7 surprising uses of witch hazel for your skin

Witch hazel is made from the bark, twigs and leaves of the hazel nut. According to Encyclopedia.com, North American Indians made poultices from the bark of this plant to help treat skin ailments.

Today, people continue to use witch hazel to help treat a variety of skin issues. As medicine has advanced, new drugs have come on the market, but sometimes, the tried-and-true methods can't be beat. Check out the 7 surprising ways you use witch hazel to treat your skin problems.

1. Diaper rash. According to the Mayo Clinic, witch hazel is useful in treating diaper rash. HomeRemediesWeb recommends using a diluted witch hazel solution made of equal parts water and witch hazel to dab on the rash because witch hazel is so strong.

2. Hemorrhoids. Witch hazel helps relieve itching and burning on the skin and seems to have soothing properties. WebMD shares that those who suffer from hemorrhoids may find relief by apply witch hazel on a gauze to the hemorrhoids after a bowel movement. It's safe enough it can be applied up to six times each day.

3. Acne. Acne is really just an infection under the skin, and witch hazel has antibacterial properties. Dr. Axe recommends dabbing witch hazel directly on the pimples with a cotton ball or combining it with tea tree oil, coconut oil or apple cider vinegar for extra bacteria-fighting properties.

4. Psoriasis. The soothing agent in witch hazel makes it great for treating all kinds of skin issues. Try making a gel that's 50 percent witch hazel, 20 percent aloe vera, 20 percent glycerin and 10 percent argan oil. My Awesome Beauty says it will help reduce the redness and inflammation of the skin.

5. Weeping eczema. FabHOW? shares how witch hazel and green clay together help dry out the blisters formed by weeping eczema. Create a mask for the area by combining witch hazel and green clay to make a paste. Put it on the eczema and let it dry completely before cleaning it off.

6. Varicose veins. Varicose veins and spider veins are not just unsightly, they're painful. BT4H has a recipe for a lotion from witch hazel to help take the inflammation and discomfort out of varicose veins. In a blender, place 3 tablespoons witch hazel, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup aloe vera gel (1/4 cup aloe vera juice), and 1/2 cup melted shea butter. Blend it for at least 30 seconds until the lotion is smooth. If it's a little runny, add some extra shea butter. Refrigerate the lotion for at least 20 minutes before using. BT4H says you can use the lotion one to two times daily for relief.

7. Itchy scalp. If you suffer from an itchy scalp, Dr. Axe recommends adding several drops of witch hazel to your shampoo. If you want to go all natural, you can even make your own shampoo by combining, "coconut oil, argan oil, witch hazel, and other cleansing essential oils like lemon or orange oil."