Healing bark for skin diseases!
INGREDIENTS
The medicinal active ingredient in the common oak, also known as summer oak, is the bark. This is harvested from young branches and shoots in spring and dried. The main import areas are Eastern and Southeastern Europe, formerly from so-called “oak peeling forests”. The quality of the bark used is determined by the provisions of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). The main active ingredient is tannins in a concentration of 6–9 %, according to Ph. Eur. the minimum salary is 3 %. Other ingredients include flavonoids, fatty oils and starch.
EFFECT
The indications that are relevant for external and internal use are derived from the astringent (contracting) effect of tannins. The flavonoids are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect.
APPLICATION
INTERNALLY:
- for the treatment of acute diarrheal diseases that do not last longer than 2 days and are not accompanied by blood or an increase in temperature;
- for mild inflammation in the mouth and throat area.
EXTERNAL:
- as oak bark baths for local use (no full baths);
- as a dilution for dabbing the affected skin areas.
Oak bark baths contain watery-alcoholic oak bark extracts with at least 10 % tannin content.
Tannins change the structure of proteins, thereby reducing the fluid secretion of the tissue, they have an astringent, anti-itching and antiseptic effect.
FOR SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT OF:
- Hemorrhoids
- weeping eczema
- Diaper rash/diaper thrush
- Itching in the anal and genital areas
- Preventing bed sores
- excessive sweat production
Sitz or partial bath
Rinses or compresses
Bathing temperature 32–37 °C and lasting 20 minutes
Initially bathe at least once a day, later 2–3 times a week.
Use several times a day for poultices or blotting.
Afterwards, do not use any more soap; allow to dry slightly for optimal effect.
RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS
There are no known side effects or interactions.
SOURCES
- Ammon H. P. T.: Hunnius Pharmaceutical Dictionary. 9. Edition, Berlin 2004
- Wichtl M.: Tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. 5. Edition, Stuttgart 2009