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 Of or pertaining to the occident or west; of, pertaining to, or characteristic of those countries or parts of the earth which lie to the westward. occidental Specifically [cap. or lowercase] â Pertaining to or characteristic of those countries of Europe defined above as the Occident (see occident, 2), or their civilization and its ...