Oak bark has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent and disinfecting properties. It is used on diseased skin, but also in the case of problems with the digestive system.
Oak barkandpreparations of oak barkare widely available in our country, because they are prepared mainly from the products found throughout Poland pedunculate oaks. They are popular deciduous trees from the beech family, which grow mainly in temperate climates, in mixed forests, but are also willingly planted in city parks.
The oak bark can be obtained by ourselves, but it must be done in a timely and skillful manner. It is harvested in early spring (late March / early April) from young trunks or twigs, necessarily before young leaves appear on the tree.
The bark should be smooth and even with a slight sheen. It should be dried out of access to light, at a temperature of 30-35 degrees C. The oak bark prepared in this way 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 bark for he alth
The basic ingredients of oak bark are mainly tannins (tannins), polyphenolic compounds, but also flavonoids, resins, and mineral s alts. It is thanks to them that the oak bark extract has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent and disinfecting properties.
Oak bark helps with inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes (e.g. stomatitis, pharyngitis), in the case of minor damage, frostbite or minor burns.
Oak bark decoction is also used externally in the treatment of hemorrhoids, i.e. varicose veins, located around the anus. The best results are achieved by making a several-minute (10-15 minutes) sit-ups with a freshly prepared infusion at body temperature, i.e. about 36.6-37 degrees C. The same session can be made in the case of inflammation of the external genitalia.
Oak bark extract can also be used internally, especially in ailments with 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 gastrointestinal mucosa.
Oak bark infusion can also be tried in the case oftrouble with excessive sweating, especially in the 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 hard to heal ulcers.
Oak bark for beauty
Oak bark extract is also used in cosmetics, mainly in hair care. Thanks to their astringent, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, oak bark rinses are suitable for the treatment of the scalp, e.g. in the case of 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, pour 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 greasy hair, but also make it shinier, better nourished and soft to the touch.
Oak bark: 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 also not be used in infectious diseases with fever. It is also not recommended for use in heart failure or hypertension. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use oak bark extract without medical consultation.
Oak bark: preparation method
Oak bark extractcan be prepared in two ways: as an infusion or decoction. To prepareoak bark infusionuse 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.
On the other hand,oak bark 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 one glass of water and boiled for approx. 5 min. 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.