What will witch hazel do

Uses and benefits Side effects Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers. Uses and benefits. Share on Pinterest Witch hazel may help with acne, varicose veins, dandruff, and stretch marks.

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Home remedies for varicose veins. What causes rashes on the inner thighs? Six home remedies for hemorrhoids. From household cleaning solutions to natural beauty remedies, there are many reasons to keep a bottle of witch hazel on hand. We spoke to Dendy Engelman , MD, and Eudene Harry , MD, of Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center to learn about all of the incredible benefits and uses for witch hazel and why it deserves a spot in your medicine cabinet.

Read on to learn all about this powerhouse ingredient and all of its many uses. Witch hazel is an astringent derived from the hamamelis virginiana plant. It is known for an array of benefits, including its ability to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. One of the best uses for witch hazel is as a natural facial cleanser, especially when it comes to controlling excess oil.

Dab witch hazel onto a cotton round and cleanse skin once or twice daily. This vegan face cleanser is made with a blend of witch hazel, castile soap, and organic plant oils like sunflower and jojoba. Another great use for witch hazel is as a natural disinfectant for cuts and scrapes.

That said, witch hazel shouldn't be used on more extensive wounds and infections. Have a bug bite? Witch hazel can help with that. Engelman explains that witch hazel can soothe itchiness, redness, and irritation from bug bites, along with other skin reactions like poison ivy. Make sure to add witch hazel to your packing list for your next camping trip or outdoor excursion. Just keep in mind that if you have sensitive skin, you may want to try using witch hazel in cream form, according to Harry.

You can also keep a lookout for alcohol-free formulas. As anyone who has ever suffered from acne knows, it can be difficult to find a treatment that really works and is free from harsh chemicals. But that's where witch hazel comes in.

Engelman says since witch hazel acts as an astringent, drying out acne blemishes. Hemorrhoids are caused by the swelling and inflammation of the veins in your rectum and anus, resulting in symptoms, such as itchiness and bleeding. Witch hazel is often used as a natural remedy to provide relief from the discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids. Though research is limited, witch hazel is believed to help treat the itching, redness, pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory effects 9.

However, more studies in humans are needed to examine the effectiveness of witch hazel on hemorrhoids. Witch hazel is often used to reduce the itching, redness, pain, bleeding and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.

More studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness. Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, some research suggests that witch hazel could be useful in the treatment of acne. It acts as an astringent, causing your tissues to contract to help shrink pores, while also soothing your skin and relieving inflammation 5. This may prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting your skin. For this reason, witch hazel is commonly added to many over-the-counter acne products and is especially useful for individuals with oily skin.

Still, studies on the effects of witch hazel on acne are limited and further research is needed to determine its efficacy. Witch hazel acts as an astringent to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. More research is needed to determine the effects of witch hazel itself on acne. Scalp sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from cosmetic hair treatments to dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Applying a bit of witch hazel to your scalp before washing your hair may help treat scalp sensitivity and provide relief from symptoms, such as itching and tenderness. According to one study in 1, people, using a shampoo containing witch hazel extract was effective in reducing scalp irritation Witch hazel may also help relieve inflammation, which could be useful in reducing scalp sensitivity caused by conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

However, additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of witch hazel in the treatment of these conditions. Witch hazel may help reduce scalp irritation and inflammation. Because of its ability to decrease inflammation and act as an astringent, witch hazel is sometimes used to treat sore throats. Boiling one teaspoon 5 ml of witch hazel in one cup ml of water for about 10 minutes, then gargling with the mixture, may provide relief.

This is believed to help reduce swelling, decrease pain and dry excess mucus caused by a sore throat. Yet, even though the anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel are well documented, its use for treating sore throats is based solely on anecdotal evidence. But is witch hazel worth the hype—and more importantly, should you create a spot for it in your medicine cabinet? Unfortunately, much like other herbal remedies, there are very few scientific studies backing the skin benefits of witch hazel.

Plus, its astringent properties can make your skin look firmer. The result? It temporarily makes your pores appear smaller. The natural tannins that witch hazel contains may temporarily calm the appearance of red, irritated, or blotchy skin, says Dr. Shainhouse, making it a handy product to have around when breakouts, insect bites, or a pesky sunburn are cramping your style.

Witch hazel is extremely antioxidant-rich with tannins, which act as a natural astringent on the skin that can help to sop up excess oil, says Dr. Besides witch hazel being an astringent that decreases oil and redness , the antimicrobial properties of tannins can reduce bacteria growth on the skin, says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD , author of Skin Rules.