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Oak (Quercus L.), and more precisely preparations based on oak, have many he alth-promoting properties - they regulate the intestinal function, prevent diarrhea, accelerate the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds, help with oral infections and inflammation of external organs genitalia.

Oak ( QuercusL.) was used in folk medicine centuries ago because its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent and disinfecting properties were widely known.

Slavs used oaks for he alth purposes, decoctions were prepared from shoots and bark, e.g. for skin inflammation, but it was also believed in the healing power of contact with a tree, e.g. leaning back against the oak was supposed to effectively heal back pain.

Most of all, however, the Slavs venerated the majestic oaks. They were considered a symbol of longevity, strength and immortality, therefore, for example, oak branches were used for various festive rituals.

Until now, many people believe that trees can affect our well-being, which is why walks among oaks are recommended for people who are stressed, exhausted, physically and mentally weakened. Big, branchy, dignified and long-lived oaks give strength, regenerate, and restore vital energy and vitality.

  • TREES improve well-being and have a healing effect

Oak: the method of obtaining the raw material

Oaks are impressive trees that can reach up to 40-50 meters in height. In their natural environment, they are found in temperate climates, they grow best in fertile and loamy soils, in places where they have sufficient access to the sun.

They cope well in changing weather conditions, and they withstand frosts better than prolonged droughts. Especially young trees (4, -5 years old) are more exposed to unfavorable weather. In Poland, there are mainly pedunculate oaks and it is from them that the most popular he alth-promoting raw material - bark.

It is harvested in early spring, preferably at the turn of March and April, from young trunks or twigs, before the first leaves appear on the tree. The bark should be smooth and even with a slight sheen, then it is easiest to separate it from the tree.

Right after picking it up you have to dry it in a ventilated room,preferably at a temperature of up to 30-35 degrees C. So prepared it is ready for use. However, it must be remembered that its storage time is not unlimited. In order not to lose its valuable properties, it should be used up within two years.

Oak: pro-he alth properties

The basic ingredients of the oak bark are:

  • tannins (tannins)
  • polyphenolic compounds
  • flavonoids
  • resins
  • mineral s alts

It is thanks to them that the oak bark extract has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent and disinfecting properties.

Helps primarily in inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes (e.g. in the mouth and throat), in the case of minor damage, frostbite, minor burns or difficult-to-heal wounds.

Oak bark decoction is also used externally in the treatment of hemorrhoids, the best results are made by making several-minute (10-15 minutes) sessions with a freshly prepared infusion at body temperature, i.e. about 36.6-37 degrees C. The same the siphon can be performed in the case of inflammation of the external genitalia.

Oak bark extract can also be used internally, especially in ailments related to the digestive system.

It is recommended in the case of gastroenteritis and diarrhea, because the ingredients contained in the oak bark normalize the functioning of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.

An infusion of oak bark can also be tried when we have problems with excessive sweating, especially of legs and arms.

In such a situation, you should add a few drops of the extract to your daily bath, but only if you do not have extensive skin damage or fresh, difficult to heal ulcers.

Oak for dandruff and oily hair

Oak bark extract is also used in cosmetics, mainly in hair care. Thanks to their astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, oak bark rinses are suitable for treating the scalp, e.g. when we have dandruff. Oak bark extract also affects the functioning of the sebaceous glands, thanks to which, when used regularly, it prevents excessive oily hair.

How to prepare a rinse? Two or three tablespoons of oak bark should be poured over half a liter of water, bring to a boil and cook for a few minutes. Then let it cool down, and after straining it is ready for use. It is best to use it right after washing your hair. This will prevent excessive greasing, but also make them shinier, better nourished and soft to the touch.

Oak: preparation method

Bark extractoak can be prepared in two ways: as an infusion or decoction.

  • Oak bark infusion

For the infusion, use one tablespoon of oak bark, pour a glass of boiling water over it and leave it covered for about 10 minutes. We strain and drink 100 or 200 ml a day.

  • Oak bark decoction

On the other hand, the decoction, which is applied topically to the skin and mucous membranes, is prepared in such a way that one tablespoon of oak bark is poured over with one glass of water and boiled for about 5 minutes.

Then it is set aside for a quarter of an hour, strained and then it is ready for use. Without medical consultation, it should not be used for more than a week, up to a maximum of 10 days.

Oak: contraindications

There are several contraindications to the use of oak bark extract, both internally and externally.

First of all, it cannot be used when we have any damage to the skin on a large surface, with fresh ulcers or oozing eczema. Oak bark extract should not be used in infectious diseases with fever.

It is also not recommended for heart failure or hypertension.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use oak bark extract without medical consultation.

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Category:

Alternative medicine