Parts used: bark from young branches (without cork).
Pharmacy name: oak bark - Quercus cortex (formerly: Cortex Quercus).
Botanical description. Perhaps, there is no need to describe the appearance of these ordinary trees. Everybody knows about powerful, often gnarly, very enduring oaks. Ordinary oak prefers damp soils and is common in mixed forests, while rocky oak is the best in hilly and mountainous areas.
Harvesting and harvesting. To obtain the bark, oak is cultivated in the form of shrubs. The bark is harvested approximately every 10 years, cutting down young oak trees. Oak growth rises again at the felling site. The bark of young branches is used for medical purposes. 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 corked is valuable. It is shiny and easily distinguishable from the much less valuable rough bark of older branches. Whoever wants to stock up on the oak bark himself should try to get it out of the clear cutting and make sure that the diameter of the branches did not exceed 6 cm. In early spring, during the sap movement, the bark is easily separated, which reduces labor costs. Dry the bark quickly.
The active ingredients. Oak bark contains a large amount of tanning agent catechin. All other components of the composition are much less important. During long-term storage the tanning agent content decreases. Rough bark has much less tannins than young shiny bark.
Healing effect and application. Oak bark is probably the most famous and most frequently used material with tanning properties. Tannins have astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, so the diarrhea "fix" intestines. Hence the many other possibilities for the medicinal use of the oak bark. Infusion, or decoction (i.e. tea), is good as a rinse for infections of the mouth and throat, as well as inflammation of the gums. It "tangles" the mucous membrane and deprives the bacteria of a nutrient environment. Later, the hardened mucous membrane is replaced by a new, healthy tissue. Tannins in the intestines behave in a similar way. In this way it is possible to suppress fermentation agents and stop the diarrhea. Baths with decoction of oak bark help with frostbite of the hands and feet, to inflamed eyes apply lotions, oak bark decoction compresses treat soaking eczema, burns and secondary infections of the shin ulcers.
Decoction of oak bark: 1-2 teaspoons of sliced oak bark pour 1/4 liters of cold water, bring to boil, boil for 3-5 minutes and strain. Use warmly.
For internal use, 2 cups of tea a day is enough. They should rinse every three hours and change wet compresses 2-3 times a day. It is important that the bandage (especially in the case of shin ulcers) is air-penetrable and does not pressurize. Do not use plastic coverings. For the treatment of eyes ready tea is diluted twice with boiled water. For baths against hemorrhoids, frostbite and foot sweating use a stronger infusion - a liter of water 2 tablespoons of bark. Application in folk medicine does not differ in principle from what was said above. The passion for internal use is gradually decreasing, although the oak bark is still part of the multi-component gastric and intestinal tract (tea). Today we have at our disposal such excellent remedies against gastrointestinal diseases as chamomile, mint, goldenthousandth. The diarrhea is more effective than an erect foot or dried blueberry berries. But the external application of broths of oak bark and now makes sense. The State Health Service of Germany names the following areas of application: inflammation of the gums and mucous membranes of the oral cavity, increased sweating and frostbite, cracks in the back aisle. I would like to extend these limits to include oak bark baths, which are beneficial for hemorrhoids, shin ulcers and chronic eczema. Side effects when following the recommended dosages are not to be feared