We all associate oak with longevity, strength of mind and health of the body. But this tree is revered not only for its power and beauty, but also for its healing properties, which were noticed in ancient times, and to this day it is used in herbal medicine as an aid in the fight against various pathologies. In addition, in some cases oak leaves and acorns are used. However, the most valuable thing this plant has is its bark, which is included in various medicinal preparations and helps in the treatment of various diseases of the skin and internal organs.
It is important to know that oak bark is officially included in the directory of medicinal plants and is used in official medicine as an antiseptic and astringent. Often oak bark decoctions are used in the treatment of diseases accompanied by diarrhea. However, the use of oak bark is not limited to this alone. This plant is actively used in gynecology for the treatment of various pathologies, dentistry, improving the health of the male body, and solving problems with skin and digestion. And these are not all the areas of application of oak bark in medicine.
Compound
The widespread use of oak bark in cosmetology and medicine is due to the presence of a number of useful components.
- Flavonoids – activate natural rejuvenation processes;
- Tannins – eliminate itching and redness, disinfect the dermis, reduce the number of inflammatory foci;
- Starch - normalizes the activity of secretory glands that produce sebum;
- Pectins – create a protective barrier on the skin that prevents the penetration of harmful substances;
- Pentosans - dry out the dermis, which is prone to excessive oiliness, and inflamed rashes;
- Quercetin – improves local blood circulation and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
It is also rich in vitamins C, PP and B, nickel, boron, zinc, iron and is saturated with proteins and acids.
Benefits of oak bark for facial skin
Oak bark has the following effects on the skin:
- The tannins included in the composition have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Products based on it can be used if there are wounds on the face.
- Pectins are involved in the removal of toxic substances and protect the dermis from external environmental factors.
- Flavonoids slow down the aging process.
- Starch normalizes sebum secretion and fights excessive sweating.
- Quercetin improves oxygen saturation of tissues and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
- Pentazones relieve excess oil from the dermis and normalize sweating.
Based on oak bark, you can prepare an infusion, decoction, lotion, and use them for their intended purpose. They are used to improve the health of oily and combination skin, but they cannot be used for excessive dryness.
When is it recommended to use products made from oak bark:
- Increased sweating.
- Presence of pimples, acne, blackheads.
- Inflammatory process.
- Weakened skin turgor.
- Presence of facial wrinkles.
- Excessive skin greasiness.
Beneficial properties for the skin
Medicines containing oak bark have the following healing effects on the skin:
- Sweating decreases;
- The inflammatory process is reduced;
- Eliminates pain in the area of acne elements;
- Comedones, blackheads and pimples disappear;
- Pores are cleansed and narrowed;
- Sebum production is normalized;
- The firmness and elasticity of the dermis increases;
- Small wrinkles are smoothed out;
- Wounds heal;
- Local immunity is activated.
What are the benefits of oak bark for facial skin?
The action of the bark is ensured by its chemical composition.
The bark is rich:
- tanning compounds,
- tannins,
- pectins,
- xylans,
- water-soluble polysaccharides,
- flavonoids,
- lignin,
- plant fibers,
- and also contains starch, resins, waxy and protein components, organic acids and minerals.
Beneficial properties of oak bark for the face:
- Relieves inflammation, redness and swelling.
- Eliminates blackheads and pimples.
- Disinfects and has an anti-putrefactive effect.
- Copes with bacterial, fungal and mixed infections.
- Stops bleeding, dries and accelerates the healing of injuries.
- Effectively cleanses by absorbing toxins and dirt particles.
- Regulates the activity of sebaceous and sweat glands, narrows enlarged pores, and eliminates oily sheen.
- Improves microcirculation, turgor and tissue oxygenation.
Thanks to the presence of gallic acid, this product helps even out skin tone , fight spider veins and rosacea .
Oak bark contains ellagic acid, which exhibits
- anti-inflammatory,
- antioxidant,
- antitumor
- and photoprotective properties.
Oak bark helps against wrinkles and some other age-related changes; it is a universal remedy that allows you to cope with many cosmetic and dermatological problems.
Recipes with oak bark for acne
Before using oak chip-based recipes, it is important to keep a few rules in mind. Following them will increase the effectiveness of home remedies and protect you from negative consequences.
- The main component must first be ground in a coffee grinder;
- The compositions can only be applied to previously cleansed skin;
- Masks are used once a week;
- Infusions and lotions can be used daily.
Decoction and infusion
Washing and treating pimples is a necessary step in acne treatment. You can replace pharmaceutical medications with products that contain oak bark. Decoction and infusion, which you need to wipe with every day, are excellent for acne on the face. They prepare like this:
- Pour 60 g of oak bark into 4 glasses of non-carbonated mineral water. Wait until it boils and leave on the fire for 30 minutes. Turn off the stove and pass through cheesecloth. Treat your face twice a day or add to masks;
- Brew a tablespoon of dried raw materials with 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for an hour, filter through several layers of gauze or a clean cloth. Apply to pimples with a cotton pad.
Masks
Masks with oak bark have a complex effect on the skin. Homemade remedies reduce inflammation and the number of rashes, remove dead skin particles, and normalize the synthesis of sebaceous secretions. To prepare:
- Prepare a decoction of oak bark, add ½ glass of high-quality vodka and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the composition with massage movements using a cotton sponge, remove after 5 minutes;
- Mix 15 g of marigold bark and inflorescences. Brew 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for an hour. Apply the herbal mixture to your face and wait a quarter of an hour. Rinse off with the remaining liquid;
- Dilute 2 tablespoons of blue clay with a decoction of oak bark until you obtain a cream consistency. Stir until smooth. Lubricate, wait 15 minutes, clean with warm water.
Compresses
Compresses, along with other remedies, also effectively fight acne and help treat acne. A medicine made from oak bark and St. John's wort reduces inflammation, dries the skin, and gets rid of acne and small pimples. Recipe for preparing a solution for a compress:
- Mix 30 g of oak bark and St. John's wort;
- Pour in 0.5 liters of just boiled water;
- Leave for an hour;
- Pass through cheesecloth;
- Soak a cloth with liquid;
- Place on face for 20 minutes;
- Wash thoroughly and additionally wipe the dermis with the remaining infusion.
Lotions
It is worth replacing the usual tonics with lotions. Recipes:
- Boil a liter of water for 5 minutes, into which 60 g of oak bark is poured. Add a teaspoon each of grapefruit juice and pure medical alcohol. Wipe your face with a cotton swab in the morning and evening. Store the lotion in the refrigerator in a dark glass container;
- Pour 15 g of raw material into a glass of non-carbonated mineral water. Boil for 40 minutes, strain. Add boiled water to make 200 ml of lotion. Apply morning and evening to pimples, without rinsing afterwards.
Baths
Acne affects more than just the face. Unpleasant sensations are caused by acne that appears on the back or chest. With such localization, baths in which oak bark is added effectively help. For acne on the body, it is necessary to use a decoction procedure. Description:
- Boil 500 g of the dried component for 30 minutes in 3 liters of bottled or filtered water;
- Fill the bath with water, the temperature should be 36-38 degrees;
- Strain the broth and pour into the bath;
- The procedure lasts no more than 15 minutes;
- The course of treatment is 12 sessions.
In addition to getting rid of rashes, taking baths helps to cope with burns and treat dermatological diseases of various etiologies.
How to properly use oak bark products
Medicinal and caring products made using oak bark require careful use.
They are best suited for oily and combination skin.
Provided that the moisturizer is well tolerated, occasional use of oak extract in a reduced concentration is allowed, preferably in the form of spot applications .
You can compensate for its drying effect by adding a decoction of St. John's wort, vegetable oils and other moisturizing and nourishing components.
Do not use bark-based products if you have sensitive or dry skin.
Basic rules of application:
1 You must first conduct an allergy test, for which the prepared composition is applied to the inner surface of the elbow or wrist, left for about 15 minutes and washed off. There should be no redness, rash, burning or itching on the treated area.
Otherwise, use of this facial care product is prohibited.
2 If you have dermatological diseases, the possibility of using this product should be discussed with a specialist in advance.
3 The bark contains coloring pigments, so it is sometimes used for skin toning and hair coloring.
If such an effect is not needed, overly saturated solutions should not be used.
4 All products can be applied only after cleansing procedures.
Masks are made at intervals of 1-2 days, not more often. A course course of treatment consisting of 7-12 procedures is recommended.
After a short break, you can repeat the course.
Lotions are suitable for longer use. You can use them daily.
5 Initial raw materials should be collected from young tree branches growing in environmentally friendly areas.
Application of oak bark
Most often, oak bark in herbal medicine is recommended for external use. It is used as a mouth and throat rinse, for lotions or compresses. However, the medicinal effects of oak bark are not limited to topical medications. It can be used internally in the treatment of various diseases, but before starting to take various remedies with oak bark, consultation with your doctor or herbalist is required.
Today oak bark is used for:
- combating pathogenic bacteria and strengthening teeth, gums, reducing swelling of the mucous membranes, eliminating bleeding gums;
- eliminating nausea and vomiting, consolidating stool;
- suppression of inflammatory processes in the intestines and on the skin, mucous membranes in wounds and burns;
- reducing foot sweating;
- enhancing kidney function (has a diuretic effect);
- elimination of helminths;
- stopping minor bleeding and treating wounds and abrasions;
- getting rid of bad breath due to problems with teeth and digestion;
- strengthening the intestinal wall;
- eliminate burning and itching from insect bites;
- treating skin for allergic rashes to prevent secondary infection;
- reducing infectious and inflammatory processes in the female genital area.
Oak bark will help keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful. Photo: Pixabay
Official medicine considers the use of oak bark as an adjuvant or preventive drug, but only after consultation with a doctor and after eliminating contraindications.
What pathologies can oak bark treat?
This raw material is considered relatively safe for use at home, including in children. It is especially actively used in the treatment of dental and digestive problems. In addition, external oak bark products are widely used in dermatology and cosmetology; a decoction or extract of oak bark is often included in medicinal masks or lotions, including for the face and hair. Among the indications for the use of oak bark in various forms of preparation are:
