I would love to tell you some made-up story of how Witch Hazel was used by witches to cast evils spells, but… that just isn’t the case.
In fact, this shrub has nothing to do with witches at all. Apparently the word witch comes from the old English word wice meaning pliable, describing the plants branches.
So when you get your hands on the mightily useful little medicinal marvel, what do you do with it? That’s what I am about to cover. It’s very useful, so put it on the top of your next shopping list. (Most drug stores and places like Whole Foods carry Witch Hazel. I purchased mine from Amazon.)
Use Witch Hazel as an astringent. Witch Hazel has been used for decades to treat cuts, wounds and insect bites. Kid’s like it because it is alcohol free, meaning it won’t burn or sting when applied.
Heal Diaper Rash. If your baby’s rash isn’t healing quick enough, apply a small amount of witch hazel with a cotton ball or pad. You should see immediate improvement and your baby will be much more comfortable!
If you are wanting to cleanse, tighten and constrict your skin, Witch Hazel is your answer. It also claims to treat acne.
While on the topic of skin care, you can also use Witch Hazel after shaving to help soothe skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming. So men, set that after-shave aside and give Witch Hazel a try. You might be surprised at how well it works!
You can also use it to treat dry skin. By applying Witch Hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that you just soaked up in the shower.
And, just when you thought this little product couldn’t get any better, you can even use Witch Hazel for varicose vein relief! Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily.
The $10 price tag seems like a bit much when compared to the $1 cost of its cheaper alcohol counterpart, but when you factor in its multi-use functions for everyday skincare, it is well worth it.
Here is the brand I use, which I purchased on Amazon.
Do you use Witch Hazel? Are you thinking about it now? I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first, but love how one little bottle can be used for so many different things!
Who spends $10 on witch hazel? That’s ludicrous. It’s $2 for a 16oz a bottle at Kroger. I’m sure it’s even cheaper at Wal-Mart.
It also will relieve hemorrhoid discomfort (it’s an ingredient in Tucks medicated pads). It also treats eye puffiness. Which is why hemorrhoid meds work on this too.
I personally use it for tired eyes and as an astringent. Got tired of Sea Breeze (alcohol and dye) in high school and my mom gave me her bottle of witch hazel. Been using it for 15+ years now. Wonderful stuff.
Hi Coupon Momma,
I haven’t actually looked for it anywhere other than online, and around $10 (at most) was the going price. Perhaps that had shipping bundled in? Thanks for the feedback though and that is even better if you can get it for around $2!
I was thinking $10 bucks was a little steep too, but if I can find it for around $2 it is definitely worth a try. I love all of the uses that it seems to have! Thanks Megan!
You can also mix
one large bottle of witch hazel
one large bottle of aloe vera
one small bottle of lavender essential oil
use peri bottles and saturate 30-40 sanitary pads, re wrap them and put them in the freezer. These are great to soothe the peri area after birth.
Pingback: The Many Amazing Uses for Vinegar | cincysavers.com
I love this stuff… It also works great on burns takes the sting right out and reduces the risk of blisters… You can also find it at the Dollor Tree for $1…I buy 3 to 4 at a time.