Four Ways To Use Witch Hazel

Written By Erica Thomas

Witch hazel is an astringent that tightens and cleans your skin, improves blood circulation, and reduces inflammation. It comes from the bark, leaves, and twigs of the witch hazel shrub, which is distilled to create a clear liquid. The extract can be used by itself or added to other beauty products.

Witch hazel extract was used by Indigenous Americans prior to the arrival of white settlers. Its name may have been derived from its medicinal magic. A less exciting but more common theory is that its name came from the Old English term “to bend” since the wood was so bendable it was used to make hunting bows and other tools.

Witch hazel flowers

Witch hazel plant

Thanks to the discovery of medicinal uses of witch hazel by Indigenous Americans, we can use this plant-based remedy for a variety of ailments. 

Please note: while most people do not experience adverse reactions to witch hazel, if your skin becomes irritated, stop using immediately.

Avoid witch hazel products that contain alcohol as an active or inactive ingredient as this will cause your skin to dry out.

Here are five of our favorite topical uses of pure witch hazel:

Hemorrhoid Treatment

Witch hazel reduces inflammation and is believed to have antimicrobial properties, a double win for bowel disorders. 

Hemorrhoid wipes or pads are primarily made up of witch hazel. These pads, such as Tucks, cleanse and soothe your rectum with a quick wipe. Also, you can apply hemorrhoid pads to the skin around your rectum as a compress. Tucks suggests applying their pads to your rectum for up to 15 minutes. The pad can be folded and placed between your cheeks for on-the-go relief but note your underwear and pants may become wet after sitting down. Try placing a panty liner or menstrual pad in your underwear to absorb the wetness. 

For severe pain, consider placing wipes in the fridge and then applying them as a compress for additional cooling relief.

You can make your own hemorrhoid pads by soaking cotton balls or rounds in pure witch hazel. We love Dickinson’s Witch Hazel.  

Perineum Trauma 

Menstrual pad lined with tucks pads

Menstrual pad lined with Tucks pads (Subway sandwich style)

90 percent of people who give birth vaginally for the first time are likely to experience perineal tears or episiotomies (surgical incision of the area between the vagina and rectum). Perineal tears are related to a higher likelihood of postpartum depression so pain management and quick healing are important for better mental health.

Witch hazel compresses are great for reducing pain and keeping the perineum clean after childbirth. Our favorite witch hazel wipes are Tucks. You can line your pad like a Subway sandwich (think: slightly overlapping tomatoes along a sub). Keep your jar of pads in the fridge for additional relief. 

You can also make your own padsicles. Spray witch hazel onto a large menstrual pad and lay them flat inside individual zip bags so they do not stick together in the freezer. Put them into the freezer and once frozen, wear them for ultimate relief. Wear an adult diaper with the pad to catch any liquid as it melts. 

For additional perineal pain management tips, check out this article by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

As with any major surgery or change in your body, be aware of constipation, which can lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures. If you notice your stools getting larger and/or firmer, eat more fiber, drink a lot of water, and contact your healthcare provider to ask about stool softeners. 

Another postpartum use for witch hazel wipes is to use them for a quick pits-and-bits wash. With a new baby and your body needing lots of rest, showering can be a low priority. Witch hazel’s antimicrobial properties make it an easy option to freshen up. 

Razor Burn

Young Erica with birthday cake

Young Erica around the time I started experimenting with shaving.

I first learned about witch hazel from my mom when I was new to (and bad at) shaving. She advised me to put the astringent on a cotton pad and then apply it to my aggravated legs. Voila! The healing was nearly instant. I still use this tip, especially if I shave with a razor that is long overdue to be replaced. 

Apply witch hazel to a cotton pad or directly to your skin. It will reduce the redness and irritation caused by shaving.

Skincare

Witch hazel is a very helpful product to have in your skincare regime. It is used as a toner and astringent because it:

  • Locks in moisture

  • Cleanses

  • Tightens pores

  • Reduces redness

You can use pure witch hazel like Dickinson’s or use witch hazel mixed with other helpful ingredients like aloe and rose petal water. Dickinson’s and Thayers make several different skincare products with witch hazel. Be sure to avoid products that contain alcohol as this can dry your skin.

Other Uses for Witch Hazel

White woman with brown hair closing eyes while facing the sun
Erica Thomas
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