Oak

(Quercus robur)

Oak is a huge tree that belongs to the genus Quercus. This tree grows as high as 25 meters in height. Fruit and bark of this tree are used as medicine. Oak tree is very strong. Even its fruit is tough and resembles dates in shape.

This herb is used to treat many female problems including diseases of the uterus and vaginal infection.  For this purpose, bark of this tree is boiled in water and patients are asked to sit in it for about ten minutes. The water should be lukewarm before use. Vaginal douche is also prepared from this water to treat many ailments. It is said that some medicine for cervical cancer are prepared from this bark.

Liquid extract of its bark is applied to infected wounds. For this purpose, ointment can be prepared from the bark using known techniques. About three tablespoons of oak bark, boiled in a liter of water is said to be useful for vaginal infections. Of course its temperature must be reduced to lukewarm before use. Oak bark is a good nervous tonic especially in elderly patients. About 500 grams of oak bark is boiled for about 20 minutes, in three liter of water and preserved. A small quantity of this extract is added to water and used after showers. This serves as a good nerve tonic in elderly patients. Results of this method can be felt after prolonged use.

It is a good remedy for blood wetting. This use of its tree bark and fruit is in practice since centuries. In some tribes oak fruit is used as the only remedy for bedwetting fro kids and elders. For this purpose, boiled extract or tea of its bark is given to patients. Dried power of its fruits is also a good proven medicine for bed wetting. Another method of using the fruit for bed wetting is to throw a few of its fresh fruits in burning coal for few minutes. These cooked fruits are then peeled and given to patients.

Tea prepared from its bark is good for treating and preventing buildup of sputum. Oak is an excellent medicine to stop bleeding from wounds. It is hence given to patients with any kind of internal and external bleeding, like that of hemorrhoids. Oak tree tea is also given to ladies with heavy periods. Similarly, for bleeding gums, its liquid boiled extract is used as a mouthwash.

Oak leaves are also used to treat bed wetting is children and adults. A soup or tea prepared from its leaves is used for this purpose. This soup or tea is given to patients before going to bed in the night, for about two weeks. Tea prepared from the bark or leaves can be sweetened to taste with sugar or honey.

A half tea spoon of powdered dry fruits is swallowed with water or some juice to treat acidity in the stomach. This powder is also used to cover open wounds. This helps heal the wounds soon. This is a very useful powder as it is also used to treat diarrhea, weakness of the intestines and nerves.

Oak tincture is used to treat gum infections. For this purpose, take 20 grams of dried oak fruit powder; immerse it in 100 ml of diluted alcohol. Mix and preserve it in an air tight jar and place it in a safe place for about ten days. Shake this mixture daily for best results. Strain and preserve after ten days. This tincture can be used to treat gum infections by applying with a soft brush or a piece of cotton.