Uses for tree barks

Monek Marie

Researching the linden tree lead me to many more uses for tree barks.

And as @torey mentioned in the linden thread, this is a perfect time to harvest bark.

What barks do you use or would like to try?

I have wild cherry I want to try usinf bark from. Unfortunately the small tree is in a place where it has to be removed. I want to use as much of it as possible and try to take some starts from it too

Monek Marie

https://thelostherbs.com/25-little-known-medicinal-uses-for-tree-bark/

LaurieLovesLearning

@Denise Grant @torey recommended spring as the best time due to more nutrients being transported by the sap.

I thought that I had better slip that into this discussion.

gardneto76

@Denise Grant thats for sharing that link! Now I have a list of tree barks to on the lookout for. Very useful information.

MelissaLynne

Horse chestnut bark can be useful for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. I think it can be used to reduce edema as well.

Home treatment for external hemorrhoids

1. Sitz bath with horse chestnut

Horse chestnut is one of the most scientifically proven natural ingredients for treating external hemorrhoids, as it contains properties that improve circulation. In addition, horse chestnut is also rich in escin, a type of saponin, which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which quickly relieves pain and discomfort.

Ingredients

• 60 grams bark of the chestnut horse chestnut;
• 2 liters of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients and boil for another 12 minutes. Then let it warm, strain and put the mixture in a bowl. Finally, one should sit without underwear in the water for 20 minutes. This homemade treatment should be repeated whenever necessary for at least 5 days.

Horse chestnut can also be taken in capsule form. For the best results, you should take about 300 mg twice a day, but the treatment can also be done with 40 mg, 3 times a day.

*taken from articlesonhealth.net

SherryA

I included a little cottonwood bark in my cottonwood bud tincture this year, as some sources said that the bark also had the active ingredient. I also dried some cottonwood bark. I don't know if I'll ever have a use for it, but the 2 big cottonwood trees I had access to were cut down by the neighbors, so I figured I'd try to save some.

I also saved some pine bark, because I was able to forage some and I don't usually have any. Again, we'll see if I ever find a use for it. The article you linked mentioned using pine bark in the bath to improve circulation and muscle aches. I can certainly use that! But I don't know if dried bark works as well.

Torey

@Denise Grant This is a good article you have posted. I didn't know about some of the bark uses.

I should have qualified my original statement about harvesting bark in the spring. Spring is an optimal time to harvest barks in general. I personally prefer to get barks in the spring. However, fall harvest can also be done. Some plants are better in the fall. For example, cramp bark is best harvested just as the leaves are turning colour.

karenjanicki

Good discussion! I'm not at all familiar with using bark in herbal medicines beyond knowing that many do. I know a good few plants to use but I'm not knowledgeable about tree identification and uses yet so I am glad you brought this up.

Monek Marie

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/880338#Comment_880338

@karenjanicki I think its best to use bark fresh. It has more boost and properties have not died off.

Monek Marie

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/880342#Comment_880342

I would usually harvest in the spring too when the bark is more fresh and alive but My thought was evern fall bark was better than no bark at all.

I am just learning about all the uses of bark

karenjanicki

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/880396#Comment_880396

I have heard it's best to harvest from twigs or limbs that have been pruned or windfallen to protect the trees trunk.