So, have you been out in your garden yet to smell the flowers? That is a strange question, Eric. After all — much of the snow is gone. Last week I was looking out my backdoor and I saw at least 6 inches of snow on the ground — and I would have to use a shovel to dig a path to any part of my garden.
On the other hand, my hope is that I can bring you ideas that you may never have thought of trying in your own back yard. As I talk about this beautiful plant, I hope you may find a spot in your own garden for some of the smaller varieties.
Witch hazel is a botanical extract that has been used for centuries in skincare and as a folk remedy. But for those unfamiliar with it, the name alone can conjure some mystique. So what does witch hazel actually smell like?
An Overview of Witch Hazel
Witch hazel refers to an extract made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub, which is native to North America. Though sometimes called witch hazel water, it does not actually contain water. The extract is produced through a distillation process.
Witch hazel has a long history of use by Native Americans to treat skin irritations and injuries. Today, it remains a popular natural astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It’s commonly found in products like toners aftershave cleansing pads, and hemorrhoid wipes.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the scent
The Signature Scent of Witch Hazel
When you open a bottle of witch hazel for the first time, you’ll likely notice a distinctive earthy aroma. Some key notes in the scent:
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Woody – The primary scent is woodsy or reminiscent of a forest floor This comes from the natural oils in the Hamamelis virginiana plant
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Smoky – Witch hazel has subtle smokey undertones, like the embers of a campfire. This can vary in intensity between products.
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Bitter – There are slight bitter notes, characteristic of certain tannins and phenolic compounds in the leaves and bark.
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Alcohol – Many witch hazel products contain a high percentage of alcohol, lending a boozy nuance. Alcohol-free versions avoid this.
Factors That Impact Scent
There are a few key factors that influence witch hazel’s intensity and quality of scent:
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Alcohol content – More alcohol makes for a stronger, more pungent odor. Alcohol-free products have a milder smell.
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Other ingredients – Additives like fragrance oils, botanical extracts, aloe vera, and vitamin E can alter or mask witch hazel’s natural aroma.
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Processing method – Steam distillation versus cold pressing affects scent. Distilled extracts have a cleaner, purer smell.
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Age & exposure – Over time, oxidation and exposure to light and air can cause the volatile oils in witch hazel to degrade, fading the aroma.
So when evaluating scent, check the formula, alcohol content, and age or expiration date. Older witch hazel may lose its punch.
Does Witch Hazel Go Bad? How to Tell
Witch hazel has an impressive shelf life compared to many natural products. Unopened, it can last 2-3 years from the production date. But once opened, witch hazel will eventually degrade in quality and potency.
Here are signs your witch hazel may be past its prime:
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Change in scent – If the smell is very faint, musty, sour, or seems off, it could be oxidized and losing efficacy.
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Change in color – It should be clear with a slight yellow/golden hue when fresh. Darkening color can indicate aging.
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Cloudiness – Particle contamination and separation of the natural oils may produce a cloudy appearance.
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Weird textures – Clumping, stickiness, or syrupy texture are problematic.
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Irritation – If using witch hazel causes new stinging, burning, or itching, it could be rancid.
Ideally, discard witch hazel 2 years after opening. And keep it sealed in a cool, dark place to get the longest shelf life. If in doubt, remember witch hazel is inexpensive – replace it!
Enjoying the Therapeutic Aromatherapy Benefits
Some may find witch hazel’s earthy aroma unpleasant at first. But inhaling the forest-like scent can have aromatherapeutic effects.
The natural oils contain terpenes and phytochemicals which may:
- Lift mood and reduce stress
- Promote calmness and relaxation
- Boost energy levels
- Soothe skin irritation
So don’t be afraid to take a good whiff and enjoy the woodsy, smoky scent next time you use witch hazel! It’s all part of harnessing its healing properties.
Witch hazel has an earthy, woody, and subtly smokey scent owed to its natural botanical origins. Though some find it strong, embracing its aroma can enhance the skin-soothing experience. With proper storage, it can maintain its signature soothing smell for years. But be wary of changes in odor, color, or texture which indicate it may be past its prime. Hopefully this demystifies the intriguing scent of this natural remedy!
Getting to know witch hazel
Two weeks ago, I attended a master gardener Zoom meeting about the tall shrub or small tree witch hazel. I have used many interesting plants in my designs over the years on a regular basis. There are a number of varieties that have some serious hot colors of purple, red, orange and yellow and many colors in between as their flowers. The scents also are varied from having none to being subdued to strong enough with a marvelous scent to encourage you to get out your parka and boots and enjoy the scent on a sunny warm day.
Be aware on the really cool days; you will not see this flower in bloom because the flower will continue to stay in its case. Smart, right! As the day continues to cool, it will also return to its case. If you enjoy your pollinators, you will have to get one of these witch hazel plants.
When the warm days come in the late fall and middle of winter and these plants are in bloom, you will find that there may be no other shrubs or plants in bloom to provide pollen for these insects. If you have hives, the witch hazels will be a busy place. You will not regret planting the cultivars Xintermedia Amethyst, Palida, or Jelena or the common witch hazel.
Leaves make the plant stand out
The leaves are for me one of the greatest benefits to growing this plant. Leaves can range from yellow to orange to red and purple. One aspect that can be a challenge is that the leaves seem to stay on the plant for a long time. Sometimes old leaves will cover over the bloom that comes on in the winter. I do consider witch hazel a four season plant.
The experience I have had growing my common witch hazel has been an excellent one. I sited my witch hazel under some trees where I have a number of other plants. I have experienced no real problems with this plant. I have not actively pruned my witch hazel.
A healthy witch hazel should be from 20 to 30 feet tall. We are at the most 10 feet, and I have not noticed any unusual insects or diseases in my walks that would have indicated that the witch hazel was sick. So, what I can tell you over the 15-plus-year trial is that witch hazel is a tough plant and will live its life providing you with these long petals for many years after planting it.
17 Surprising Witch Hazel Benefits & Uses (HEALTH | BEAUTY | CLEANING)
FAQ
What is the scent of witch hazel?
What does witch hazel smell like? Witch Hazel is a natural botanical extract, so its “herbal note” comes across as an earthy, botanical aroma.
What do witch hazel flowers smell like?
What Do Witch Hazel Flowers Look and Smell Like? Witch hazel flowers have a lemon-zesty fragrance, though the flowers are not as showy as some other plants.Feb 13, 2025
Why does witch hazel feel good?
Witch hazel is an astringent that is often used as a natural topical remedy. It contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may be useful in treating a variety of conditions ranging from acne and scalp sensitivity to hemorrhoids.
What does expired witch hazel smell like?
Good witch hazel smells woodsy, while expired witch hazel smells musty.