Oak

Parts Used: Bark from young branches (no cork).

Pharmacy name: oak bark – Quercus cortex (formerly: Cortex Quercus).

Botanical description. Perhaps there is no need to describe the appearance of these common trees. Everyone knows powerful, not often clumsy, very hardy oaks. Common oak prefers moist soils and is common in mixed forests, while sessile oak does best in hilly and mountainous areas.

Collection and preparation. To obtain the bark, a shrubby form of oak is cultivated. The bark is harvested after about 10 years, completely cutting down young oak trees. Oak shoots rise again in the clearing. For medical purposes, the bark of young branches is used. Both types are equally good as pharmaceutical raw materials. The bark is cut in early spring. It is clear that only the bark that has not yet been covered with cork is valuable. It is shiny and easily distinguishable from the much less valuable coarse bark of older branches. Anyone who wants to store oak bark himself should try to get it from a clear cut and make sure that the diameter of the branches does not exceed 6 cm. In early spring, during the sap flow, the bark is easily separated, which reduces labor costs. Dry the bark quickly.

active ingredients. Oak bark contains a large amount of the tannin catechin. All other components of the composition are of much lesser importance. With long storage, the content of tannins is reduced. Rough bark has significantly less tannins than young shiny bark.

Healing action and application.Oak bark is perhaps the best known and most commonly used tanning material. Tannins have an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect, therefore, with diarrhea, they “fix” the intestines. Hence the many other possibilities for the medicinal use of oak bark. An infusion or decoction (i.e. tea) is good as a gargle for infections of the mouth and throat, also for inflammation of the gums. It “tans” the mucous membrane and thereby deprives the bacteria of the nutrient medium. Later, the hardened mucosa is replaced by new, healthy tissue. In approximately the same way, tannins behave in the intestines. In this way, it is possible to suppress the vital activity of the causative agents of fermentation and stop diarrhea. Baths with a decoction of oak bark help with frostbite of hands and feet, lotions are applied to inflamed eyes;

  • Decoction of oak bark: 1-2 teaspoons of chopped oak bark pour 1/4 liter of cold water, bring to a boil, boil for 3-5 minutes and strain. Use warm.

For internal use, 2 cups of tea every day is enough. They need to rinse after three hours, and change wet compresses 2-3 times every day. It is important that the bandage (especially in the case of leg ulcers) is air permeable and does not press. Avoid plastic coating. For the treatment of eyes, ready-made tea is diluted twice with boiled water. For baths against hemorrhoids, with frostbite and against sweating of the legs, a stronger infusion is used – 2 tablespoons of bark per liter of water. The use in traditional medicine does not differ in principle from what was said above. The interest in internal use is gradually decreasing, although oak bark is still included in the composition of multicomponent gastric and intestinal preparations (teas). Today we have at our disposal such excellent remedies against gastrointestinal diseases as chamomile, mint, centaury. With diarrhea, cinquefoil erect or dried blueberries are more effective. But the external use of decoctions of oak bark now makes sense. The German Public Health Service names the following areas of application: inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa, excessive sweating and frostbite, anal fissures. I would like to expand this framework somewhat with oak bark baths, which are beneficial for hemorrhoids, leg ulcers and chronic eczema. Side effects at observance of the recommended dosages it is possible not to be afraid. high sweating and frostbite, anal fissures. I would like to expand this framework somewhat with oak bark baths, which are beneficial for hemorrhoids, leg ulcers and chronic eczema. Side effects at observance of the recommended dosages it is possible not to be afraid. high sweating and frostbite, anal fissures. I would like to expand this framework somewhat with oak bark baths, which are beneficial for hemorrhoids, leg ulcers and chronic eczema. Side effects at observance of the recommended dosages it is possible not to be afraid.

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