The oak tree has been the source of medicinal uses for a long time. Quercus alba is the most important medicinal oak tree in North America. Europeans used the variety Quercus robur and q. petraea for medicinal purposes.
The oak bark contains the tannin which us the most important healing part of the tree. This substance has astringent and mildly antiseptic qualities. The tannin is the main ingredient that makes the oak bark precious in treating minor wounds and inflammation for tightening tissue and lessening the oozing.
The oak bark has astringent qualities that make it effective for healing inflammatory skin conditions. Eczema, bleeding or infected skin sores, inflamed hemorrhoids and shingles lesions react well to oak bark. Bathing in oak bark preparations could also provide relief to these diseases as well.
The oak bark's strong tea form has anti-inflammatory qualities that makes it effective in treating sore throat and inflamed gums. Weaker oak bark's tea formulation, capsules and liquid extracts can relieve acute diarrhea if it is not caused by another condition. The oak bark's astringent tannins lower intestinal inflammation and related diarrhea. A commercial oak bark preparation called Litiax which is only found in Europe is currently used to treat kidney stones. The product is a diuretic (water pill) and can reduce pain and inflammation and prevents the formation of new stones. Oak bark is also being considered to be used as treatment for vaginal infections.
Oak bark is commonly available as dried bark or liquid extract or tincture. A topical formulation for skin inflammation or other irritation is done by soaking a cloth in a strongly prepared tea and the compress is applied to the affected area three times daily. You can also use commercial bath formulations; just follow the instructions on the package. Do not take oak bark more than the recommended dosage as advised by the doctor or on the package.
Oak bark tea preparations can be done by simmering 1 teaspoon of finely chopped bark in 1 cup (8 ounces) of water for several minutes then strain. This is good for diarrhea or other internal problems. Drink three cups daily. If you prefer a liquid extract but don't like the taste of the oak bark tea, just mix 1 teaspoon of extract in ¼ cup (2 ounces) of water. Drink the mixture three times a day.
Talk to your doctor before taking the oak bark preparations since oak bark is known to reduce or inhibit the absorption of other medicines. People with skin that is severely burned or wounded should refrain from taking oak bark bath to prevent irritation. The bark of oak contains tannin (8% to 10%), this could cause gastrointestinal disturbances to sensitive individuals.
If tannin is used excessively over prolong periods this could cause kidney damage although using oak bark as recommended has not caused this problem. For pregnant or women that are breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using oak bark for any possible side effects.
Written by:
G. Metcalf
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