Diarrhea

Eastern Deciduous Forest

Common Name: Red oak

Genus and Species Name: Quercus rubra

Habitat: Fields, waste places, and yards

Seasons: Bark is available year-round.

Medicinal uses: The tannins (astringent) in the bark stop diarrhea. 

Preparation: Ground bark is boiled in water for 20 minutes to make a tea. Then, strained and drank.

In addition, drink extra fresh water to prevent dehydration.

Active Chemical Ingredient: tannin

Chemical Formula: C76H52O46

Chemical Structure:

Resources:

Diarrhea, Dysentery and Cholera. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://natureheals.info/health/dysentery.html

Quercus rubra - Natural medicine facts. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://www.naturalmedicinefacts.info/plant/quercus-rubra.html

(n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tannin
Chevallier, A., & Keifer, D. (2010). Herbal remedies. New York: Metro Books.
Oak Quercus robur. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail376.php

 

Tall Grass Prairie

Common Name: Winged sumac

Genus and Species Name: Rhus copallinum

Habitat: Thickets, open woods, and prairies

Seasons: Bark is available year-round.

Medicinal uses: Bark is used to treat diarrhea by making an astringent (tightens intestine lining) tea. 

Preparation: Brew the bark in water, strain, and drink tea to alleviate diarrhea. 

In addition, drink extra fresh water to prevent dehydration.

Active Chemical Ingredient: malic acid

Chemical Formula: C₄H₆O₅

Chemical Structure:

Resources:

(n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Allantoin_chemical_structure.png
Winged Sumac (Dwarf Sumac; Shining Sumac). (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/winged-sumac-dwarf-sumac-shining-sumac
Smooth SumacRhus glabra. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/Smooth_Sumac.html
First Ways. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from http://firstways.com/2011/08/23/how-and-why-to-eat-sumac/
Handbook of Herbs and Spices. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2015, from https://books.google.com/books?id=2I9wAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA565&lpg=PA565&dq=what chemical makes sumac bark astringent&source=bl&ots=lMKtR2_anU&sig=_MUjofBZoI-fAiowjzXw85GzknY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CC8Q6AEwBGoVChMIoPHO7KjkxwIVQzQ-Ch01oQDy#v=onepage&q=what chemical