Latin name: Quercus roburGattung: BuchengewächsePlant description: Two types of oak are used, the common oak or summer oak and the sessile or winter oak. Everyone knows this robust, gnarled and resistant tree. The tree prefers damp soils and likes to grow in mixed forests. Origin: Widely distributed in the temperate and warmer parts of Europe.
Medicinally used plant parts
Bark of young shoots. Oaks are cultivated as shrubs for their extraction. The bark is peeled in spring and dried as quickly as possible. All types of oak trees are to be assessed equally with regard to the substances contained in their bark.
Ingredients
More than 10 percent tanning agents.
Curative effects and use of oak
Oak bark is probably the best known and most used tanning agent. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory effects. It also strengthens the intestines and is used to stop diarrhea.
There are many possibilities for a specific application as tea, infusion or decoction. Mostly for external use for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, weeping eczema, haemorrhoids, lower leg ulcers. Frostbites, sweaty feet.
Preparation of oak
Boil 2 tablespoons of fully cut bark covered with half a liter of water for 10 minutes and pour off after cooling down through gauze or a handkerchief. This liquid can be used to rinse the mouth in case of inflammation, to make pads for eczema, lower leg ulcers, hemorrhoids, fissures. For bathing with sweaty feet or frostbite, prepare a decoction as described from 2 handfuls of bark with 3 liters of water.
Side effect
No side effects to be feared at the stated dosage.
