Content
Oak is appreciated for the quality of its wood. The fruits of a common culture are eaten. Leaves and acorns are used medicinally. The benefits of an oak broom are also proven by scientific research. It is a popular accessory for steam rooms.
Why is an oak broom useful in a bath
The tree represents wisdom, strength and longevity. Wreaths made from leaves were considered a special insignia. Both the Slavs and the ancient Greeks considered the oak sacred. The Germans use the leaf of the tree as a national symbol.
It is noteworthy that the oak belonging to the Beech family has about 600 varieties of culture. However, these varieties cover small areas. In Russia, summer and winter varieties of the pedunculate oak are widespread. The difference between them lies in the flowering period.
In folk medicine, oak bark is widely used as a means for external and internal use. Leaves of a mighty tree, from which brooms are made for a bath, are no less useful. They include a whole range of components unique to health: tannins, polysaccharides, flavonoids. It is these components that determine the beneficial effect of oak brooms.
Tannins are classified as aromatic. They are distinguished by their organic origin. The group of substances includes oak tanning and gallo tanning acids. The unique properties of these components are successfully used for medical and cosmetic purposes.
In the process of direct application of oak brooms, the acids included in the leaves are involved in a reaction with protein compounds, forming a protective film. This helps to relieve skin irritation and regenerate damaged tissues. As a result, the severity of inflammation and pain is reduced.
The use of tree leaves improves the absorption of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C enhances immunity. Oak brooms are recommended to be used to eliminate hyperemia and puffiness.
High molecular weight polysaccharides, which are rich in leaf plates, are xylan and araban. The substances are distinguished by antibacterial and anti-aging effects. The use of an oak broom in the steam room increases the synthesis of collagen, which prolongs the youthfulness of the epidermis. Elimination of toxins, improvement of oxygen and important nutrients supply to tissues is essential.
The use of oak brooms produces an antioxidant effect due to the presence of flavonoids in the leaves. These substances help neutralize free radicals and improve overall well-being.
Regular visits to the sauna using an oak broom can reduce the signs of prostate inflammation and prostatitis. The beneficial effect is manifested in the elimination of signs of allergies, asthma, which include a runny nose, red eyes, swelling of the lips.
When and how to procure
The use of an oak broom is beneficial for the human body. As a result of exposure, the healing of abrasions is accelerated. The skin becomes velvety. The use of an oak broom is especially recommended for hyperfunctioning of the sebaceous glands.Due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, acne disappears, as well as excessive skin porosity.
The essential oils in the branches and leaves help calm the nervous system. Against the background of regular use of an oak broom in the steam room, the pressure gradually stabilizes. The procedures are recommended for people with a history of heart and vascular diseases.
The presence of useful properties of an oak broom depends on the correct choice of raw materials. The collection is carried out in clear sunny weather, preferably in the morning.
Branches are usually harvested after June 15th. However, oak brooms are recommended to be made on the basis of raw materials collected in July. They are durable due to the long-term preservation of the leaves.
For the purpose of making bath brooms, which bring significant benefits to the body, both ordinary and Canadian oak are suitable. The last variety is also called red. Its advantage is the flexibility of long branches. For knitting brooms, you can also consider the Caucasian oak, which has strong and thick leaves.
When collecting raw materials, pay attention to trees growing in the shade and reaching about 3 m in height. Side branches with strong leaves are cut with pruning shears. They should be up to 0.5 m long. For convenience, flexible and straight branches should be chosen.
The collected raw materials are laid out in the shade in a thin layer. After an hour, the branches can be transported home. When knitting, you need to take into account the diameter of the resulting handle. It is convenient to use a broom with a girth of up to 5 cm. At this point, the leaves must be removed.
There are two main methods of knitting an oak broom:
- «Ball". The rods are laid evenly in a circle. It turns out an oak broom, characterized by volume.
Knitting "Ball" is a convenient way to make an accessory for a bath - «Shovel". This is the most popular method for forming a product. The rods are placed on a plane in such a way that they press the previously laid branch. In this case, the outer side of the sheet is directed to the middle.
The finished oak broom resembles a dense fan
It should be remembered that thick branches are placed in the middle. On the outside of the oak broom, there are thin twigs. The product must be fixed in two places for greater strength. The twine is used in a place where the branches fan out. It is recommended to wrap the handle around the edge with a cloth.
Raw materials of other medicinal plants can be added to an oak broom. For example, mountain ash branches give vigor, and conifers increase blood flow, and also prevent ARVI. The product can be supplemented with bird cherry twigs as an antibacterial component.
The finished oak broom is kept under pressure for about a day to obtain a flat shape. Then the product is suspended in a draft. The lack of sunlight is essential. Otherwise, the loss of valuable substances and useful properties is possible.
Usually the product is ready for use in a week. This time is often sufficient for drying. The accessory can be dipped in hot water. A fresh product is soaked only in warm water.
How to steam properly
Oak accessories are considered the most durable. They are enough for about five procedures. The product is changed as it becomes bald and coarse.
The steaming procedure includes several sequential steps. First, the accessory is immersed in cold water for a few minutes, and then in hot water. The effects of boiling water should be excluded. Cover the bucket or basin and wait for the oak scent to appear.
After the procedure, the product is poured with warm water, folded into a bag. Upon arrival home, you need to hang it to dry and put it away in the designated place.
How to store it correctly
Oak branches can be laid in a haystack and knitted just before going to the bathhouse. In urban environments, a glazed balcony, dry garage or basement is used to store brooms. The selected place should not be damp. Oak brooms are recommended to be wrapped in clean paper and placed in boxes. Variants of using vacuum packaging or dry freezing are possible.
Contraindications
An oak broom for a bath can be not only beneficial, but also harmful. The product should not be used by people with serious heart and vascular diseases. The accessory provides a fairly powerful jet of steam due to its relatively heavy weight.
Conclusion
The health benefits of an oak broom are due to the valuable components included in the leaves and branches. The content of tannins, quercetin in high concentrations provides a beneficial effect on the body. The properties of a red oak broom make it possible to use it in a steam room only if there are no contraindications. Otherwise, the procedure can be harmful and cause a deterioration in general well-being.
