Witch hazel is a plant with many medicinal properties. In this article, we will review  Dalili Medical the health benefits of this plant as well as the potential harms resulting from its use.

What is witch hazel?

 

Witch hazel is a plant with effective medicinal properties, and it can be used in many ways. There are several types of witch hazel, the most famous in folk medicine is (Hamamelis virginiana), as its leaves and bark are used to prepare tea and ointments.

The most famous types of witch hazel?

 

The most common types of witch hazel trees belong to the Hamamelis family, and they are the most used in skin care products. You can find products that contain pure witch hazel extract without any other additives. However, most witch hazel products available over the counter contain perfumes and alcohol. People with sensitive skin should be careful, as alcohol can cause skin irritation in some individuals, and some types of perfumes can also cause irritation. So, it is essential to take all precautions when using any witch hazel products.

Is witch hazel good for skin care?

 

Yes, this plant is effective for therapeutic use on the skin. However, there are a few points to consider before purchasing your first bottle.

First, since witch hazel acts as a toner, overusing it can dry out the skin. So, it is best to choose witch hazel that contains oil and lacks alcohol to avoid drying out the skin.

Second, like any other product you want to apply to your face, it is advisable to do a sensitivity test on your arm to ensure that there is no allergic reaction to it.

**Witch hazel properties**

 

Most of the properties of witch hazel come from its ability to shrink and fight inflammation. These properties include reducing acne, fighting signs of premature aging, treating hemorrhoids, and dealing with serious skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

1- **Works as an astringent**The astringent compound is what compresses the cells and tissues. Hazelnuts are one of the best astringents that help treat a variety of skin problems, such as acne, blood clots, wounds, and minor bruises. In this article, we will discuss all of these benefits.

2- **Reduces acne and pimples** In addition to being an astringent, hazelnuts also have antioxidant properties.

These properties make them an excellent choice for reducing acne. You can apply liquid hazelnut extract to your face using a cotton pad. If you want to enhance the anti-acne effects of hazelnuts, we have a quick home recipe that you can try.

**Ingredients needed:**

- 1/2 teaspoon of vitamin C powder

- 6 drops of lavender essential oil

- 1/4 cup of witch hazel

**Benefits of witch hazel:**

. **Treats inflammation:** This plant is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a key ingredient in many creams that treat skin inflammation and irritation, such as those used to treat diaper rash, eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

**. Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids** Hemorrhoids occur as a result of swelling of the veins surrounding the anal area, leading to symptoms such as itching and bleeding. Witch hazel is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties, so it is used as a natural remedy to relieve pain, inflammation, redness, and itching associated with hemorrhoids. It is also believed that this plant can help stop bleeding resulting from this condition. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this plant in relieving the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

**. Sore throat** Thanks to witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties, you can boil a teaspoon of it (about 5 ml) in a cup of water for 10 minutes, then use it as a gargle. This plant is believed to help reduce swelling and pain and dry up excess mucus resulting from a sore throat. However, this benefit is based on available evidence, and there are no scientific studies to confirm the effectiveness of this plant in treating sore throats. Caution should also be exercised, as taking this plant orally may cause stomach irritation due to its high tannin content, so it is best to consult a doctor before using it.

**Benefits of witch hazel for hair**: One study showed that using a shampoo containing witch hazel extract helps reduce scalp inflammation. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, this plant helps relieve scalp sensitivity resulting from conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, it can help treat dandruff and dry scalp. However, more scientific research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this plant in relieving scalp inflammation.

**Tightening pores**: Witch hazel contains tannin compounds that help make the skin look temporarily narrowed. It is best to use a facial toner containing this extract after washing your face and before applying makeup.

**Reducing excess oils on the skin**: Using witch hazel helps cleanse the skin of excess oils, which can lead to unwanted shine, clogged pores, and acne. It is recommended to moisturize the skin after using products containing this plant to avoid dry skin and increased oil secretion.

**Anti-aging and sun effects** Hazelnuts have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, making them effective in combating signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, skin discoloration and loss of elasticity. Hazelnuts do this by shrinking pores and fighting free radicals. The polyphenols and tannins in them also act as effective protection against damage caused by ultraviolet rays, including skin cancer and other types of cancer.

**Accelerates the cessation of bleeding** Thanks to their astringent properties, theyCover skin cells, hazelnuts are useful in stopping bleeding from minor cuts. The tannins in hazelnuts also help reduce pain and swelling, and act as a protective barrier to prevent further infection.

-** Treating Bruises** Witch hazel has unique anti-inflammatory properties, which help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. This feature makes it an excellent choice for bruising relief. All you have to do is apply it to the bruise and gently rub it into the skin to see the results.

-** Relieve discomfort from sunburn** The tannins and antioxidants in hazelnuts are effective in reducing inflammation caused by sunburn. It soothes damaged skin, reduces swelling, and prevents peeling. If your skin is suffering from sunburn and needs a soothing treatment, you can mix half a cup of aloe vera gel with a cup of witch hazel and sprinkle it on the affected area for instant relief.

** Treating Eczema and Psoriasis** Anyone who suffers from eczema or psoriasis knows how annoying itching can be. The itching, redness, flaking, and burning sensation caused by these inflammatory skin conditions can be relieved with witch hazel. This relief is due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. For faster results, you can add French green clay or neem oil to the witch hazel.

**- Sore Throat Relief** Have you tried all the available home remedies to relieve sore throat without success? Then it’s time to try witch hazel. Not only does witch hazel help reduce swelling and pain, it also helps dry up phlegm caused by throat infections.

All you need to do is gargle with a decoction made from the bark or leaves of the witch hazel tree 2-3 times a day.

This home remedy helps relieve the symptoms of sore throat caused by a range of conditions such as laryngitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.

- **Herpes Treatment**Herpes is a red blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus, and often appears around the mouth, causing itching and burning. The anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of hazelnuts can help relieve these symptoms. Simply apply it directly to the affected area two to three times a day using a cotton ball.

- **Prevent Diaper Rash**There is nothing more annoying for parents than seeing red spots on their child’s skin. Fenugreek and hazelnuts help reduce the diarrhea, irritation, and redness caused by diaper rash thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.

- **Relieves skin irritation after shaving**When you shave your face, armpits, or hair, you may feel a burning sensation after shaving. Witch hazel is a great ingredient that can help you overcome this problem. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties are effective in treating the itching and bumps that appear around irritated hair follicles.

**Helps reduce puffiness**When exam season rolls around or work stress increases, your eyes can get tired and puffy, as the skin under your eyes is very thin and sensitive. Using witch hazel around your eye area can help relieve pain and puffiness, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

**- Relieves chicken pox**Girl's face! The dreaded chicken pox! This disease may only happen once in a lifetime, but that time is enough to leave a negative impact on your memory for life.

There is no denying that these annoying, festering blisters are extremely itchy, but the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of hazelnut oil can help relieve the itching and irritation.

**- Protects your mouth, lips and gums**Bleeding, gingivitis, herpes, mouth ulcers and blisters are some of the painful problems that affect our mouth, lips and gums. Rinsing your mouth with witch hazel can help reduce swelling and pain and fight these infections. You can also mix it with coconut oil or tea tree oil for effective results, and apply it topically to pimples, sores, or swollen gums.

**Removing Blackheads** Blackheads appear as a result of pores being clogged with oils or dead skin cells.

The magic property of hazelnut helps to break up blackheads and shrink the size of pores, preventing them from appearing again.

-** Works as an antiperspirant** Thanks to its therapeutic properties, hazelnut is a natural antiperspirant when combined with essential oils. Here are the ingredients you need:

- 4 tablespoons of witch hazel

- 10 drops of geranium essential oil

- 10 drops of cypress essential oil

- 4 drops of lavender essential oil

- 5 drops of spring orange essential oil

- 8 drops of bergamot essential oil

- 2 tablespoons of orange blossom juice

- 2 tablespoons of wheat flower juice

**Spray bottle** Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well until combined. Use this natural underarm antiperspirant and enjoy a fragrant scent that lasts all day long.

**- Ear Infection Treatment**If you’ve ever experienced hearing loss, you know how painful it can be, affecting your ability to function properly. Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria.

You can put a few drops of hazelnut oil on the ear using a dropper, as this helps reduce irritation, as it contributes to dissolving the wax and drying the accumulated pus.

- **It helps reduce skin cracks**Since hazelnut contains astringent properties that help shrink cells, it can play a role in reducing skin cracks. For this reason, pregnant women resort to using it to reduce the appearance of these cracks.

However, there is no strong evidence to support the effectiveness of hazelnut in reducing skin cracks.

**- Treating hemorrhoids**Hemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen blood vessels in the anal area, which leads to bleeding. Despite the pain they may cause, there are ways to relieve the symptoms.

You can use a hazelnut placed on the affected area, as its astringent properties helpAnti-inflammatory and astringent to reduce bleeding, swelling, itching and burning.

** Reduces varicose veins** Varicose veins are enlarged veins that often appear in the legs and can cause pain. The tannins in this plant can help shrink blood vessels and reduce swelling caused by varicose veins. Additionally, gallic acid and its essential oils can help relieve pain.

Witch hazel compresses are recommended in this case.

** Moisturizes and nourishes dry skin** You might think that any substance that acts as an astringent will dry out your skin, but that’s not true! In fact, applying witch hazel to your skin after showering can help remove excess oil and keep your skin moisturized. Make sure to use a non-alcoholic type of witch hazel, as alcoholic types can have the opposite effect and dry out your skin.

** Cleanses hair and protects the scalp** When it comes to hair and scalp care, there’s nothing witch hazel can’t do. It can smooth frizzy hair and give it extra volume. We know that hazelnuts help remove excess oil and grease, making them ideal for oily hair. Their astringent properties also promote blood flow when massaged into the scalp, which helps reduce hair loss.

This plant can treat any scalp problem you may have. Its essential oils nourish the scalp and help get rid of dandruff, and that’s not all! Thanks to its natural astringent properties, witch hazel can help reduce itchy scalps.

**Protects your pets from odors and insect bites** Sure, your pets may be the most precious thing in the world, but their odor can become so unpleasant that you might consider getting rid of them despite your sadness. Bacteria multiply on the skin or wounds of dogs and cats, causing unpleasant odors.

Rubbing some hazelnut oil on their skin can help eliminate these bacteria and odors, and it can also act as a mosquito repellent for your furry friend.

**Treats Insect Bites** If you live in an area full of mosquitoes and other insects, it's time to take advantage of witch hazel oil. The anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of witch hazel oil help reduce swelling and itching caused by insect bites.

These were some of the useful benefits, but there are things to consider before using witch hazel oil.

**How ​​to Use Witch Hazel**

To benefit from the potential benefits of witch hazel mentioned above, you can use it in a variety of ways, as follows:

1. **Insect bite**: Prepare a paste of witch hazel with a little baking soda, then apply the paste to the irritated area.

2. **Hemorrhoids**: Use compresses previously soaked in witch hazel and apply them to the affected tissues in the hemorrhoid area.

3. **Scalp Health**: Add a few drops of witch hazel to your shampoo, or mix it with a little argan oil and use it regularly on your hair.

4. **Acne**: Dip a piece of cotton in witch hazel, then wipe your face with it to treat and prevent acne.

**Witch hazel damage to the skin**

Using witch hazel can exacerbate some skin problems instead of relieving them, as some people may experience allergic reactions to it. Although it may relieve some symptoms, it may leave others untreated, making it unreliable as a primary treatment for skin conditions such as eczema.

For example, witch hazel may help reduce inflammation, but it may not relieve the itching associated with the problem.

Witch hazel can also cause some negative effects on the skin, such as severe dryness that leads to further irritation.

To avoid the damage of witch hazel to the skin, it is recommended to conduct a preliminary test on a small area of ​​​​the skin and monitor it for 24 hours. If no redness, irritation or itching appears, it can be safely used on other areas of the skin.

**Witch Hazel Damage to the Stomach**

Witch hazel is used as a treatment for some health problems when taken orally, but it may cause stomach irritation due to its high tannin content. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with it with caution and consult a doctor before using it to determine the appropriate doses.

The normal rate for taking this plant orally ranges from 15 to 20 ml per day. In case of taking large amounts of it, some symptoms such as stomach irritation and vomiting may appear. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a specialist doctor before using it

****Consult your dermatologist***

In general, witch hazel is considered a safe preparation for topical use. However, like any other product, it may react differently to some people.

Before using any witch hazel preparations, it is recommended to perform a sensitivity test by applying a small amount of it to a limited area of ​​the skin.

Witch hazel may also not be effective in severe skin conditions such as rosacea or severe dryness.

Always remember that being natural does not mean that it is suitable for everyone. Some over-the-counter medications may contain other ingredients that can cause skin irritation.

Consulting a doctor remains the best and safest option for everyone, even for skin conditions that some may consider minor.