How to Make Witch Hazel at Home

If you’re interested in natural remedies and beauty products, you may have heard of witch hazel. This plant has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Many people swear by witch hazel as a toner, acne treatment, and even as a DIY hairspray. But did you know that you can make witch hazel yourself at home? It’s easy, affordable, and you can customize it to your liking.

To make witch hazel, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment. You’ll need witch hazel bark or leaves, alcohol, distilled water, a jar with a lid, and a strainer or cheesecloth. While the process may take a few weeks, the end result will be a powerful and beneficial natural remedy that you can use in a variety of ways. So let’s dive in and learn how to make witch hazel at home!

1. Gather Your Materials & Ingredients

The first step to making witch hazel is gathering all the necessary materials and ingredients. You’ll need a few basic items to get started, including:

– Witch hazel bark or leaves
– Distilled water
– A large pot with a lid
– A strainer or cheesecloth
– A clean glass jar with a lid

Once you have everything you need, it’s time to move on to the next step!

2. Choosing the Right Witch Hazel Bark or Leaves

Before you start making your witch hazel, it’s important to choose the right type of bark or leaves. You can use either one for making your witch hazel, but many people prefer to use the bark as it tends to be more potent.

Make sure to choose a high-quality witch hazel bark or leaves that are free from any mold or mildew. You can usually find these items at health food stores or online.

3. Preparing the Witch Hazel Bark or Leaves

Once you have your witch hazel bark or leaves, it’s time to prepare them for the next step. First, rinse the bark or leaves well under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

Next, you’ll need to cut or crush the bark or leaves into small pieces. This will help to release the oils and other beneficial compounds when you boil them.

4. Boiling the Witch Hazel Bark or Leaves

Now it’s time to start boiling the witch hazel bark or leaves. Place the bark or leaves in a large pot and cover them with distilled water. You’ll want to use about 1 part witch hazel to 3 parts distilled water.

Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This will help to extract all of the beneficial compounds from the bark or leaves.

5. Straining the Mixture

After simmering the mixture for 30-40 minutes, it’s time to strain it. You can use either a strainer or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the solid pieces of bark or leaves.

Make sure to press the bark or leaves firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. You can discard the solids or compost them.

6. Allowing the Mixture to Cool

Once you’ve strained the liquid, it’s important to let it cool completely before moving on to the next step. You can leave it uncovered and let it cool naturally, or you can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

7. Adding Alcohol (Optional)

Some people like to add a small amount of alcohol to their witch hazel mixture to help preserve it. You can use either vodka or rubbing alcohol for this step.

If you choose to add alcohol, you’ll want to use about 1 tablespoon per cup of witch hazel.

8. Storing Your Witch Hazel

Once you’ve completed all the steps, it’s time to store your witch hazel. You can use a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep your witch hazel fresh and prevent it from spoiling.

Make sure to label your jar with the date and store it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Your homemade witch hazel can last up to 6 months if stored properly.

9. Using Your Homemade Witch Hazel

There are many ways to use your homemade witch hazel. It can be used as a toner for your skin, as a natural remedy for insect bites or minor cuts, and even as a natural deodorant.

Simply apply a small amount to the affected area using a cotton ball or swab.

10. Additional Tips for Making Witch Hazel

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when making witch hazel:

– Use distilled water to avoid any impurities that could affect the quality of your witch hazel.
– Use high-quality witch hazel bark or leaves for best results.
– If you’re using alcohol, make sure it’s high quality and free from any additives.
– Store your witch hazel in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh.
– Always label your jar with the date and store it in a cool, dark place to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Preparing Witch Hazel Extract

Witch hazel extract is a strong and effective concoction that can be made in the comfort of your own home. Here are the steps to making your own witch hazel extract:

Step 1: Gathering Materials

To make witch hazel extract, you will need:

– 1 cup of witch hazel bark or leaves
– 1 quart of distilled water
– A large pot with lid
– Cheesecloth
– A glass jar with tight-fitting lid

Step 2: Preparing the Witch Hazel

Once you have gathered the materials, the first thing you need to do is to clean the witch hazel bark or leaves thoroughly. You can use a colander to wash your witch hazel. Once clean, put the bark or leaves in the large pot and add the quart of distilled water.

Step 3: Boiling the Mixture

Cover the pot with the lid and put it on the stove. Turn the heat on high and let the mixture boil for 30 minutes. This process will allow the witch hazel to infuse into the water to create the extract.

Step 4: Straining the Mixture

After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a bit. Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, strain it using a cheesecloth. Make sure to squeeze the cheesecloth well to extract all the liquid from the witch hazel.

Step 5: Storing the Extract

Pour the liquid into the glass jar and tighten the lid tightly. Store the jar in a cool and dark place for a few weeks to allow the extract to settle and mature. Once the extract has matured, strain it again to remove any impurities and store it in a glass bottle.

Step 6: Using the Extract

There are many ways to use witch hazel extract. It is commonly used as a toner for the skin because of its astringent properties. It can also be used to treat minor burns and cuts, reduce swelling, and relieve itching caused by insect bites and other skin irritations.

Step 7: Precautions When Using Witch Hazel

While witch hazel is generally safe to use, there are some precautions that you need to keep in mind. Avoid using witch hazel extract on open wounds, as it may cause further irritation. Do a patch test before using witch hazel extract to make sure that you are not allergic to it.

Step 8: Conclusion

Making your own witch hazel extract is a fun and effective way to use this natural remedy. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own extract that you can use for a variety of purposes. Remember to use caution when using witch hazel and always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

The Steps in Making Witch Hazel

Making witch hazel requires simple steps. The process is easy, and you don’t need any special tools or equipment. Below are the steps you need to follow to make your own witch hazel at home.

Gathering the Ingredients

The first step in making witch hazel is to gather the ingredients. You will need one cup of witch hazel bark and four cups of distilled water. You can purchase the witch hazel bark at the local health stores or online. The distilled water is available at any grocery store. Lastly, you will need a large pot and a strainer.

Extracting the Extract

After gathering the ingredients, the next step is to extract the extract. In a large pot, combine the distilled water and the witch hazel bark. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally during boiling.

After 30 minutes of boiling, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down. After cooling, strain the mixture using a strainer to remove the witch hazel bark. Make sure you squeeze the bark properly to extract every bit of the witch hazel extract.

Filtering the Extract

After straining the mixture, you need to filter the extract. Pour the extract in a piece of cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any particles that may still be present in the extract. Repeat the filtration process a few times until you get a clear and smooth liquid.

Storing the Witch Hazel

After filtering the extract, you need to store it properly. Pour the extract into a clean, dry glass jar or bottle. Make sure you store it in a dark, cool place to avoid exposure to light. Exposure to light can reduce the potency of the extract.

Using the Witch Hazel

After making witch hazel, you can now use it in various ways. Witch hazel is primarily used as a natural astringent, which helps tighten and soothe the skin. You can add the extract to your skincare routine as a toner, or you can use it to soothe minor cuts and bruises.

In conclusion, making your own witch hazel is an easy and inexpensive process. By following the steps outlined above, you can make your own witch hazel extract and enjoy its benefits. Remember to store the extract properly and use it as needed to enjoy its natural and potent effects.

That’s How You Can Make Witch Hazel At Home!

We hope you find this easy recipe helpful in creating your own witch hazel infused with lavender and aloe vera. With all-natural ingredients, it’s gentle on the skin and has numerous benefits. Thanks for taking the time to read our article. We’d love to see you again soon, and we’re excited to offer more tips on how to make simple yet effective homemade skincare treatments. Take care!