Oak bark – health properties, application, contraindications, price. Oak bark infusion

Proven content

Nature provides countless health and conditioning ingredients, many of which have been used for centuries. Oak bark has always been one such ingredient, offering a wide range of beneficial health properties. Read about the benefits for our body of oak bark and how to prepare it.

Oak bark – what is it?

Oak bark (Latin Quercus cortex) is obtained from several types of oak, both pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), sessile oak (Quercus petrea) and mossy oak (Quercus pubescens). These species belong to the beech family (Fagacaeae).

Oaks grow practically all over Europe, Western Asia and the United States. In Poland, pedunculate oaks constitute the largest group of oaks. The herbal raw material that is obtained from oak is bark and leaves. The bark of the oak is smooth, shiny and dark brown in color. The leaves are lobed, twisted. Flowers blooming from April to May. The fruits of the oak, i.e. acorns, are used to prepare, among others, coffee.

Generally, species of the genus Quercus are important medicinal plants. These species have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases for centuries. Inhabitants in many parts of the world use them as antiseptics and to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Oak bark is of great importance and is widely used in medicine as an antiseptic and hemostatic agent, used in the treatment of toothache and gastropathy, as well as a sedative for inflammation and as a healing agent for burns.

Oak bark can be dried and ground into a powder for topical and oral use. Topical application is believed to inhibit inflammation and soothe itchy skin, while oak bark tea is used to treat:

1. diarrhea
2. colds,
3. sore throat
4. bronchitis,
5. loss of appetite
6. arthritis.

Many compounds found naturally in the bark of oak, especially tannins, are responsible for its healing properties. Interestingly, the high tannin content of some wines is usually the result of aging in oak barrels.

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Oak bark – a wealth of tannins

Oak bark may contain up to 20% tannins, depending on the type and time of harvest. Tannins are complex chemicals derived from phenolic acids (sometimes called tannic acid). They are phenolic compounds that occur in many plant species from all climatic zones and around the world.

Tannins are large molecules that easily bind to proteins, cellulose, starches and minerals. These resulting substances are insoluble and resistant to decomposition. Tannins are found in many species of coniferous and deciduous trees as well as in many families of flowering plants.

Tannins, or vegetable tannins, are commonly found in tree bark, wood, leaves, buds, stems, fruits, seeds, roots and galls of plants. In all of these plant structures, tannins help protect individual plant species.

The tannins that accumulate in the bark of trees protect the tree from infection with bacteria or fungi. In this case, the tannins precipitate enzymes and other protein secretions from bacteria and fungi, thus preventing the organisms from infecting the tree.

Tannins have an astringent effect, i.e. they are agents that bind to proteins in the skin to narrow the body tissues, thereby narrowing the pores and drying irritated areas of the skin. In particular, oak bark tannins have been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory compounds. They can also exhibit antibacterial properties by binding to proteins involved in bacterial growth.

These specific tannin properties are responsible for the possible topical application of the oak bark in the treatment of skin irritations and wounds. Hemorrhoids or swollen veins around the anus are sometimes treated by bathing in water mixed with oak bark powder to dry the wounds. Oak bark is also used for its astringent and antibacterial properties for wounds, irritated gums and teeth, and burns that are at risk of infection.

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Oak bark – antioxidant properties

Certain compounds in oak bark, such as ellagitanins and roburins, can act as antioxidants. These are compounds that protect the body from damage caused by reactive molecules called free radicals. The antioxidant activity of these compounds is believed to improve heart and liver health and possibly provide anti-cancer effects.

Nevertheless, various studies are conducted regarding the antioxidant activity of oak bark. A study on ellagitanins from oak bark found that rats that received oak bark extract for 12 weeks while consuming a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet experienced improvements in heart and liver function compared to rats that did not receive the extract.

In contrast, another study in 75 adults with transient liver failure found that people who took oak bark extract for 12 weeks had significantly better improvements in liver function scores compared with those who did not take the supplement. However, the availability of elagitannins and their by-products in the body varies from person to person. Therefore, oak bark may not provide the same benefits for everyone. More detailed research is needed to understand the safety of long-term use of oak bark products.

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Oak bark – health properties

Oak bark has three main effects on the human body: astringent, antiseptic and diuretic. The astringent effect of white oak is due to the high tannin content of the bark. An astringent works by constricting or compressing the tissues of the body, both internally and externally.

It is good for treating internal bleeding and diarrhea, as well as external bleeding, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and other skin conditions such as burns and abrasions. The anti-inflammatory properties of this herbal supplement are related to its astringent and antiseptic properties.

As an antiseptic, oak can fight infections inside and outside the body, also due to the effects of tannins. They bind to proteins in the body’s tissues and thus prevent harmful bacteria. It is known that bladder infections, venereal diseases, vaginal infections and dysentery are improved with the use of oak bark in the form of tincture or tea, as well as in capsules made of powdered bark. Skin infections on the surface of the body can be alleviated by adding oak bark to the bath water or by applying an infusion or extract to the problem area.

Other beneficial properties of oak bark include a diuretic effect, which can improve bladder health and help get rid of kidney and gall stones. This herb has also been found to have anthelmintic properties. This makes it effective against parasites such as pinworms that can attack the digestive tract. In the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, thanks to the saponins contained in it, it can act as an expectorant, helping to get rid of phlegm and mucus.

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Oak bark – effect on the scalp and hair

Oak bark is known to have soothing properties, which may benefit people suffering from dry, flaky scalp. Applied topically, it can help combat problem skin, including the scalp. Oak bark is often used to help reduce scalp inflammation.

When it comes to possible infection, the tannin contained in the bark of the oak tree has an antiseptic effect. This means it can actively help prevent and combat bacterial build-up. Doctors often recommend oak bark for a variety of health conditions based on this beneficial effect.

Oak bark is also often recommended for removing rough hair. This mainly applies to graying or gray hair. Therefore, for optimal hair health, use a hair serum containing oak bark in your hair care.

Oak bark – application

Oak bark can be used as an infusion, drinking tea, and also topically. Read how to properly prepare oak bark.

Oak bark infusion

Prepare 1-3 teaspoons of oak bark and pour 200 ml of hot boiled water. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then strain. Oak bark infusions are usually applied externally.

Oak bark tea

Pour 1 cup (200 ml) of water into 1 teaspoon of oak bark. Heat for 10 minutes, then leave covered for another 10 minutes, strain and drink.

A decoction of oak bark for external use

Pour 1 liter of cold water on 2 flat tablespoons (about 5 g) of oak bark, bring to a boil and cook, covered, for 5 minutes. After this time, let it rest for 15 minutes and then strain. The decoction prepared in this way can be used to wash the skin and prepare compresses.

Oak bark mouthwash

Pour 1 cup (200 ml) of cold water into 2 flat tablespoons (approximately 5 g) of oak bark, bring to a boil and cook, covered, for 5 minutes. Set aside for another 15 minutes, then strain. The decoction prepared in this way can be used to rinse the mouth and throat several times a day.

Oak bark bath

Pour 2 liters of boiling water into 4 full tablespoons (about 15 g) of the oak bark. Simmer for about half an hour, then let it cool for 10 minutes. After this time, strain and pour into a bathtub filled to 1/3 with water at 38 ° C. The bath should take about 15 minutes.

Oak bark – contraindications to use

Contraindications to the use of oak bark (when you should not take oak bark) are:

1. pregnancy or breastfeeding – there is insufficient medical research to determine if oak bark is safe for pregnant women or breastfeeding children,
2. heart disease – people with heart disease should not use oak bark,
3. skin diseases or burns with large areas of damaged skin – people with open wounds should not take oak bark baths,
4. eczema – oak bark may additionally irritate the inflamed areas of the skin,
5. hypertonia – this is a condition that causes the muscles to become tense. People with hypertonia should not take oak bark,
6. kidney or liver disease – oak bark can worsen kidney and liver health problems, especially when used for a long time,
7. gastrointestinal problems – the high concentration of tannins in the bark of oak (8% to 10%) can cause gastrointestinal disturbances in some people.

Oak bark – price

Oak bark price depends on the characterin which it is sold. Teas cost from about PLN 3, and herbal dries from PLN 4, but the cut and dried bark can also reach a price close to PLN 20. You can pay about PLN 40 for a gel with oak bark. For intimate hygiene gel with oak bark you have to pay about PLN 8 (it all depends on the manufacturer).

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