10 Amazing Uses for Witch Hazel You Have Got to Try!

Witch hazel has several fantastic uses that go beyond it just being an inexpensive topical astringent. You may have a bottle of it in your medicine cabinet and have dabbed it on your skin here and there. But there is so much more this substance can do than just tone the skin on your face! But first, have you ever wondered what exactly witch hazel is? This common substance is made from the bark and leaves of Hamamelis virginiana, the North American witch hazel shrub. And the high concentrations of tannins in witch hazel make it a great astringent, to be sure. However, witch hazel uses extend to other areas of natural remedies, as well, many of which have been in practice for years. For example, chances are you have never considered using witch hazel as a remedy for diaper rash. Want to learn more? Read on!

If witch hazel isn't already in your home, here are 10 reasons why it should be!

1. It Removes Stubborn Makeup

Removing makeup can be easier said than done. Sticky or resistant makeup can be difficult to remove completely. And you definitely do not want to fall asleep with makeup on your face. That's a surefire way to wake up with an acne breakout. Give your skin the proper care it craves by ensuring you remove your makeup and wash your face every night before you go to bed. You can help do this by using witch hazel as a makeup-remover. Thanks to the astringent properties in witch hazel, it can help remove even the most stubborn makeup residue to help prevent breakouts.

2. It Heals Cuts and Scrapes

Witch hazel is often used with antiseptics like alcohol to clean cuts and scrapes. It may cause an initial sting, but it will almost instantly relieve the pain from a small injury. All in all, it's a worthy trade-off, to bear just a tiny amount of pain in order to relieve a bigger source of pain. But that's not all witch hazel can do for your scraped up skin! It also encourages the skin to contract, which helps to slow bleeding and jump start the healing process.

3. It Helps Destroy Dandruff

Dandruff can be an absolute nightmare! Dandruff occurs when the skin on your scalp begins to flake, and can cause your skin to become quite itchy and uncomfortable. While people with dry and brittle hair should avoid witch hazel, those with oily hair can use it to remove excess skin and oil from the hair before shampooing, to help get rid of dandruff. Help ditch the dandruff itch by using witch hazel!

4. It Relieves Itchy Skin

Speaking of itching, what's a good way to treat itchy skin? If you're suffering from chicken pox or eczema, adding witch hazel to Aloe Vera can be soothing and provide itch relief. As mentioned above, witch hazel can also help encourage sores to close and heal. Witch hazel can even help relieve itchy bug bites on your skin. Be sure to keep it stocked up in your house to help combat those summertime itchy bug bites!

5. It Removes Smudges

If you set your glass down in something sticky, witch hazel can help. Why scrub away at it when a few swipes with a witch hazel-soaked cotton ball can do the trick? Witch hazel is also effective at clearing up everyday smudges, without leaving streaks behind. Streaks from soap and water or a microfiber cloth can be removed using witch hazel. And what about sticker residue on glass or other hard surfaces? Just use a cotton ball or two and witch hazel, and you're good to go!

6. It Shines Tarnished Jewelry

Many of us are guilty of it--storing that old box of tarnished jewelry. You keep meaning to get to it, but you have to get the right cleaning solution first. But what if you already have a great jewelry cleaning product? That's right, ff you have silver jewelry that seems to be tarnishing, try using witch hazel to touch it up! It's also great for solid silver or bronze items that need some shine, but avoid using it on plated jewelry and soft stones.

7. It Heals Diaper Rash

Baby care products can be expensive, and are often filled with questionable ingredients you probably don't want to use on your precious baby's skin. The good news is you can make homemade baby wipes by combining witch hazel and Aloe Vera. It's great for the skin. And, on that note, witch hazel also works for diaper rash. Keep a small bottle and some organic cotton balls in your child's diaper bag for a quick rash remedy. Remember to dab it on gently rather than rub--you don't want to further agitate their already inflamed skin.

8. It Reduces Puffy Eyes

Whether you suffer from insomnia or simply had a bad night of sleep, you may want to try using witch hazel. If you often wake up with puffy eyes after a night of restless sleep, witch hazel can help. The astringent properties can encourage the inflammation and swelling to go down, brightening and smoothing the puffy skin around your eyes.

9. It Relieves Bruises

Yup, that's right, witch hazel can heal more than just cuts and scrapes. If you're like many people, you may forget the bruise is there until---whack! You smack it into something, and the pain starts all over again. Help your body heal by using witch hazel on your bruises. This versatile plant-based astringent can help reduce the appearance as well as the pain of a bruise. Use a witch hazel compress once a day for a few days to help the bruise disappear.

10. It Can be Used for Natural Skin Care

Witch hazel can help with a variety of skin conditions. It's often recommended for soothing dry skin, along with cleaning pores that can clog overnight. Try dipping an organic cotton ball in some witch hazel and cleansing your face with it to remove excess dirt and oil before bed. Sources: Wellness Mama David Wolfe David Wolfe Missouri Botanical Garden