Oak has been used as a Quinine substitute in the treatment of fevers. Tannins provide many of the healing properties of oak. Tannins bind with proteins in tissues, making a barrier resistant to bacterial invasion. Tannins strengthen tissues and blood vessels.
The opposite term Occident derives from the Latin word occidens, meaning west (lit. setting < occido fall/set). This term meant the west (where the sun sets) but has fallen into disuse in English, in favor of Western world.
okâ²si-dent, n. the western quarter of the sky where the sun goes down or sets: the west generally.âadj. Occidenâ²tal, noting the quarter where the sun goes down or sets: western: relatively less precious, as a gem.ân. a native of some occidental countryâopp. to Oriental.âv.t. Occidenâ²talise, to cause to conform to western ideas or customs.âns. Occidenâ²talism, habits, &c., of occidental peoples; Occidenâ²talist, a student of occidental languagesâopp. to Orientalist: an individual belonging to an oriental country who favours western ideas, customs, &c.âadv. Occidenâ²tally.