Witch Hazel Benefits and Uses

Do you know that there are a number of witch hazel benefits you can take advantage of?

Witch hazel is a plant that contains powerful medical properties that you can use in a number of ways.

Moreover, there are a number of species of this plant.

However, Hamamelis Virginiana, a type of shrub native to North America is common in fold medicine in the US.

The leaves and the bark are made into teas and ointments.

Most often, you can apply it to the skin and scalp.

Witch hazel is widely known for its ability to help ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.

Also, you can add it to herbal tea and ingest it orally in small amounts as a natural treatment for other conditions.

Keep on reading to learn more about witch hazel benefits in this guide.

Witch Hazel Benefits: Relieves Inflammation

Inflammation in your body is a normal response that helps to protect your body against injury and infection.

However, in the case of chronic inflammation, it is thought to play a central role in the development of certain diseases.

Witch hazel benefits include relieving inflammation.

Moreover, it contains many compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties including gallic acid and tannins.

Also, it contains antioxidants that help to prevent widespread inflammation and neutralize free radicals.

These are disease-causing compounds that can build up in your body, according to studies.

Therefore, witch hazel benefits are far-reaching and can be useful in a number of treatments of inflammatory-related issues,

These can be acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

Furthermore, studies indicate that when you topically apply witch hazel, it can help to effectively reduce inflammation and soothe your skin.

Reduces Skin Irritation

Sensitive skin is a very common condition that affects about 45% of Americans.

It is defined by abnormal sensory symptoms.

Some research indicates that applying witch hazel topically to sensitive skin can be beneficial in the treatment of inflamed, irritated, or broken skin.

In fact, witch hazel shows to suppress erythema,

It is a condition that causes redding of the skin due to injury or irritation by up to 27%, according to studies.

Moreover, one study indicates that people who use a lotion with as little as 10% of witch hazel extract are effective in reducing skin inflammation and treating erythema.

In the same way, another small study suggests that a topical preparation that contains witch hazel provides relief for sensitive or irritated facial skin.

Helps to Treat Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur due to swelling and inflammation of the veins in your rectum and anus.

it results in symptoms like itchiness and bleeding.

However, witch hazel benefits include to be a natural remedy.

It helps to provide relief from the discomfort and pain that occurs due to hemorrhoids.

It is typically added to a cloth or cotton ball.

And you can directly apply it to the affected area to soothe the skin.

Though the 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.

What’s more, is that hemostatic properties can help to stop bleeding that occurs due to hemorrhoids.

However, more studies can help to examine the effectiveness of witch hazel on hemorrhoids.

Witch Hazel Benefits: Helps fight Acne

Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, some research suggests that witch hazel benefits include to be useful in the treatment of acne.

Moreover, you can apply it directly to the face after cleansing or steaming for maximum effectiveness.

It acts as an astringent, causing the tissues to contract to help shrink pores.

While it also soothes your skin and relieves inflammation, according to studies.

It may even prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting your skin.

For this reason, you may find witch hazel in over-the-counter acne products which are especially useful for individuals due to oily skin.

However, studies on the effects of witch hazel one acne are limited and further research can help to determine its efficacy.

Alleviates Scalp Sensitivity

Scalp sensitivity occurs due to a number of factors ranging from cosmetic hair treatments to dermatological conditions.

These conditions include psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Applying a bit of witch hazel to your scalp before washing your hair can help treat scalp sensitivity.

Moreover, it can also provide relief from symptoms like itching and tenderness.

According to a study, using a shampoo containing witch hazel extract can be effective in reducing scalp irritation.

Furthermore, witch hazel can also help relieve inflammation.

It can also be useful in reducing scalp sensitivity that occurs due to conditions like psoriasis, or eczema.

You can also use it as a natural remedy to relieve symptoms of other scalp problems like dandruff and dryness.

However, additional research can help to evaluate the effectiveness of witch hazel in the treatment of these conditions.

Soothe Sore Throat

Due to its ability to decrease inflammation and act as an astringent, witch hazel benefits includes using it for treating sore throats.

Boiling one teaspoon or 5 ml of witch hazel in one cup or 240 ml of water for about 10 minutes, then gargling with the mixture can provide relief.

Moreover, it helps to reduce swelling, decrease pain, and dry excess mucus that occurs due to a sore throat.

Even though the anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel are well-documented, its uses for treating sore throat are based solely on anecdotal evidence.

However, high-quality research can help to make sure the potential benefits of witch hazel on sore throats.

Additionally, taking witch hazel orally can even cause stomach irritation due to its high tannin content.

Thus, it is important to proceed with caution and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Protects against Skin Damage

Witch hazel is rich in tannins.

It is a natural plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties.

Moreover, it can help protect your skin when you apply it topically on your skin.

One animal study indicates that tannins can act as a barrier.

Thus, helps to prevent inflammation-causing substances from entering the skin cells, according to studies.

Furthermore, a test tube study indicates that witch hazel helps to neutralize harmful free radicals and prevents the spread of skin cancer cells.

In the same way, another animal study indicates that tannins in witch hazel are able to slow skin tumor growth in mice when they experience exposure to radiation.

However, most research is currently limited to test tube and animal studies.

More research can help to evaluate witch hazel benefits on humans.

Witch Hazel Benefits: Wards off Infection

Some studies indicate that witch hazel may be beneficial in fighting certain types of viral infections.

One test-tube study indicates that tannins in witch hazel exhibit antiviral effects against influenza A and human papillomavirus, HPV.

Moreover, another test-tube study indicates that witch hazel extract inhibits the activity of herpes simplex virus 1.

This is often the culprit behind cold sores, according to studies.

For this reason, you can apply witch hazel topically as a natural remedy to help fight cold sores and relieves its symptoms.

But though test-tube studies have found promising results, human studies are still lacking.

More studies can help to look at the effects of witch hazel and its potential impact on vital infections in healthy adults.

Some other Witch Hazel Benefits

Some other witch hazel benefits are:

Stretch Marks

You can apply witch hazel to pregnancy stretch marks in an effort to lighten them and make them less noticalb.e

However, more research can help to prove its benefits.

Bleeding

The astringent properties of witch hazel can cause the skin to tighten.

Moreover, make small blood vessels to constrict which in turn helps to stop bleeding from minor cuts or nose bleeds.

Sunburn

Witch hazel benefits includes using it for sunburn.

it is because witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties.

Thus you can use a cloth or cotton ball to apply witch hazel directly to the sunburn.

However, it can be very soothing if you mix witch hazel with aloe vera which is an anti-inflammatory agent.

Bug Bits

Just like sunburns, bug bites and stings can cause swelling and inflammation.

Applying witch hazel to the bite can help reduce itching and discomfort.

Learn more about Tick Bites here.

Using Hazel Safely

Most people can use witch hazel safely with minimal risk of adverse effects.

You can apply ointments and extracts directly to your skin a number of times per day and safely administer them for the treatment of hemorrhoids after each bowel movement.

However, in some cases, you may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions after applying witch hazel topically.

Doing an initial skin patch test on a small portion of your skin can be helpful to prevent any unwanted side effects and skin reactions.

Moreover, taking 3 to 4 or 15 to 20 ml of witch hazel per day is considered safe.

While ingesting large amounts of it may cause stomach irritation and vomiting.

Final Thoughts

Witch hazel is safe for most people to use and at treatment for common skin concerns However, if you may have an allergic reaction to it, thus it is best to first do a small patch test and monitor it for 24 hours.

Witch hazel is an astringent that you can use as a natural topical remedy and contains a number of compounds. These have potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can be useful in treating a number of conditions ranging from acne and scalp sensitivity to hemorrhoids.

However, more research can help to unearth the entire spectrum of potential benefits that this plant has to offer.