FEMININE HYGIENE TIPS 101 Use witch hazel with Aloe Vera, alcohol free to keep your bum bum fresh throughout the day. Witch Hazel typically contains only 13-14% alcohol, which means it wont get the job done for this task! Many of the items we cant live without are multipurpose: They save time, space and effort on the busiest days. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Remove your makeup with it. Leftover residue from stickers, price tags, or labels can be maddeningand notoriously tough to eliminate completely. Give your old dingy clothes a new lease on life with two powerful brightening agents. You can also use this solution as an air freshener. Though it is often found in commercially prepared hand sanitizer or DIY hand sanitizer recipes, it is included for its skin-soothing benefits rather than any germ-fighting ones. I do not suggest this as a reliable method as we do not know how it stacks up with coronavirus, says Rajeev Fernando, M.D., an infectious disease expert in Southampton, New York. If the cold sore blister has already formed, put the witch hazel on it as soon as you can. 26 Beneficial Uses For Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel is one of those simple, natural products that most of us probably already have on hand, but that we dont use very often. Then apply your favorite formulation of Thayers Witch Hazel before adding a moisturizing cream or serum. When pet stains occur, Leslie turns to witch hazel. The witch hazel will improve drainage in your face, which will speed up healing. Although not all side effects are known, witch hazel topical is thought to be likely safe for most people when used as directed. Most people buy witch hazel to use on their skin. Pour 4 tablespoons of water into a spray bottle. Youll love our magazine! Note that this doesnt just work on your pet. and was widely used as an herbal medicine s by Native Americans. While it may be used in sanitizing products or hand sanitizers, witch hazel is not meant to be used as a disinfectant. Since it is alcohol-based, it will evaporate quickly all on its own (this is also why it helps paint to dry). Thanks! It temporarily tightens the pores, reducing the appearance of large pores, she says. Now, your jewelry will sparkle and shine just like it did the first time it caught your eye. This just smells clean. The astringent breaks down the sticky bonds for easy removal. It's an astringent, which means witch hazel has a chemical makeup that allows it to actually shrink and constrict body tissue that's why it's often used to treat inflammation. Rinse and launder as usual. Treat Damaged Gums. 15 drops orange essential oil. However, you can greatly speed up the healing process by soaking a thin, clean cloth in witch hazel and applying it to the bruise several times per day. Contrary to popular opinion, witch hazel has nothing to do with witches, magic or wizardry. As it turns out, witch hazel has a whole ton of handy uses! He has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications. Spray the solution like an air freshener to eliminate foul household odors. The best way to do this is by mixing it with some white toothpaste first. These 9 Little-Known Uses For Flour Are Surprisingly Practical, 9 Unique New Uses For Your Old Kitchen Appliances. Do not use harsh soaps and avoid scrubbing the blistered areas vigorously. Witch hazel is a botanical astringent from the plant Hamamelis virginiana. Stick to store-bought disinfectants or, for DIY disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or isopropyl alcohol. At that point, you can grab it and pull it off successfully. The stain should lift right off! Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Required fields are marked *. Research indicates witch hazel has both good and bad properties for skin. Its kind of the same way with cleaning, says Reichert. The wipes and pads are used to relieve itching, burning, and irritation caused by hemorrhoids or bowel movements. Since my face had been so dry the previous morning, I skipped the morning witch hazel routine and went straight for my moisturizer. Dampen a cotton ball with witch hazel and wipe down rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to rid them of the oils they pick up from your skin during wear. The total size of all your images should be less than 1 MB. Witch hazel is better suited towards oily, acne-prone skin types," says Park. After you've washed your face thoroughly, pat it dry with a soft cloth. For this reason, you have to avoid harsh detergents (even some commercial jewelry cleaning solutions are too strong to use safely!). Witch hazel can do wonders for your skin, but you shouldn't be using it to clean your house. Use of Witch Hazel # 3 - Helps to banish blackness around the eyes. Spicy Air Cleanse Room Freshener Spray. For a quick cleaning between shampoos, dilute one part witch hazel with nine parts water and use swabs or a cloth to massage and clean the oily areas of your scalp and roots. If youre in a pinch and dont have access to a sink, using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol does kill the virus if you apply it properly, experts say, but it still shouldnt override washing your hands. Leave the witch hazel on for 5 to 10 minutes. Take a look! Put cup of aloe vera gel in a container. Spritz the deodorizing spray inside the stinky shoes. If you come across websites that list witch hazel as a disinfectant, it may be because there is very limited research which suggests tannins found within witch hazel could target bacteria associated with the avian flu and human papillomavirus (this 2014 study published in PLoS ONE shared this finding). Reduce Soreness and Inflammation In Sore Gums, Sore Throat, Laryngitis. Add about 15 drops of tea tree essential oil. You can customize it to your hearts content, and the scents are actually natural. 15 drops tea tree essential oil. Add a bandage, and youre set. I had to use it to get Vaseline out of my hair after a sock hop in mide school. This will make it tougher on soap scum, mildew, and stains. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Alcohol is a proven antiseptic with large evidence behind it, he says, noting that its used on alcohol swabs in hospitals. That means that you'll want to apply it after using a cleanser to re-balance skin pH. You can nip that issue in the bud with these gentle ear wipes that help dissolve waxy buildup, remove dirt, and . In Two Minds Facial Cleanser. Dip a cotton ball or pad into witch hazel and press it onto any cuts or bruises on your face. Witch hazel is often sourced for skincare solutions and topical treatments for pain. Finally, witch hazel has a few additional uses around the house. Either way, the anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel will help to tame the inflammation and irritation, speeding up the healing process. Tea tree or eucalyptus oil packs a powerful odor-busting punch, but you can experiment with any combination of scents you prefer. Next, submerge the pipe by filling the bag halfway with alcohol. 1. Witch hazel toxicity can cause symptoms like vomiting and constipation if ingested. It's often distilled into an ointment or a concentrated extract that can be used in many different ways. Add equal parts witch hazel and distilled water to a spray bottle, then add your favorite essential oil or oils. The astringent qualities of witch hazel make it great as a makeup remover. After you wipe it down, you can just leave it to dry off. Witch hazel is an extract from the plant hamamelis virginiana. I used the Vaseline to slick my hair back. Witch hazel has many benefits for skin, including relieving inflammation, tightening pores, and helping with razor bumps. Its a particularly good solution for chronic issues since you can apply as much of it as you need as often as you like. While there is not enough evidence to . Witch hazel helps to relieve scalp conditions such as an itchy scalp or eczema. Its even great for fighting odors in stinky gym shoes! Definitely don't spray it on on purpose, cause witch hazel is too harsh for fresh piercings, but I wouldn't stress too much if it's just the odd bit of mist that misses your face. Witch hazel extract can mix with water or alcohol to form witch hazel water or distilled witch hazel extract. Stir the mixture together and start mopping. This is true even if you do not suffer from acne or oily skin. It should speed up the healing process and make it go away faster. Reach out to us to learn more! Why Trust Us? Our commitment to clean, safe and healthy environments. If you have large, open pores on your skin and cant stand the sight of them, then you will find that a daily application of witch hazel will help to shrink their appearance. Your jewelry tends to pick up the oil on your skin. Appointments & Access. Because of its alcohol content, the witch hazel will dry quicklyno need to rinseand youll be left with a clean, streak-free shine. What you can do is use witch hazel as a carrier. She recommends filling a spray bottle most of the way with witch hazel. If youre the proud parent of a dog or a cat, you know that accidents can happen. Two, witch hazel's acidic temperament can help restore the vaginal environment after you give birth. Reduces redness: Dr. Engelman says witch hazel is a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it . Shop. It should also help to reduce any swelling. Here are some smart ways to use it: Spritz witch hazel on countertops and wipe it up with a microfiber cloth. Its cost-effective and does a great job. Just dab a couple of cotton balls in witch hazel, and then set them on top of your eyelids. You can make your own natural DIY antiperspirant by combining witch hazel, aloe vera gel, baking soda and sage essential oil. Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner. Unlike commercial hand sanitizers, however, it does not use alcohol to dry out your hands and actually . Because of the antimicrobial properties of witch hazel and tea tree oil, this hand sanitizer is a powerful disinfectant. Privacy Policy. Ear canal is narrowed (called "stenotic") compared to what it normally looks like. Have tile, vinyl or linoleum floors to keep clean in your bathroom or kitchen? Most of the time, you can get a bottle of witch hazel for under $2.00, making this a very inexpensive remedy for hemorrhoids. Make Your Own Mosquito Repellant Bracelet, 17. It is a liquid extracted from parts of a flowering plant called the witch hazel plant," says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D. This is one of best uses of witch hazel around the house. But as COVID-19 cases continue to climb in the U.S., many stores and online retailers still have had a hard time keeping it in stock. Spritz the solution where you want to repel bed bugs or other insects. To remove set-in blood stains using witch hazel: Use an elastic band or hair tie to isolate the stain from the rest of the garment (think tie-dying), Soak the stained portion of the garment in witch hazel for approximately 30 minutes, Discard witch hazel and rinse the stained area with cool water. Witch hazel is also known to be the winter bloom, which is a flowering shrub with rejuvenating properties. However, health officials do know that washing your hands well and often (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds!) Once your makeup has been removed . Thats because witch hazel is rich with tanninsnaturally occurring compounds found in plants, seeds, bark, and leaveswhich are known to have some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When you get rid of excess oils on your skin and get rid of dirt and debris, you unclog your pores and let acne dry out. Blend the ingredients thoroughly to get a uniform mixture. Prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. In your medicine cabinet, next to the hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol, you may have a bottle of witch hazel. You can also employ witch hazel to eliminate foul or musty odors from your home. You can also add tea tree oil to disinfect your pieces, especially your earrings. These two treatments alone have reduced my acne to about 25% of what it used to be. Soak your jewelry in a solution of witch hazel and tea tree essential oil, Single-Step Method: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and use as a cleaner, Single-Step Method: Use a witch hazel spray to clean dirty windows. 1. But as for its ability to kill germs, doctors who specialize in infectious diseases say its not reliable. In place of a typical astringent or toner, witch hazel is marketed as a solution to treat skin problems that affect the face. "I use it a lot on a granite or marble because you can't really put anything harsh on those," Reichert says. Varicose veins are an unsightly cosmetic blemish with a similar appearance to stretch marks. But over time, the shine and sparkle become somewhat subdued. Unfortunately, you probably arent the only one thinking that. This is not a complete list of side . Soothes Sore Throat. Used cosmetically, Witch Hazel Distillate can cleanse, regulate the skin's oil production, eliminate excess sebum, nourish, tighten, tone, soothe, and reduce the chances of future blemish outbreaks. Just add a little to your shampoo before washing. On The Fourth Day Of Witch Hazel. Although it is popular as a toner, it can be found in shampoos as well. This is where witch hazel comes to the rescue. Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. Gross points out that this crucial step in your skincare routine sets you up to use other products and more powerful ingredients effectively. Step 3. Combine water and witch hazel in a spray bottle. So pick up a bottle! For oily or acne-prone skin, a quick swipe of Witch Hazel throughout the day is a great way to remove excess oil without the hassle of a full face wash . Best Answer. You may just be surprised at how easy it is to incorporate it into your daily beauty, health, and cleaning routines. and our The tannins in witch hazel work as a . You know those annoying bags that show up under your eyes when youre tired? Hold the cotton in place for 2 to 3 minutes. "Spray on a light layer of witch . The puffiness and redness should be gone, or at least greatly reduced. Clean your scalp with witch hazel. That way it will have time to soak into the skin and really work its magic. What an easy and exciting recipe! Bottom line: Save the witch hazel for those minor scrapes and bug bitesand keep washing your hands. And, to clean frequently-touched surfaces a little more often, check out the Environmental Protection Agencys full list of approved antimicrobial cleaning products for COVID-19 here. Witch hazel turns out to be a phenomenal cleaner for your bathroom. Add 2 tablespoons of witch hazel extract. To clean your blinds with witch hazel: Combine 1 cup of witch hazel, 1 cup of water, and a drop of dish soap in an empty spray bottle and shake well. Witch hazel makes for a great alternative for a lot of jewelry cleaning jobs. Use the spray to clean your makeup brushes, Step 1. Around 20 minutes should do it. I was thrilled when I discovered how much less effort it took to get my makeup off with its help! Sage is one of the best because it also has deodorant properties, and smells awesome. Katta warns against using witch hazel to treat sunburns, rashes, poison ivy and bug bites. That means witch hazel should not be used as the single germ-fighting ingredient in DIY cleaning or sanitizing solutions (more on that in a minute), including those made to try and wipe out COVID-19. In addition, it is a cheap solution that is very easy to find in just about any grocery store or drug store. Add witch hazel to your arsenal of natural cleaning products to help avoid cleaners with hazardous ingredients. Excessive sweating or perspiration can be quite embarrassing, especially if its accompanied by bad odor. Witch Hazel can often replace a daily cleanser for those with normal skin types. Just as the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory powers of witch hazel are great for you, they can be helpful to your pet as well. Method 2: DIY Spray for Stinky Shoes. On that note, witch hazel can remove stains from your skin too. Thanks good to know.I just bought a new one for $10 but some people smoke that nasty tar. Another form of irritation we all have to deal with is razor burn. 30 Easter Party Ideas for a Sunny Celebration, This Is Why You Cant Find Bagged Lettuce In Stores Right Now, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the sun and the warmth. Given that COVID-19 is a newly-discovered virus, theres a lot scientists dont know about it. You can also use a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel to remove hair dye stains from your skin. Combine: 1 tsp witch hazel. I started DIYnCrafts long ago to spread crafts and happiness. Considering it can help with chicken pox, it is more than up to the task of taking care of a few bug bites! When you have a spill, prevent it from setting with that combination. Rubbing alcohol works for this too. When distilled and combined with alcohol, the aromatic oil extracted from the bark of the Witch Hazel shrub makes a soothing and mildly astringent lotion. Make the experience into a small, personal ritual and leave an offering of nuts, or similar, suitable food for the birds, mice, squirrels, etc. You will be stunned at the difference when your hair dries! Due to its medicinal properties and its action as an astringent, witch hazel can be used in a variety of ways for health and beauty. Thicker/bigger chunks of salt work best but witch hazel doesn't work for cleaning glass. Witch hazel is a naturally occurring astringent that constricts blood vessels, which in turn reduces swelling and inflammation. Hemorrhoids are no fun for anyone. Step 1. To clean heavily soiled floors, stir 1 tablespoon of borax into the solution prior to mopping. They may also be used to clean the outer vaginal area after childbirth or the rectal area following rectal surgery. It also is great for personal hygiene, cosmetics, wound care, and more. Use this witch hazel-based, all-purpose cleaner to clean your tiles, floors and even eliminate odor from your refrigerator. This is a great way to save money, since you can go through those Preparation H pads pretty quickly. The EPA has maintained lists with approved disinfectants for killing germs, having also recently launched a list of cleaners that have been shown to neutralize the virus that causes people to develop COVID-19. While some of its antioxidant components are beneficial, specific tannins in witch hazel (such as hamamelitannin) are sensitizing and present in higher amounts than many other plants. There are all sorts of ways that your gums can get sore or inflamed. Attach the spray nozzle and shake the bottle well. Some people who have tried this report that it reduces the appearance of the veins, while others say it can alleviate the discomfort which is sometimes associated with them. 4 oz spray bottle. Eliminate the grime and tarnish that builds on jewelry over time. Who doesnt love to sparkle with jewelry? The organic compounds within witch hazel make it a powerful astringent substance, meaning that it can help to tighten skin. Hemorrhoids can cause irritation, bleeding, and discomfort. One of my favorite ways to use it is on my furniture. (Ive been guilty of that!) It has long been used by Native American tribes for its therapeutic value. (You can select and upload upto 5 images in a comment. The antiseptic properties will reduce the chances that a bacterial infection will take root, and will also speed up the healing process. Go here to subscribe. Blend well and transfer it to a squeeze bottle for easy use, Single-Step Method: Use a witch hazel-soaked cotton ball to clean your dogs ears, Step 1. Gentle Surface Cleaner. Method 1: DIY Insect Repellent. The same mixture of witch hazel, lemon juice, and baking soda that works so well as a bathroom cleaner can also be mixed together in a spray bottle and used on your glass windows, mirrors, and chrome surfaces. Using a hand sanitizer can prevent you from catching a whole host of communicable diseases by keeping your hands clean and germ-free. Witch hazel's astringent nature is great for decreasing oil in your skin; the liquid has anti-inflammatory and sebum-control properties 1 that make it fare quite well for oily and acne-prone skin (and is why witch hazel toners have gained their beloved reputation). The two main ingredients are witch hazel and rose water. Spritz witch hazel on countertops and wipe it up with a microfiber cloth. Nowadays, witch hazel has become a fairly common ingredient. If youre a fan of essential oils (many use them for their nice-smelling, mood-boosting benefits), you know you need to combine them with a carrier oil or a base so youre not putting high concentrations directly on the skin. Step 1: Disassemble and empty your bong. Then, using a mix of witch hazel extract and water or alcohol, apply to your face with a cotton ball. Maybe you got something stuck in your gums while eating, or perhaps you have an infection or ate something that irritated you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you have an acute or chronic skin irritation such as psoriasis, witch hazel makes for a great treatment. For light to moderate acne, try sweeping an alcohol-free witch hazel toner on clean skin to help dry out the acne. You may come across recipes online that call for witch hazel in cleansers or sanitizing agents, especially if it's meant to be applied on the skin. If you add some witch hazel to paint, you can thin it out. Astringents shrink or tighten tissues in your body. As with most other things, you must expect that there are some manufacturing differences between brands.Some companies might choose to add preservatives, alcohol, or other ingredients to enhance the product but for the most part witch hazel is an all-natural extract great for cleansing, skin repair, and fighting bacteria. The ability of Witch Hazel as an astringent to tighten the skin and minimize inflammation, means that it is the perfect natural treatment for dealing with darkness and puffiness around your eyes. You can also use the spray to treat bed bug bites, this makes this DIY insect repellent one of the best uses of witch hazel around the house. The witch hazel helps to neutralize odors trapped in your mat while being gentler on your skin than something like vinegar, and tea tree oil contains antimicrobial properties for a little extra peace of mind. Fill your bong with warm water, and while holding your hands over the shaft and mouth-hole, give the bong a good shake. Vinyl, linoleum, and tile floors can be kept clean by mopping once a week with a solution made from 1/2 cup of Witch Hazel and 1 gallon of warm water. As such, the amount of witch hazel you use to clean a wound, should be fine for your dog to lick at a little bit, But you don't want to let them be excessive about it (especially if you used a witch hazel product that contains isopropyl alcohol). This use goes hand-in-hand with that above. Suffer from dry, flaky skin on your scalp? Shake it up, and then spray. The improvement should be very quick, which will be a relief both for you and your baby. Vaginal odor & witch hazel. Leslie Reichert, natural-cleaning coach and the author of The Joy of Green Cleaning, has two beloved golden retrieversand the perfect cleanup routine. Simply you can use witch hazel with a bit of cotton pad and apply to the part where the itching problem is occurring. Witch Hazel products in your local drug store because common Witch Hazel is such a powerful first aid tool. Witch hazel (antibacterial) 1 tablespoon, Baking soda (absorbs odor-producing particles) 1 teaspoon, Lavender essential oil (fresh and fragrant scent) 2 or 3 drops. Additionally, due to its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, you can use witch hazel around your house to deal with a broad array of problems, such as repelling insects, deodorizing stinky shoes, cleaning your dogs infected ears and much more. The witch hazel solvents are great for stripping off old wax, and the warm water meanwhile takes care of the dirt and debris. Her work has appeared on Oprah.com, Mashable.com, The Huffington Post and more. Pour 2 tablespoons of witch hazel into a spray bottle. 6. Dickinson's Witch Hazel , $4) with warm water and a bit of lemon juice to create a fresh-scented, all-natural cleaning solution that works brilliantly on metal, glass surfaces, tile, and even jewelry. Spray the witch hazel-based solution on the dirty makeup brush. 20 DIY Gym Gear And Clothing Ideas For The Best Workout Ever, 10 Homemade Recipes For Relief From Hay Fever And Seasonal Allergies, 25 DIY Essential Oil Sprays You Need In Your Home Right Now, 23 Homemade Remedies To Get You Through The Cold And Flu Season, DIY Heart-Shaped Gift Box from Upcycled Plastic Bottle, Upcycled Plate Earring and Jewelry Holder. Three, it's useful for hemorrhoids, which are, of course, the bane of all existence. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. I definitely dont recommend doing thatlol. Use an eyedropper to insert several drops of witch hazel into each ear to dry up pus and break up wax and . Have a look. Alternatively, you can spritz the witch hazel solution directly onto the microfiber cloth and wipe down blinds, refreshing the cloth with additional sprays of solution as you go. Dip it in some baking powder and use a clean, old toothbrush to scrub the item to fully remove any stains or impurities from all the nooks and crannies. After sopping up any liquid with paper towels, she uses a spray bottle to spritz the spot with witch hazel, which helps prevent stains from setting and reduces odors. To use witch hazel for acne, first clean or steam your face. Witch hazel naturally contains between 8% and 12% skin-constricting tannins, depending . Pour baking soda into the mouth-hole, allowing it to cling to the moist glass inside the bong. With prolonged and regular use, your shoes become saturated with sweat, especially in the toe area. Even with the best razor, it can be hard to avoid those painful little red bumps. Apply 5 to 10 drops in each affected ear using a clean dropper bottle or baby syringe. So I've struggled with vaginal odor for a while now, ever since puberty I felt like my vagina smelled "off" especially after a long day at school or work. You can use this mixture as an air freshener anywhere in your house. It's best to first test the mixture on a small area of your skin in case you have a reaction. Witch hazel may help heal hemorrhoids, which are dilated veins in the anus or rectum.