The Benefits of Witch Hazel for Postpartum and Beyond | Mum Bub Hub

The Benefits of Witch Hazel for Postpartum Care

March 10, 2020

Summary

Witch hazel has long been valued for its gentle, cooling, and toning qualities, especially in postpartum recovery. Yes, you can use witch hazel on your private area when applied correctly and in safe formulations, such as sprays or wipes made for postpartum care. It’s often used to soothe the perineal area after vaginal delivery, helping to cool, refresh, and support comfort in a natural way.

What Is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a botanical extract derived from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub, a plant traditionally used for its natural astringent and cooling properties.

Historically, women used witch hazel infusions to cleanse and calm the skin after childbirth, making it a time-honoured part of postpartum care rituals. Today, it remains one of the most trusted natural ingredients for soothing delicate areas, especially during the days following birth.

Its reputation for cooling, calming, and refreshing the skin makes it a gentle yet effective addition to modern postpartum routines.

Can You Put Witch Hazel on Your Private Area?

Yes, when used in the right form, witch hazel can be safely applied to the external perineal area (the space between the vagina and anus) to provide gentle relief after birth or any time the skin feels tender.

Postpartum women often experience swelling, sensitivity, or a general feeling of discomfort around this area, especially after a vaginal delivery. Witch hazel’s natural cooling and toning effect can help refresh and comfort the skin.

However, it’s important to use witch hazel in formulations designed specifically for postpartum care, not undiluted extracts or alcohol-based solutions. Look for products that are:

Alcohol-free
Fragrance-free
Made with natural ingredients

A good example is a postpartum spray that combines witch hazel with soft herbal waters or essential oils for extra cooling comfort which blends witch hazel with chamomile and lavender for a gentle, soothing mist that can be simply sprayed as part of your post-birth routine.

Why Witch Hazel Is Used in Postpartum Care

The perineal area goes through significant changes during childbirth, stretching, swelling, and sometimes tearing. Many mothers turn to witch hazel as part of their recovery because it feels refreshing, clean, and helps maintain comfort naturally.

Here’s why witch hazel is often included in postpartum products like sprays, wipes, and maternity pads:

1. Cooling and Refreshing Effect

Witch hazel offers a mild cooling sensation that brings instant comfort after birth. It’s often described as soothing on the skin, helping to relieve the warm, tender feeling many women experience after delivery.

Adding a few sprays of witch hazel-based postpartum mist after cleansing or using the bathroom can create a refreshing moment of calm. It’s a small ritual that reconnects you to your body’s healing rhythm.

2. Naturally Astringent & Cleansing

Traditionally, witch hazel was used to gently cleanse delicate skin. In postpartum care, its natural toning effect helps keep the perineal area feeling clean without stripping or irritating.

Using it on maternity pads or as part of a postpartum spray provides a light, refreshing cleanse without the need for synthetic ingredients.

3. Comfort for Swelling or Tenderness

Witch hazel’s cooling and toning qualities make it a natural choice for managing feelings of puffiness or warmth after childbirth. When used in combination with rest, cool compresses, and plenty of hydration, it can help bring a sense of balance back to your body.

Witch Hazel and Essential Oils: A Traditional Pairing

Witch hazel blends beautifully with certain essential oils to enhance its sensory and emotional benefits. Commonly used combinations include:

Lavender essential oil: known for its soft, comforting aroma.
Chamomile: traditionally used for calming and soothing.
Rose or geranium: for a gentle, floral uplift.

When paired carefully, these oils provide a moment of sensory wellbeing during postpartum care. Many postpartum perineal sprays include a mindful blend of these botanicals, not only for comfort, but to create a calming ritual that supports rest and recovery.

How to Use Witch Hazel for Postpartum Recovery

Here are simple ways to safely include witch hazel in your postpartum routine:

1. Postpartum Spray

A pre-blended witch hazel postpartum spray is one of the easiest, gentlest ways to experience its benefits.

How to use: Simply spray on the perineal area after cleansing or using the bathroom.
When: As needed throughout the day, it’s especially refreshing after changing maternity pads or using a peri bottle.
Why: It offers immediate comfort with no need for wiping or touching sensitive skin.

A witch hazel based perineal spray, for instance, can be a lovely addition to your hospital bag, a simple spray that cools and refreshes without harsh ingredients.

2. Peri Bottle Rinse

After birth, using a peri bottle filled with warm water can gently cleanse the perineal area without friction. For an extra sense of freshness, a small amount of witch hazel water (diluted) can be added to the bottle, if your healthcare provider confirms it’s suitable for you.

3. Cooling Pads

Some mums find comfort by lightly misting witch hazel over maternity pads and storing them in the fridge for short periods. These “cooling pads” can be a soothing treat during the early postpartum days, but be sure any witch hazel used is alcohol-free and formulated for sensitive areas.

4. Sitz Baths

Traditionally, warm sitz baths with herbal infusions have been used after birth to soothe and cleanse. Adding a small amount of witch hazel water or postpartum herbal soak to warm water can bring a comforting balance of warmth and refreshment.

Safety Tips: Using Witch Hazel on the Vaginal Area

It’s natural to ask: Can you put witch hazel on your vagina? The short answer is, only externally. Witch hazel is meant for the outer perineal area, not internal use.

Best Practice for Safe Use

Choose alcohol-free and unscented versions designed for postpartum use.
Avoid using it internally or on open wounds.
Patch test first if you have very sensitive skin.
Pair with soft, breathable fabrics and gentle cleansing routines.

Using it thoughtfully allows you to enjoy its refreshing, cooling qualities safely as your body heals.

Natural Ingredients That Complement Witch Hazel

Many postpartum products combine witch hazel with other natural ingredients to create a balanced formula. These may include:

Aloe vera: for moisture and comfort
Chamomile or lavender: for relaxation and gentle care
Calendula: traditionally used to calm and nurture the skin
Plantain or comfrey: known from traditional herbal practice for skin balance

Together, they create a holistic approach to postpartum comfort, one that supports body and mind.

Including Witch Hazel in Your Hospital Bag

For many mums in the UK, witch hazel has become a quiet staple in the hospital bag. A small bottle of perineal spray or a few pre-soaked wipes can make those first days of recovery gentler.

Hospital Bag Essentials to Pair With Witch Hazel:

Perineal spray: easy to use, portable comfort.
Peri bottle: for cleansing without irritation.
Brief-style maternity pads: for softness and security.
Loose clothing & cotton underwear: comfort matters most.
Water bottle & snacks: stay nourished and hydrated.

This simple combination offers a nurturing foundation for post-birth care.

The Lifestyle of Care: Turning Recovery Into Ritual

Postpartum healing is as emotional as it is physical. Taking a few minutes to refresh with a gentle mist, breathe deeply, and feel grounded in your body again is a way of honouring this sacred transition.

Using products like witch hazel sprays isn’t just about relief, it’s about small rituals of self-care that reconnect you to calm and confidence. A few sprays, a quiet breath, a sip of tea, moments of stillness that carry deep meaning in the early days of motherhood.