Witch hazel is a plant extract widely used for its medicinal value by the Native Americans. In this post, learn some witch hazel hydrosol benefits and how to use it.
What is Witch Hazel Hydrosol?
Witch hazel hydrosol is an extract of the witch hazel shrub. It is obtained from the leaves and barks of the American witch hazel Hamamelis virginiana. It has a soothing fresh herbaceous aroma.
Witch hazel hydrosol is popularly used in beauty for its anti-aging and skin toning effects. It is also used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, varicose veins, skin swellings and other ailments.
Benefits of Witch Hazel Hydrosol
Below are 7 benefits of witch hazel hydrosol:
1. Astringent
The most common use of witch hazel in skin care is to acts as a facial astringent. It has skin toning properties, shrinks pores and reduces oiliness.
2. Antioxidant
Witch hazel hydrosol is a very powerful antioxidant, more than any other hydrosol. That makes it a good ingredient for anti-aging skin care.
3. Antibacterial
Witch hazel is amazing as an antibacterial agent. It can be used to manage acne prone skin and prevent further breakouts.
4. Anti-fungal
With its strong anti-fungal properties, witch hazel is good for treating candida rashes and skin fungal infections. It can be added to a sitz bath or sprayed on the affected area for relief.
5. Anti-inflammatory
This hydrosol can also be used as an eczema, psoriasis or rosacea treatment because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It also soothes bug bites, dry inflamed skin, acne inflammation, skin blisters and other inflammatory skin conditions.
6. Sitz Bath Treatment
Witch hazel has been used in sitz baths for long to ease discomfort from episiotomy wounds from childbirth, swelling and hemorrhoids. It can also be successfully used to relieve fungal infections such as candida rashes.
6. Analgesic
Witch hazel hydrosol has analgesic or pain relieving properties as well. Use it to gargle your mouth or as a throat spray to soothe sore throats and aches.
How to Use Witch Hazel Hydrosol
Here are a few ways to use witch hazel hydrosol:
» Facial Astringent
Mix ¼ cup of rose hydrosol and ¼ cup of witch hazel hydrosol in a fine mist spray bottle. Use as a facial astringent for acne prone and mature skin after cleansing it.
» Stiz Bath for Hemorrhoids
Fill a stiz bath tub with water as hot as you can handle then add 2 cups of witch hazel hydrosol. Add about ¼ – ½ cup of sea salt. Now soak for as long as you can for relief. Repeat as necessary.
» Makeup Remover Wipes
To make your own makeup remover wipes, pack a mason jar or any sterilized mason jar with cotton rounds. Now in a Pyrex measuring cup, stir together: 2 cups of witch hazel hydrosol, 3 tbsp liquid coconut oil and 1 tbsp liquid castile soap. Stir well to create a solution. Now pour it over the cotton rounds. Store in your bathroom cabinet. Use a wipe or two to remove makeup then cleanse your face as usual.
» Mouth Gargle for Sore Throat
To a glass, add ½ cup of witch hazel hydrosol that has been heated till hot. Now dissolve in it 1 tsp of sea salt. Combine well and use it to gargle as needed for sore throat relief.
For More Ideas on How to Use Witch Hazel Hydrosol, Read: 25 Ways to Use Hydrosols
Where to Buy Witch Hazel Hydrosol
You can buy 100% pure witch hazel here.
