Steps to Use for Making a Tree Bark Extract

The basic steps to make tree bark extract are fairly simple. Depending on the specific tree, and the concentration and use of the extract itself, the latter formulation of the extract will vary. However, there are a few general guidelines you should follow to first obtain the extract from the bark.

Initial Preparation

• Tree bark extract is derived from the tree by moistening the bark and then applying pressure. Depending on the nature of the bark itself, you may need to apply more or less pressure. You may use a vise grip, or place the bark between two panels and very gradually increase pressure until the extract is produced. However, the bark should be squeezed very soon after being removed from the tree so that the desired substance can still be easily rendered into a liquid form and does not harden and congeal.

Secondary Stages

• After you have squeezed the raw bark, preparation of the extract itself will vary, depending on what bark you are using. The most common forms are tablets or powders.

  Yohimbe extract, which is derived from an African tree, is used to cure sexual impotency. Yohimbe extract is often dried and then crushed into a powder, which can either be added to food and drink or reformulated into capsule or pill form.

  Raw pine bark extract is often mixed with other additives to produce Pycnogenol, an antioxidant in tablet form which is used to treat cancer, diabetes and other ailments. Because of its effectiveness, pine bark extract is being tested as the potential cure for a variety of other ailments and, therefore, is often part of a larger formula or cocktail of drugs. More "natural" versions of pine bark extract can be found on the market in supplement form.

  Willow bark produces salicylic acid, which is the basis for a variety of skin treatment products.