bit of cotton pad and apply to the part where the itching problem is occurring. Around 20 minutes should do it. Gentle Surface Cleaner. Add 6 drops of peppermint essential oil to the spray bottle. When pet stains occur, Leslie turns to witch hazel. Witch hazel topical side effects. , 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! You can make an easy spray-on deodorant which is 100% natural using half a cup of witch hazel, a quarter of a cup of aloe vera gel or juice, a quarter teaspoon of baking soda, and ten drops of your favorite essential oil. Considering it can help with chicken pox, it is more than up to the task of taking care of a few bug bites! The puffiness and redness should be gone, or at least greatly reduced. In high dosages, witch hazel can cause kidney and liver damage when it is taken internally. Appointments & Access. Joann Pan is a content creator based in New York City. There are all sorts of ways that your gums can get sore or inflamed. All you have to do is spray some witch hazel on the grimy or smudged glass and rub it clean with a cloth. Cookie Notice Soak your jewelry in a solution of witch hazel and tea tree essential oil, Single-Step Method: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and use as a cleaner, Single-Step Method: Use a witch hazel spray to clean dirty windows. One of my favorite ways to use it is on my furniture. If you have a sensitive scalp, you can dilute the witch hazel with . Share them with us in the comments below! Combat eczema, psoriasis, and other irritating skin conditions. When distilled and combined with alcohol, the aromatic oil extracted from the bark of the Witch Hazel shrub makes a soothing and mildly astringent lotion. Reduce Itching From Poison Ivy & Poison Oak, 18. Lastly, rinse your jewelry in water for a final cleaning. This will really speed up your nighttime routine. You can use it as a preventative too, so this is something every pregnant woman should have on hand! Start at the top of the blinds and spray in a side-to-side sweeping motion, working your way down. Combine water and witch hazel in a spray bottle. Witch hazel (removes deposited impurities) as required, Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial) 1 drop, Baking soda (scrubs out stains) as required. 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 . 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. The tannins in witch hazel work as a . Use an eyedropper to insert several drops of witch hazel into each ear to dry up pus and break up wax and . Nowadays, witch hazel has become a fairly common ingredient. Most of the time, you can get a bottle of witch hazel for under $2.00, making this a very inexpensive remedy for hemorrhoids. She emphasizes that the skins tightening response is temporary. But over time, the shine and sparkle become somewhat subdued. Let the shoes dry before you wear them again. Bottom line: Save the witch hazel for those minor scrapes and bug bitesand keep washing your hands. 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. Alternatively, you can spritz the witch hazel solution directly onto the microfiber cloth and wipe down blinds, refreshing the cloth with additional sprays of solution as you go. (You can select and upload upto 5 images in a comment. 7. Follow up with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer. If you add some witch hazel to paint, you can thin it out. Witch hazel is an extract from the plant hamamelis virginiana. Both of them speed up drying time as well, so you get the job done faster. Method 1: DIY Insect Repellent. Strange odor coming from the ear (s) Abnormal discharge coming from . 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. Stir the mixture together and start mopping. Take a 10-minute catnap, sit up, and look in the mirror. Shop. Chicken pox is no fun for anyone. 1. See On Aesop. Boil a tablespoon of witch hazel in a cup of water for 15 mins and then gargle with it. Shake well and spray to eliminate odor from stinky shoes. You can also put them in the sunlight for a few hours to let them dry completely. 31 Ways To Use Labels & Tags This Holiday! 1. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid Castile soap as well. Its kind of the same way with cleaning, says Reichert. Witch hazel toxicity can cause symptoms like vomiting and constipation if ingested. Witch hazel can be used to clean your jewelry, as it is comparatively mild and will not damage or tarnish precious metals or stones. How To Make A Mood-Boosting Essential Oil Spray, How To Make Your Own Natural Deodorant (Stick Or Spray), 11 Unexpectedly Useful Things You Can Do With A Coffee Filter. Allow it to air dry if you can. While many of witch hazels uses are cosmetic, some of them are quite medicinal and include wound care and other health-related applications. Witch Hazel can often replace a, How To Make Homemade Cleansing Pads For Oily Skin, Many chemists and pharmacists refer to Witch Hazel as natures answer to Neosporin. The organic compounds within witch hazel make it a powerful astringent substance, meaning that it can help to tighten skin. For this reason, you have to avoid harsh detergents (even some commercial jewelry cleaning solutions are too strong to use safely!). Witch Hazel can be a substitute for. Although it is popular as a toner, it can be found in shampoos as well. So. I started DIYnCrafts long ago to spread crafts and happiness. For light to moderate acne, try sweeping an alcohol-free witch hazel toner on clean skin to help dry out the acne. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle, Step 2. If you have frizzy hair, witch hazel can help you to tame your locks. In Two Minds Facial Cleanser. Witch hazel has some alcohol content, but not enough to be considered a true antiseptic. Attach the spray nozzle and shake the bottle well. How To Make A Homemade First Aid Ointment, How To Get That Post-Workout Glow In 2 Simple Steps. Just mix it all together in a spray bottle and use it. All rights reserved. Our commitment to clean, safe and healthy environments. Gargling with witch hazel can heal inflamed gums and reduce the pain dramatically. Add 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil as well. Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. We all have our kitchen staples, like high-quality EVOOessential for everything from fried eggs to Italian Holiday Bread. .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. is one of your best defenses against COVID-19. "Topical witch hazel is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, and because many acne lesions are inflammatory, witch hazel has been used to decrease the . Its even great for fighting odors in stinky gym shoes! Create a simple yoga mat spray using witch hazel, distilled water, and tea tree oil. Unlike commercial hand sanitizers, however, it does not use alcohol to dry out your hands and actually . Witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree work together to clarify . Copy. Research indicates witch hazel has both good and bad properties for skin. If youre the proud parent of a dog or a cat, you know that accidents can happen. Here are some smart ways to use it: 1. The quick-drying astringent witch hazel will tighten skin, setting the makeup and ensuring that you look your best throughout the entire day. (Ive been guilty of that!) Since it is alcohol-based, it will evaporate quickly all on its own (this is also why it helps paint to dry). Witch hazel is a tree-like plant indigenous to North America and parts of Asia. Cleaning jewelry poses a challenge, because you need something effective enough to lift debris, grease, and oxidization, but whatever you use needs to be gentle enough not to damage metals and gemstones. Simply applying witch hazel after you shave can soothe your skin and reduce inflammation, preventing razor burn from forming at all. It's often distilled into an ointment or a concentrated extract that can be used in many different ways. It has long been used by Native American tribes for its therapeutic value. Step 1: Disassemble and empty your bong. Finish with an enzyme cleaner. While there is not enough evidence to . These two treatments alone have reduced my acne to about 25% of what it used to be. You can use this mixture as an air freshener anywhere in your house. It is a liquid extracted from parts of a flowering plant called the witch hazel plant," says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D. We also stash big bottles of white vinegar, castile soap and baking soda around the house. Witch hazel can do wonders for your skin, but you shouldn't be using it to clean your house. Its a lot more eco-friendly than a commercial air freshener, and the smell will be much better too. 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. Know any cool uses for witch hazel which we missed? 10 Wonderful Uses for Witch Hazel: Say So Long to Scars. You will be stunned at the difference when your hair dries! And if you cant find any, making your own isnt exactly the ideal solution. Dont use it on its own. On The Fourth Day Of Witch Hazel. The astringent qualities of witch hazel make it great as a makeup remover. Gargling saltwater not doing the trick for you? Lavender essential oil (pleasant-smelling and antimicrobial) 7 or 8 drops. 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). You can also use Witch Hazel on bruises or skin that is blistered or cracked. When you feel that little tingle that signifies you have a cold sore coming on, try applying a little witch hazel to the spot. Dampen a cotton ball with witch hazel and wipe down rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to rid them of the oils they pick up from your skin during wear. 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! Soothe Sensitive Skin Add about 15 drops of tea tree essential oil. Add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel extract. My favorite brand is Thayers, can be fo. Take a look! Fill your bong with warm water, and while holding your hands over the shaft and mouth-hole, give the bong a good shake. Pour 2 tablespoons of witch hazel into a spray bottle. Witch hazel (disinfectant) 1 teaspoons, Vitamin E oil (moisturizes skin) teaspoon, Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) 15 drops. So I've struggled with vaginal odor for a while now, ever since puberty I felt like my vagina smelled "off" especially after a long day at school or work. 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. Witch Hazel Wipes. Bathing daily also helps keep the skin clean, lowering the chance of skin infection. It's an astringent, which means witch hazel has a chemical makeup that allows it to actually shrink and constrict body tissue that's why it's often used to treat inflammation. While witch hazel is safe to use topically on dogs and is not known to interact with other medications, there are some risks pet parents should be aware of, vets advise. I think its time to bring that bottle out of the cupboard and start putting it to good use! Liquid Castile soap (breaks down hardened product) 1 teaspoon. While clear glass windows and doors give a home an open and welcoming feel, keeping the glass free of dirt and smudges can often prove to be an arduous task. Spray the witch hazel-based solution on the dirty makeup brush. Flavonoids, tannins, and a few other naturally occurring compounds found in witch hazel give it a natural astringency. Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner. Most people buy witch hazel to use on their skin. This works great if you got some hair dye stains on your skin (tip: you can also prevent those stains in the first place by applying a little petroleum jelly to your skin before you dye your hair). You can honestly use whatever chemical to clean away the resin you want, just be sure that whatever you use . 2. In fact, its arguably one of the most effective treatments I have ever tried, and certainly among the cheapest. 5. Just massage it into your scalp, and then follow it up with your standard shampoo and conditioner in the shower and rinse it all out. Witch hazel is a naturally occurring astringent that constricts blood vessels, which in turn reduces swelling and inflammation. Witch hazel, tea tree oil, and rosemary leaf extract help clarify and deep clean the scalp and hair, while coconut oil and glycerin ensure it doesn't dry out. Leslie Reichert, natural-cleaning coach and the author of The Joy of Green Cleaning, has two beloved golden retrieversand the perfect cleanup routine. 3. The astringent qualities of witch hazel make it great as a makeup remover. While it's generally applied to the outermost layer of skin to relieve itching and reduce swelling, it's also found within other topical and oral medicines. Nothing itches and burns quite like your skin after a day out on the beach. Excessive sweating or perspiration can be quite embarrassing, especially if its accompanied by bad odor. Its going to leave the finish just like glass. Its always a good idea to test any new cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous part of the material before applying it liberally. Start at the top of the blinds and spray in a side-to-side sweeping motion, working your way down. Pair it up with a natural product containing activated charcoal for the best effect. 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. Gargle that instead. Four, it . Witch hazel is often sourced for skincare solutions and topical treatments for pain. 2. The skin-tightening and deep cleansing powers of witch hazel give it a wide variety of uses in your morning and evening routine. With that, people have tried to figure out how to make their own hand sanitizer and cleaning solutions. Then, using a mix of witch hazel extract and water or alcohol, apply to your face with a cotton ball. Wash your face prior to using this product. Transfer to a pump or squeeze bottle and use for up to 2 weeks. But heres another multi-use recommendation: witch hazel. Reduce Soreness and Inflammation In Sore Gums, Sore Throat, Laryngitis. Blot and clean the brush using the paper towel. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Most products in the wellness aisle are made from tannins found within its leaves and bark, often processed into topical treatments that you find in the pharmacy aisle. Now, your jewelry will sparkle and shine just like it did the first time it caught your eye. Our cleaning experts at Merry Maids have a few suggestions below. 15 drops orange essential oil. 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. If you have a few of these at home, make sure to keep them away from your cat. Note that this doesnt just work on your pet. Hemorrhoids are no fun for anyone. 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. Method 2: DIY Spray for Stinky Shoes. Once your makeup has been removed . Plus, why making DIY sanitizers and cleaning products is risky in the first place. Witch Hazel. 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 . Full Answer In addition, it is a cheap solution that is very easy to find in just about any grocery store or drug store. Its really easy. However, health officials do know that washing your hands well and often (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds!) And who wouldnt want shiny jewelry? Spicy Air Cleanse Room Freshener Spray. Two, witch hazel's acidic temperament can help restore the vaginal environment after you give birth. For jewelry that hasnt been cleaned in some time, you can also soak pieces for about 20 to 30 minutes in a small dish or glass filled with witch hazel. Empty the dirty water into the toilet. Reduces oiliness. You can use this as you would a commercial witch hazel preparation: splashing or spraying . Witch Hazel has the unique ability to clean skin pores and absorb excess oil without leaving skin too dry. Tilford advises against applying witch hazel for dry skin conditions. 9. Finally, add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 1 drop of thyme essential oil. Required fields are marked *. It can relieve itching, burning and irritation caused by hemorrhoids or bowel movements. Witch Hazel and Rose Water. If you use witch hazel in appropriate amounts, your risks are relatively minor. It will be wet for a moment, but should dry quickly after soaking into your skin. Massaging your scalp with full-strength witch hazel before shampooing will strip away oil and dandruff, making your shampoo more effective. The astringent breaks down the sticky bonds for easy removal. Here are some smart ways to use it: Spritz witch hazel on countertops and wipe it up with a microfiber cloth. It is, and we have its gentle yet powerful degreasing properties to thank for that. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Remember, it tightens up skin. Add a half cup of witch hazel to a gallon of water and use for mopping the floor. It can be applied with a cotton ball that remains on the skin as a compress, if desired. Thicker/bigger chunks of salt work best but witch hazel doesn't work for cleaning glass. Put the nozzle back on the bottle and shake it well to mix all the ingredients together.