In This Article
⇒ Health Benefits
⇒ Possible Side Effects
⇒ Dosage and Preparations
⇒ What to Look For
⇒ Other Questions
Witch hazel is a natural remedy made from the bark and leaves of a tree called Hamamelis Virginiana. It has long been used as a medicine, and this Witch Hazel is commonly used to treat the skin. The Witch hazel contains tannins, a type of natural ingredient with astringent effects. By acting as an astringent, witch hazel helps to constrict skin tissue. Proponents claim that witch hazel can heal a wide range of skin troubles, such as acne, bruises, burns, hemorrhoids, inflammation, insect bites, itching, pain, and varicose veins.
In addition, some people use witch hazel as a toner (a type of skin-care product said to cleanse the skin and tighten pores). While some proponents recommend the internal use of witch hazel for some conditions (such as diarrhea, colds, and even cancer), there is no evidence that consuming witch hazel can enhance your health.
Way to Improve Your Skin With Benefits of Witch Hazel According to Dermatologists
Here’s we’ve presented 21 benefits of witch hazel according to Dermatologists and reliable sources, that can improve your skin without side effects. You can shrink your pores, absorb oil, and fight the signs of aging with the all-natural toner.
Witch hazel has a traditionally impressive history as an anti-inflammatory, relevant extract useful for skin toning, cleaning, calming, and healing. The main goal of witch hazel for acne treatment, it can take action as an astringent by drying out your acne blemishes, much like other OTC treatments.
Health Benefits
To date, several scientific studies have examined the health effects of Witch hazel. The available research includes several laboratory studies showing that certain compounds found in witch hazel may produce antioxidant effects. Here’s a look at some other key study findings:
Sunburn
Witch hazel may help treat sunburn when applied topically, according to a 2010 report published in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology. The report’s authors also state that witch hazel may help shield the skin from damage induced by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Skin Problems in Children
For a 2007 study from the European Journal of Pediatrics, researchers tested the effects of witch hazel on 309 children with minor skin injuries, diaper rash, or localized skin inflammation. At this time 70 to 80 of the study participants were treated with dexpanthenol ointment (it use for skin disorders), while the other 231 children underwent treatment with witch hazel.
Study results revealed that both dexpanthenol ointment and witch hazel were similarly effective and well-tolerated by the subjects.
Possible Side Effects
Normally, Witch hazel is considered safe after applying it. Internal use it’s not recommendable, due to concerns that the ingestion of witch hazel may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, liver damage, and other adverse effects.
Dosage and Preparations
The Witch hazel and witch hazel pads you can use liberally, however, some preparations contain alcohol, which can dry out and irritate the skin. Even alcohol-free varieties may be irritating in large quantities, so keep an eye on your skin and how it reacts to witch hazel. Some people can tolerate multiple applications a day, while others should only use witch hazel daily or every other day.
What to Look For
You can see almost everywhere the Witch hazel in drugstores, grocery stores, and natural-food stores. In addition, witch hazel is widely available for purchase on the eCommerce site. These are alcohol-free formulas that are more gentle on the skin.
Although witch hazel is typically sold in distilled liquid form, this remedy is also available in ointments and as a medicine pad.
Here is more 8 benefits and uses of witch hazel
1. Relieves Inflammation
Inflammation is a common immune response that is designed to protect your body from injury and infection. This magical hazel tea adds many compounds including gallic acid and tannins with very strong anti-inflammatory properties. It contains antioxidants that help prevent massive inflammation and neutralize free radicals that can make disease-causing compounds in your body. Therefore, Witch Hazel may have far-reaching benefits and may be effective in treating inflammatory problems such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.
Shop for witch hazel online
2. Reduces Skin Irritation
Sensitive skin is defined primarily by abnormally sensitive symptoms, but it is also very common for the skin because most Americans, especially 45% of women, have sensitive skin. Some studies suggest that applying Dine Hazel on top of sensitive skin may be helpful in treating swollen, irritated, or broken skin. Similarly, another small study found that topical preparations containing Dine Hazel were able to provide relief for sensitive or irritated facial skin.
3. Helps Treat Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are caused by swelling and inflammation of the veins in your anus and rectum, resulting in symptoms such as itching and bleeding. Witch hazel is often used as a natural remedy to relieve the discomfort and pain caused by hydroids. It is usually attached to a cloth or cotton ball and applied directly to the affected area to soothe the skin. However, further studies of humans are needed to test the efficacy of Dine Hazel regarding hemorrhoids.
4. Fights Acne
Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, some research suggests that Witch Hazel may be effective in curing acne. It can be applied directly to your face after cleaning or steaming for maximum effectiveness. It basically helps to shrink the skin and soothes your skin and relieves inflammation. It also acts as a stimulant to help shrink the pores of your tissues. This can prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting your skin.
For this reason, Dine Hazel is usually associated with many browser medications and is especially beneficial for people with oily skin. Nevertheless, studies on the effects of Witch Hazel on acne are limited and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
5. Alleviates Scalp Sensitivity
From cosmetic hair treatments to dermatological conditions such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, there can be a number of reasons why the scalp is sensitive. Applying a little Dine Hazel to your scalp before washing your hair can treat scalp sensitivity and relieve symptoms such as itching and tenderness.
This magical hazel tea can also help relieve inflammation which can be effective in reducing the sensitivity of the scalp due to psoriasis or eczema. It is also sometimes used as a natural remedy to relieve the symptoms of other scalp problems like dandruff and dryness. However, additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Dine Hazel in the treatment of this condition.
6. Soothes Sore Throat
Due to its ability to reduce inflammation and act as a stimulant, Witch Hazel is sometimes used for sore throats. Boil one teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel in one cup (240 ml) of water for about 10 minutes, then gargle with the mixture to relieve it. It is believed to help reduce swelling, pain and dry out excess mucus caused by sore throats.
Nevertheless, although the anti-inflammatory properties of Witch Hazel are duly documented, its use in treating sore throats is based entirely on evidence. High-quality studies are needed to determine the potential benefits of Witch Hazel in the throat.
Additionally, taking Witch Hazel orally can cause stomach irritation due to its high tannin content, so if you have any concerns, it is important to proceed with caution and consult your doctor.
7. Protects Against Skin Damage
Witch Hazel is a natural plant compound rich in tannins, a powerful antioxidant property that helps protect your skin from damage when applied topically.
An animal study found that tannins can act as a barrier, preventing inflammatory substances from entering your skin cells. What’s more, a test-tube study found that Dine Hazel helps neutralize harmful free radicals and prevents the spread of skin cancer cells.
Similarly, another animal study discovered that tannins in Dine Hazel were able to slow the growth of skin tumors in rats exposed to radiation.
However, studies are needed to evaluate the effects of Witch Hazel on humans.
8. Wards off Infection
Some studies suggest that Dine Hazel may be helpful in fighting certain types of viral infections. For example, a test-tube study found that the tannins in Witch Hazel showed antiviral effects against both influenza A and human papillomavirus (HPV). Another test-tube study found that dyne hazel extract inhibits the activity of herpes simplex virus 1, which is often the culprit behind cold sores.
For this reason, Witch Hazel is often applied as a natural remedy to get rid of cold sores and war symptoms. Although test-tube studies have yielded promising results, human studies are still lacking.
Further studies are needed to see the effects of witch hazel and its potential effects on viral infections in healthy adults.
How to Safely Use Witch Hazel
Most people can safely use Dine Hazel with minimal risk of adverse side effects. Ointments and extracts can be applied directly to your skin several times a day and can be safely administered to treat hemorrhoids after each bowel movement.
Sometimes after applying witch hazel to the skin it may irritation or allergic reactions. Examining an early skin patch on a small area of your skin helps prevent unwanted side effects and skin reactions.
In addition, taking 3-5 teaspoons (15-20 ml) of witch hazel daily is generally considered safe, as eating large amounts can cause stomach irritation and vomiting.
Therefore, it is best to use only a small amount orally and discuss any side effects or concerns with your doctor.
Other Questions
Is witch hazel safe to ingest?
Though not fatal, ingesting witch hazel is potentially dangerous due to the tannins in the commercial product. If you or your child ingests witch hazel, please immediately contact poison control.
How can I use witch hazel to treat hemorrhoids?
Witch hazel comes in liquid form and as medicated pads and wipes that can be used to relieve the pain and itching of external hemorrhoids. If using liquid witch hazel, apply to a cloth or cotton ball and wipe on the area. You can also use pads or wipes, and let them rest on the affected area for up to 3 minutes at a time.
Can I make witch hazel extract at home?
Yes! you can make witch hazel in your home, just soak 1 Tbs witch hazel bark in 1 cup of distilled water for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes covered. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Once cool, strain it and store it in a bottle.
A Word From Ladies item Expert Team
It may be possible to relieve minor skin problems (such as insect bites or mild sunburn) by applying witch hazel topically. If you’re considering the use of witch hazel for a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician first.
Avoiding or delaying standard care and self-treating a chronic condition with witch hazel (or any other form of alternative medicine) may have serious health consequences.