Oak is a unique tree. Expensive furniture is made of it, elite cognac is kept in oak barrels . A tree rich in tannins is used for tanning leathers. Traditional and official medicine uses the bark of this plant to treat many diseases, cosmetic procedures.
Oaks in Russia do not grow only in Siberia. In other places there are different breeds of centenarians-giants. In the center you can find common oak; in the Amur region, Mongolian grows; in the Caucasus, rocky is widespread. All these species have some medicinal properties, but they are most pronounced in ordinary oak.
The most essential substances that are included in many medicines are preserved by oak bark. Its application is wide and diverse. Usually it is sold ready-made, but herbalists can collect it on their own. Collect measles during sap flow. Young trees or branches are advised to choose, tearing off only a young, shiny layer from them. In order not to harm the tree, cuts are made on thick branches in the shape of rings and longitudinal lines. Carefully remove the layer located between the cuts, dry under a canopy, where there is no sun.
Decoction of oak bark is famous for its astringent, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and other beneficial properties. When rinsing or irrigating, tannins from the broth react with proteins. The result of this reaction is a thin film that forms on the mucous membranes, protects them from irritation. In addition, tannins do not allow the development of many bacteria.
Found oak bark and the use in the treatment of diseases associated with gastric bleeding, diarrhea. It is in medicines for the treatment of hemorrhoids, tonsillitis, stomatitis, skin diseases, colpitis, sweating.
Oak bark, mixed in half with onion husks, steamed over low heat, is an excellent fortifier for hair. Baths, if carried out systematically, will strengthen the hair, give them shine, free skin from dandruff. Oak bark is also popular in cosmetology. Using it to improve skin quality brings good results. For example, to reduce pores on the face, it is recommended to soak a glass of water with 40 grams of bark for half an hour in a bath, and then wipe the face. Within two weeks, the pores will narrow, the oily sheen will disappear. Youth acne is also treated, only grapefruit juice, medical alcohol are added to the broth. If you wash your face with infusion of bark and linden daily, the flabby code will be toned, wrinkles will be reduced, and the overall tone of the skin, its elasticity will be much higher. Baths with decoction help reduce sweating of the legs, armpits. Extracts of bark are part of tonics, lotions, creams for skin care of the whole body.
Gynecologists, as an adjunct to thrush, in addition to medicines, they recommend douching twice a day with a decoction based on oak bark. To do this, it is mixed with sage, rosemary, yarrow, poured with three liters of water, boiled for half an hour. The resulting broth is used until the thrush passes.
Oak bark has found application even in cooking. Here is a recipe for a unique drink that can surprise guests during a festive feast. In a large glass container, you need to mix one and a half liters of good vodka, a tablespoon of hypericum and wild rose, a teaspoon of black (preferably high-quality) tea. Add a little vanilla, mashed peppercorns, cinnamon. Add a spoonful of oak bark to the cocktail. Soak in the dark for at least three days. Before serving, add a little glucose, strain. A light, tasty, aromatic and harmless drink will surprise many lovers of alcohol.
It is impossible to list all recipes with oak bark, because there are many of them. It is important to remember one thing - excessive and uncontrolled passion for even the most harmless drugs can be harmful. Therefore, it is not recommended to begin treatment without consulting a specialist. Oak bark, the use of which can also be harmful, should also be used carefully.