Witch hazel is mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling. The main constituents of the extract include tannin, gallic acid, catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oil (carvacrol, eugenol, hexenol), choline, saponins, and bitters. Witch Hazel sold in drug stores and pharmacies typically contains alcohol, and contains NO tannin (a polyphenol that reduces inflammation in the skin and works to combat free radicals with its anti oxidant properties).  The Shaman Shoppe’s Witch Hazel contains tannins, and no alcohol.

Spot and blemish control: Witch hazel can reduce the inflammation on a pimple. Some people claim daily use helps with acne, just dab it on with a cotton ball.

Soothe and heal diaper rash: If your baby's rash isn't healing quickly enough, apply witch hazel solution with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

Treat Keratosis Pilaris:  A fairly common condition that affects the skin causing rough patches and small, acne-like bumps, typically on the arms, thighs, cheeks, back, and buttocks (a.k.a “chicken skin”). Either spray the area, or apply with a cotton ball twice daily. (Note:  this condition is hereditary and usually disappears on its own by age 30.)

Shrink bags under the eyes: Some people say that the application of hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It's not an old wives' tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess. And that leads nicely to…

Soothe and reduce external hemorrhoids: Not only does witch hazel tighten skin, it's also a good anti-itch remedy. By combining witch hazel with aloe or glycerin and rubbing it on external hemorrhoids, you will reduce itching significantly and dry up most bleeding.

Varicose vein relief: Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily.

Soothe poison ivy and poison oak: Just like acne / blemishes, witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling.

Treat chicken pox blisters: A combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of chicken pox blisters. And it's all-natural. Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops bergamot essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil and 1/2 cup Aloe Vera gel.  Once completely mixed, and 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel and mix again. Pour mixture into spray bottle and use on affected areas (avoiding eyes).

Heal your bruises faster: Been in a fight recently? Well, maybe not. But if you bang your leg or arm and are left with a nasty bruise, a thrice-daily dab of witch hazel can help speed up the healing time of the bruise.

Soothe razor burn: (and in some instances, prevent it) -- The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Apply before or after shaving; it should certainly have an impact on your itchy red skin (and that includes ladies, too).

Treat and soothe a sunburn: Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel's specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.

Treat dry skin: By applying witch hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

Take the bite out of bug bites: With its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Just dab a little on the affected area.

Refresh tired eyes: NOT by squirting witch hazel in them, but by soaking a clean rag in witch hazel and cold water and placing the cold compress over your closed eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. If you've been doing a lot of crying, this can get you back to normal quickly.