All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; and Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White.
Oak trees(Quercus spp.), with their unique fruits, called acorns, are a favorite source of food for many species of wildlife. Mankind, on the other hand, admires the stately tree for its strength and beauty and wide girth of branches. But having discovered its astringent, healing qualities, man also benefits from its many medicinal virtues.
Considered to be the king of trees, the oak is found throughout Europe and North America. There are several hundred species of the ancient oak genus Quercus - of these, there are 70 species native to North America. Through countless generations, people have relied on this majestic tree for medicine (its bark), food (its acorns), shade and timber.
Plant Facts
Oak trees have alternate and distinctive, simple leaves - and all trees exhibit acorns, peculiar only to the oak. Many northern species have a tendency to retain their dead leaves for some time. Their bark has a tannic scent and a slightly bitter and astringent taste.
Origin
Several species of oaks grow in parts of Europe and in many regions across North America. They often grow in damp, mixed woods.
Parts Used
It is primarily the bark, peeled from young twigs and shoots, that is used for medicinal purposes. The valuable tannic acids - complex substances used medicinally as well as in the tanning process - are concentrated in the bark. Young shoots are believed to have a better quality of tannins than the older bark that is found around the trunk.
Components
The oak's main components are the anti-itch, mildly antiseptic and very astringent tannins, particularly catechin. In addition, oak contains sugar, pectins, starch and protein.
Indications
Baths and compresses are often used for skin rashes, eczema and wounds because oak bark is astringent and anti-inflammatory. As a rinse, oak helps with inflammations of the gums or the mucus membranes of the mouth. A tea made of oak bark also strengthens the intestines and is useful in fighting diarrhea.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Ellen Lord's Herbal Lore topic, please visit the Discussions page.