All the fun about teak
Teak is most commonly used in two industrial areas: construction and medicine. This wood has several distinctive features that make it different from other types. More information about what kind of tree it is and where it is used will be described in this article.
General information, brief characteristics
When the tree became especially popular, plantations appeared, created specifically for the purpose of growing trees. Such plantations are created not only in the places of natural growth of this tree, but also in Africa, Costa Rica and Panama.
There is one significant difference between the wild type and the one grown on plantations is the color of the cut wood. However, this practically does not affect the exploitation of wood and its quality.
The tree reaches a height of 40 m, and the figure indicating the diameter of the trunk reaches 60 cm.
There are rare specimens in which the trunk diameter can reach one and a half meters.
Teak wood is especially valued for its durability. With proper handling and proper storage conditions, products can be stored for several centuries.
In Indian caves, statuettes were found made of wood of this species. Experts have established that this statuette is about 2000 years old. Nevertheless, they have a wonderful appearance and have been preserved in their entirety.
The unique color palette of wood makes it possible to use wood for the manufacture of a variety of products. When cutting a log, straight fibers are clearly traced and only occasionally wavy fibers can be seen.
Teak wood has a velvety, smooth texture and a high content of rubber and oil. the tree is extremely resistant to moisture and chemicals, it is not affected by pests and fungi. When processing, the smell of old leather is clearly felt.
Medical use
In addition to wood, leaves, bark, and other parts of the tree are also actively used. The healing properties that oil, leaves, and teak wood itself have, are very diverse and wide.
The leaves of this tree have the highest amount of medicinal properties. They are used for:
- Treatment of skin ulcers and fungal diseases. The leaves have antibacterial properties and are often used to treat skin conditions.
- To stabilize the menstrual cycle. The dried leaves are brewed like tea and used for menstrual irregularities.
- Hemorrhage treatment. It is also used as a dried leaf powder in the form of a tea infusion.
- Treatment of sore throat (brewed like tea).
In addition to the leaves of the tree, wood itself is actively used in medicine. It is ground into the finest powder. The scope of its application is wide enough. This powder is used as:
- laxative;
- an agent against intestinal parasites;
- medicine for dysentery;
- for the treatment of leukoderma;
- for the treatment of certain diseases of the female reproductive system.
Teak wood powder is most widely used in Indian medicine.
Teak oil is widely used. It is used to stimulate hair growth.In addition, this oil is used to lubricate irritated skin areas, especially after insect bites. This oil soothes the skin and relieves itching.
The roots and flowers of the plant are used to treat urinary tract infections. They are also used as a remedy for nausea and to treat bronchitis.
It is believed to be teak bark and can be used for diabetes.
Wood sawdust is used in Indonesia. There they are burned like incense.
Photo presentation of the use of teak wood
Teak has the greatest use in construction. For example, the following photo shows teak wood used to cover the walls.
Teak wood is used for flooring. A floor covering made from such wood is moisture resistant when properly prepared.
Teak is actively used for making furniture, including design. Exclusive models are created from this wood, for example, with carvings or engravings.
Furniture for kitchens, business offices and so on is made from this wood. Teak is very durable, and furniture made from it lasts a very long time.
Teak is a rather expensive material for construction, but all the material costs associated with preparing this tree for processing and its processing itself pay off with the durability and ease of use of products made from it. That is why teak is often used to make decorative wood furnishings, for example, figurines, vases, and so on. Wood is easy to process, and the products keep their shape well and do not lose their attractive appearance even over time.
Preserving the attractiveness of teak products allows preventive treatment with special protective compounds. Outdoor furniture and other products are recommended to be cleaned of dirt and sanded once a year, and then apply a protective compound.