OAK
Quercus
Common name: Oak
Latin name: Quercus
Family: Fagaceae
Habitat: Oak genus is native to the Northern Hemisphere.
Description: Oak is a genus including 600 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. Leaves are usually spirally arranged, with serrated to smooth margins. During spring, small cylindrical clusters of flowers without petals called catkins are produced. Oak fruit is an acorn, an oval nut in a cup-like base.
Parts used: Bark
Useful components: Tannin, gallic acid, ellagitannin
Medicinal use: Oak bark is considered to be an astringent. Oak bark decoction is used in treatment of throat and kidney infections, diarrhea, gastroenteritis and kidney stones. Externally, oak bark is used in cases of infections caused by bacteria (staphylococcus), and for treatment of cuts and burns. Used as a douche it is beneficial in case of leucorrhoea, and as an ointment for piles.
Safety: Some herbs could react with certain medication. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor/herbalist before consumption of any herb.