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.
Occidental Policyholders. Occidental Fire & Casualty Company of North Carolina is a wholly owned subsidiary of IAT Group, an insurance holding company. Occidental has been providing valuable and necessary insurance coverage to clients since 1960. Now, with over 50 years of experience and substantial financial strength, Occidental serves hundreds of thousands of customers across the United States.