Witch Hazel Hydrosol
Hamamelis virginiana
The aroma of Witch Hazel Hydrosol is similar to that of the topical Witch Hazel products sold in drug stores. The topical products sold in most drugstores, however, are not pure distillates and typically contain about 14% alcohol.
The aroma of pure Witch Hazel Hydrosol is slightly herbaceous and green. The aroma is pleasant, but it does take some people a little getting used to.
Look to the citations from hydrosol experts Suzanne Catty, Jeanne Rose and Len and Shirley Price in the Uses and Applications section below for information on the potential benefits of Witch Hazel Hydrosol.
Botanical Name
Hamamelis virginiana
Aromatic Strength
Mild-Medium
Shelf Life
Up to 1 year if stored properly (refrigeration is recommended).
Reported Properties, Uses and Applications
Suzanne Catty reports that Witch Hazel Hydrosol helps to reduce redness, can sooth rashes and itching and is useful for psoriasis, eczema and may help in other situations caused from damaged or injured skin. She personally uses it for soothing mosquito bites. It is anti-inflammatory and she suggests it for use in massage and with varicose veins and hemorrhoids. She reports that its strongly antioxidant and is a good choice for maturing skin. [Suzanne Catty, Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2001), 95-96.]
Len and Shirley Price report that Witch Hazel Hydrosol possesses the following properties: "analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant, antisepctic, astringent, cicatrisant, cooling, ophthalmic, sedative, styptic, tonic." [Len Price and Shirley Price, Understanding Hydrolats: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy: A Guide for Health Professionals (London: Churchill Livingstone, 2004), 112-113.]
Jeanne Rose also remarks that Witch Hazel Hydrosol is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal and is useful as a spray for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. [Jeanne Rose, 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols (Berkeley, CA: Frog, Ltd, 1999), 174.]
Safety Information
Read AromaWeb's Hydrosol Safety Guidelines.
The hydrosol information and safety precautions provided within this area are intended for educational purposes only. Neither AromaWeb, LLC nor its founder take responsibility for how you use the information provided.
Helpful Sources of Information About Witch Hazel Hydrosol
Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
Author: Suzanne Catty
Understanding Hydrolats: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy
Authors: Len Price and Shirley Price
375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols
Author: Jeanne Rose
Essential Waters: Hydrosols, Hydrolats & Aromatic Waters
Author: Marge Clark
