Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces from kitchen countertops to door knobs and even toilets can be achieved if you use the following mixtures. Shake well and spray to eliminate odor from stinky shoes, Step 1. If you find a tick rooted into your dog or cats body, deposit a few drops of witch hazel on top of it. Spritz the deodorizing spray inside the stinky shoes. Away with those bags! Follow up with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Feel free to do this as often as necessary. Hemorrhoids are no fun for anyone. It can relieve itching, burning and irritation caused by hemorrhoids or bowel movements. Just dab some on with a cotton ball several times a day. Does your baby have diaper rash? (Spam-FREE), 10 Best Uses of Witch Hazel for Cleaning, Odor Removal and More, Single-Step Method: Mix witch hazel and cinnamon oil to make a natural spray repellent, Step 1. Know any cool uses for witch hazel which we missed? Put the piece of dirty jewelry in the cleaning solution. American Witch Hazel is produced from the leaves and bark of the, Witch Hazel plant found in North America (Hamamelis Virginiana). Witch hazel is a naturally occurring astringent that constricts blood vessels, which in turn reduces swelling and inflammation. When pet stains occur, Leslie turns to witch hazel. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid Castile soap as well. And for those times when an itchy patch of skin is driving you crazy, our Production Manager Brittany has an easy Witch Hazel remedy! Combine all the ingredients together, Step 2. You can also use Witch Hazel on bruises or skin that is blistered or cracked. The two main ingredients are witch hazel and rose water. Got no rubbing alcohol to clean glass minibong with, will Witch Hazel work? Its a lot more eco-friendly than a commercial air freshener, and the smell will be much better too. Finally, witch hazel has a few additional uses around the house. It has long been used by Native American tribes for its therapeutic value. While it's generally applied to the outermost layer of skin to relieve itching and reduce swelling, it's also found within other topical and oral medicines. tsp vitamin E oil. Go here to subscribe. You can safely store and use this sanitizer for 1 to 2 weeks. 23. Suffer from dry, flaky skin on your scalp? Lastly, rinse your jewelry in water for a final cleaning. It will be wet for a moment, but should dry quickly after soaking into your skin. To use witch hazel for acne, first clean or steam your face. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Stretch marks typically are a problem for pregnant women, but they can also affect anyone who gains weight quickly for whatever reason. On that note, witch hazel can remove stains from your skin too. These two treatments alone have reduced my acne to about 25% of what it used to be. You can also put them in the sunlight for a few hours to let them dry completely. You can use this mixture as often as you want. In addition, it is a cheap solution that is very easy to find in just about any grocery store or drug store. You do however need to be very careful when applying it, because if it gets into . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is here that witch hazel once again comes to the rescue. Put the nozzle back on the bottle and shake it well to mix all the ingredients together. Cover your ear with a cotton ball or clean cloth and lean on your side to let drops enter and sit in the . Witch hazel is better suited towards oily, acne-prone skin types," says Park. Because of its ability to decrease inflammation and act as an astringent, witch hazel is sometimes used to treat sore throats. Tilford advises against applying witch hazel for dry skin conditions. Thanks! Eliminate the grime and tarnish that builds on jewelry over time. Prior to joining GH in 2019, Zee fostered a nutrition background as an editor at Cooking Light and is continually developing his grasp of holistic health through collaboration with leading academic experts and clinical care providers. But heres another multi-use recommendation: witch hazel. It's an astringent, which Dr. Engleman says can help tighten up pores (making them temporarily look smaller). You can actually just treat them using a little witch hazel and petroleum jelly mixed together. Treat acne. 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. I have about 3 grams of tar saved up. Four, it . I think its time to bring that bottle out of the cupboard and start putting it to good use! You can gently clean the outside and inside of your pets ears using a cloth soaked in witch hazel. These 9 Little-Known Uses For Flour Are Surprisingly Practical, 9 Unique New Uses For Your Old Kitchen Appliances. It can be difficult to remove when not addressed right away, and many a garment has been lost to the mindset that nothing can be done once a bloodstain has set. While it may be used in sanitizing products or hand sanitizers, witch hazel is not meant to be used as a disinfectant. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. Keep your eyes closed. Soaking in a cool water bath (or taking a cool shower) for approximately 15 minutes helps to relieve some of the pain and itchiness caused by shingles. Formulated with witch hazel, salicylic acid, and sage leaf, this facial cleanser by Aesop cleanses without dehydrating the skin, and is gentle enough to use on all skin types. Reduces redness: Dr. Engelman says witch hazel is a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it . If your pet has a minor cut or scrape, you can treat it with witch hazel just as you can do for yourself. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "bd5526af-9c84-429a-baca-e1c4e1072ef9" }).render("7917806a0d7f4109a1cb2a4492c81a1a"); }); Reichert started using witch hazel to brighten carpets after going into a clients home and seeing her decades-old white carpet in perfect condition. 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 a popular folk remedy for spider veins. In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup of mineral water with 1 tsp. In fact, its arguably one of the most effective treatments I have ever tried, and certainly among the cheapest. If youre the proud parent of a dog or a cat, you know that accidents can happen. Dont use it on its own. 9. You will be stunned at the difference when your hair dries! If you have stubborn scars, you can lessen the appearance by . Study: Erythritol May Raise Risk of Heart Disease, does kill the virus if you apply it properly, approved antimicrobial cleaning products for COVID-19 here, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. But as for its ability to kill germs, doctors who specialize in infectious diseases say its not reliable. Attach the spray nozzle and shake the bottle well. Empty the dirty water into the toilet. It may also help reduce acne, since it can cleanse your skin of excess oil. You can go ahead and skip the toothpaste if you are using it on yourself. Zee Krstic is a health editor for Good Housekeeping, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle. My favorite brand is Thayers, can be fo. If needed, repeat until the brush is completely clean. 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. Make sure you spray it in the toe area, which is ground zero for germs and odor. Its really easy. You can use this as you would a commercial witch hazel preparation: splashing or spraying . This can come from fatigue, crying, allergies, or other irritants. Witch hazel, tea tree oil, and rosemary leaf extract help clarify and deep clean the scalp and hair, while coconut oil and glycerin ensure it doesn't dry out. Add 1 or 2 drops of sage essential oil as well. Experts say that astringents like witch hazel aren't the same as other household cleaners you can use right now. 5. Like what you just read? Here are some smart ways to use it: 1. Infuse dried flowers in boiling water for 30 minutes, then allow to cool completely. Just mix it all together in a spray bottle and use it. That same quality helps to tighten up the skin under your eyes. 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). Just massage it into your scalp, and then follow it up with your standard shampoo and conditioner in the shower and rinse it all out. It temporarily tightens the pores, reducing the appearance of large pores, she says. have even shown Witch Hazel to have antiviral properties. Therefore, it has many important uses. Witch hazel is safe enough on metal and gemstones that you can do this regularly. If you notice any of the following signs, please hold off on putting anything into your pet's ears until your vet has had a chance to evaluate them: Earflap is red and warm to the touch. Cautions Of Using Witch Hazel On The Skin. Spritz the solution where you want to repel bed bugs or other insects. This stuff does a great job of getting sweat, oil, and dirt off of your face and balancing your skins oil production. Witch hazel may help heal hemorrhoids, which are dilated veins in the anus or rectum. Witch hazel is a safe cleaning solution for all open wounds and scrapes. For jewelry that hasnt been cleaned in some time, you can also soak pieces for about 20 to 30 minutes in a small dish or glass filled with witch hazel. A vigorous workout is good for your health, but all that sweat can leave your yoga mat, weights, workout bands, yoga blocks, or other personal fitness equipment a little smelly. At that point, you can grab it and pull it off successfully. The skin-tightening and deep cleansing powers of witch hazel give it a wide variety of uses in your morning and evening routine. No synthetic scents or mysterious chemicals here! Add equal parts witch hazel and distilled water to a spray bottle, then add your favorite essential oil or oils. It can replace a lot of your detergents and cleaning solutions and help you take good care of your pet. Massaging your scalp with full-strength witch hazel before shampooing will strip away oil and dandruff, making your shampoo more effective. 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. (You can select and upload upto 5 images in a comment. I used the Vaseline to slick my hair back. Two, witch hazel's acidic temperament can help restore the vaginal environment after you give birth. When used as a toner, witch hazel can reduce inflammation caused by acne and decrease excess oil. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down blinds, again starting from the top down and wiping side to side. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. The stain should lift right off! Use this witch hazel-based, all-purpose cleaner to clean your tiles, floors and even eliminate odor from your refrigerator. First, shake and remove any leftover debris or bits of flower from the pipe's bowl. But over time, the shine and sparkle become somewhat subdued. You may actually be surprised to learn that there are a few recipes for homemade makeup remover that could save you a pretty penny! Commercial witch hazel in particular can sometimes irritate the skin, depending upon the . Sage is one of the best because it also has deodorant properties, and smells awesome. Start at the top of the blinds and spray in a side-to-side sweeping motion, working your way down. "Spray on a light layer of witch . Yeah . Witch hazel can do wonders for your skin, but you shouldn't be using it to clean your house. Youll love our magazine! Witch hazel can cause skin issues if used too frequently (particularly the high-alcohol version, see the next section below). Apply 5 to 10 drops in each affected ear using a clean dropper bottle or baby syringe. It only costs a few dollars, and a little bit goes a long way. Add witch hazel to your arsenal of natural cleaning products to help avoid cleaners with hazardous ingredients. To make, combine 1/2 cup Witch Hazel, 1 cup of water, and about 15 drops of. Your email address will not be published. Spritz witch hazel on countertops and wipe it up with a microfiber cloth. Thanks good to know.I just bought a new one for $10 but some people smoke that nasty tar. Stretch marks are pretty tough to get rid of, but one method many people report great success with is witch hazel! Make sure you have a paper towel underneath it to absorb the runoff. is one of your best defenses against COVID-19. You will be amazed at how useful it is, and how much money it ends up saving you over time. Its kind of the same way with cleaning, says Reichert. Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director, skincare products that are designed to relieve itchy skin, the outermost layer of skin to relieve itching, maintained lists with approved disinfectants, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Since it is alcohol-based, it will evaporate quickly all on its own (this is also why it helps paint to dry). They often form in the same locations as well (the thighs are common). To clean the outside of the ears, apply several drops to a swab and rub around the inside of the ears. It should loosen up its grip. Witch hazel helps clear up bacteria overgrowth and infections within the ear; dry up oil, pus and excess sweat; break up wax; and even remove odor. Hemorrhoids can cause irritation, bleeding, and discomfort. Use witch hazel and essential oils to customize a room spray that will freshen the air in your home and help neutralize odors. All can effectively neutralize germs associated with the novel coronavirus. "Witch hazel is a botanical anti-inflammatory that is often used in the skin care industry. Mix up a simple yet effective mopping solution for vinyl, linoleum, and tile floor. Witch Hazel can often replace a, How To Make Homemade Cleansing Pads For Oily Skin, Many chemists and pharmacists refer to Witch Hazel as natures answer to Neosporin. Once again, the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of witch hazel will come to your rescue. There is no confirmatory evidence that witch hazel is effective as an antiseptic, says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. However, Witch Hazel should not be considered an effective disinfectant if youre trying to protect yourself from influenza or Coronavirus, since the. $14. The astringent qualities of witch hazel make it great as a makeup remover. Its cost-effective and does a great job. Most of the time, you can get a bottle of witch hazel for under $2.00, making this a very inexpensive remedy for hemorrhoids. Step 2. Carefully place the pipe in your sealable plastic bag or container. "I use it a lot on a granite or marble because you can't really put anything harsh on those," Reichert says. Keep a bottle near your home workout area or in your gym bag for exercise on the gothough we recommend not using this on communal equipment in case others are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Can you use witch hazel as a feminine wash? Boiling one teaspoon (5 ml) of witch hazel in . Use this pre-shampoo soothing treatment to help banish itch. Combine water and witch hazel in a spray bottle. (ie. The quick-drying astringent witch hazel will tighten skin, setting the makeup and ensuring that you look your best throughout the entire day. We all have our kitchen staples, like high-quality EVOOessential for everything from fried eggs to Italian Holiday Bread. You can also use this solution as an air freshener.