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OAK - HERBAL OVERVIEW
OAK
Quercus spp. White Oak (Quercus Alba); Common Oak (Quercus Robur), Oak Bark
Oak trees, with their unique fruits called acorns, are a favorite source of food for many species of wildlife. Humankind, on the other hand, admires the stately tree for its strength and beauty and wide girth of branches. But having discovered its astringent, wound healing qualities, humans also benefits from its many medicinal virtues.
White Oak is best known for its timber, whose beauty is valued in the making of cabinets, tables, and other furniture; however, the White Oak also bears acorns, which for hundreds of years, were a staple in the American Indian diet, sometimes leached, dried and ground into flour. They used the tree bark as an astringent to use internally, and applied it topically to the skin for wounds and skin infections.
OAK PLANT DESCRIPTION
Several species of oaks grow in parts of Europe and in many regions across North America. They often grow in damp;, mixed woods.
The shape of the oak leaves is too familiar to need description. The flowers are of two kinds; the male, or barren, in long drooping catkins, 1 to 3 inches long, appearing with the leaves, and the leaves and the fertile flowers in distant clusters, each with a cup-shaped, scaly involucre, producing, as fruit, an acorn 1/2 to 1 inch long.
The Oak is noted for the slowness of its growth, as well as for the large size to which it attains. In eighty years the trunk is said not to exceed 20 inches in diameter, but old trees reach a great girth. The famous Fairlop Oak in Hainault Forest measured 36 feet in girth, the spreading boughs extending above 300 feet in circumference. The Newland Oak in Gloucestershire measures 46 feet 4 inches at 1 foot from the ground, and is one of the largest and oldest in the kingdom, these measurements being exceeded, however, by those of the Courthorpe Oak in Yorkshire, which Hooker reports as attaining the extraordinary girth of 70 feet. King Arthur's Round Table was made from a single slice of oak, cut from an enormous bole, and is still shown at Winchester.
The Common, or British Oak, for many centuries the chief forest tree of England, is intimately bound up with the history of these islands from Druid times. A spray of oak was for long engraved on one side of our sixpences and shillings, but is now superseded by the British lion. The Oak, although widely distributed over Europe, is regarded as peculiarly English.
The genus Quercus comprises numerous species, distributed widely over the Northern Hemisphere, and found also in Java, and the Mountains of Mexico and South America. One species from Guatemala, Quercus Skinneri, is remarkable for its resemblance to the Walnut (Juglans) in its lobed and wrinkled seed-leaves or cotyledons.
The Oak is subject to a good deal of variation; many species have been defined and many oaks of foreign origin are grown in our parks, the longest established being the Evergreen or Holm Oak (Q. ilex). There are two principal varieties of Q. robur, often regarded as separate species: Q. pedunculata, the Common Oak, which is distinguished by having acorns in ones and twos attached to the twigs by long stems, the leaves having scarcely any stalk at all; and Q. sessiliflora, the Durmast Oak, often included with the former, but distinct, the leaves being borne on long stalks, while the acorns 'sit' on the bough. This variety of oak is more generally found in the lower parts of Britain and in North Wales. It is not so long-lived as the Common Oak, and the wood, which has a straighter fibre and a finer grain, is generally thought less tough and less resisting.
Q. pedunculata and Q. sessiliflora make good timber, the latter being darker, heavier and more elastic. The wood of these trees when stained green by the growth of a peculiar fungus known as Peziza originosa is much valued by cabinet-makers.
PLANT PARTS USED
It is primarily the dried or toasted 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.
Gentle dry heat increases the concentration of volatile oils in the bark. Bark is ground before storage. Gentle heating concentrates healing volatile oils in oak bark pieces, but destroys volatile oils in oak bark once it has been powdered.
Typical preparations are baths, washes, infusions, teas, and tinctures.
OAK CONSTITUENTS / COMPONENTS
The oak's main components are the anti-itch, mildly antiseptic and very astringent tannins, particularly catechin. In addition, oak contains resins, calcium oxalate, quillaic acid, sugar, pectins, starch and protein.
OAK HISTORY
The oak's botanical name quercus comes from the Celtic words quer (fine) and cuez (tree). White oak bark's astringent powers have been known to practitioners of herbal healing for thousands of years. The Romans used decoctions of oak bark to treat chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and hemorrhage. Herbalists of 19th and 20th centuries used oak bark to "tan" the lining of the throat to stop pain and prevent reinfection from viruses and bacteria.
The Greeks held the Oak sacred, the Romans dedicated it to Jupiter, and the Druids venerated it. In England the name Gospel Oak is still retained in many counties, relating to the time when Psalms and Gospel truths were uttered beneath their shade. They were notable objects as resting-places in the 'beating of the parish bounds,' a practice supposed to have been derived from the feast to the god Terminus.
A curious custom in connection with wearing an oak-leaf (or preferably an oak-apple) on May 29, still exists in some villages in South Wilts. Each one has the right to collect fallen branches in a certain large wood in the district. To claim this privilege each villager has to bring them home shouting 'Grovely, Grovely, and all Grovely!' (this being the name of the large wood).
After the Oak has passed its century, it increases by less than an inch a year, but the wood matured in this leisurely fashion is practically indestructible. Edward the Confessor's shrine in Westminster Abbey is of oak that has outlasted the changes of 800 years. Logs have been dug from peat bogs, in good preservation and fit for rough building purposes, that were submerged a thousand years ago. In the Severn, breakwaters are still used as casual landing-places, where piles of oak are said to have been driven by the Romans.
As timber, the particular and most valued qualities of the Oak are hardness and toughness; Box and Ebony are harder, Yew and Ash are tougher than Oak, but no timber is possessed of both these requisites in so great a degree as the British Oak. Its elasticity and strength made it particularly advantageous in shipbuilding, and the oaks of the Forest of Dean provided much material for the 'wooden walls of England.' We read that Philip of Spain gave special orders to the Armada to burn and destroy every oak in that forest, and a century later, during a period of twenty-five years, nearly 17,000 loads of oak timber, of the value of L. 30,000 (pounds sterling), were despatched to naval dockyards from this forest. Nelson drew up a special memorial to the Crown on the desirability of replanting this forest with oak trees, and at that time no forester dared to cut down a crooked tree before maturity, because its knees and twisted elbows were so desirable in shipbuilding. A tree should be winter felled, if perfection of grain is desired. Although not employed as of old, for building ships of war, it is in great request for peaceful land transit, sharing with Ash in the making of railway carriages and other rolling stock. The roots were formerly used to make hafts for daggers and knives.
Some of the American kinds also furnish valuable timber. Such are Q. alba, the White or Quebec Oak, the wood of which is used in shipbuilding, and by wheelwrights and coopers. Q. virens, the Live Oak, also yields excellent timber for naval purposes. The wood of Q. ilex, a Mediterranean species, is said to be as good as that of the Common Oak. Q. cerris, the Turkey Oak, supplies a wood much in favor with wheelwrights, cabinet-makers, turners, etc. There are also several Japanese oaks, used for their excellent timber.
The False Sandalwood of Crete is the produce of Q. abelicea. This wood is of a reddish color, and has an agreeable perfume. The less valuable oaks furnish excellent charcoal and firewood.
The bark is universally used to tan leather, and for this purpose strips easily in April and May. An infusion of it, with a small quantity of copperas, yields a dye which was formerly used in the country to dye woolen of a purplish color, which, though not very bright, was said to be durable. The Scotch Highlanders used it to dye their yarn. Oak sawdust used also to be the principal indigenous vegetable used in dyeing fustian, and may also be used for tanning, but is much inferior to the bark for that purpose. Oak apples have also been occasionally used in dyeing as a substitute for the imported Oriental galls, but the black obtained from them is not durable.
In Brittany, tan compressed into cakes is used as fuel. Oak-bark is employed for dyeing black, in conjunction with salts of iron. With alum, oak-bark yields a brown dye; with a salt of tin, a yellow color; with a salt of zinc, Isabelia yellow. Q. tinctoria, a North American species, yields Quercitron Bark, employed for dyeing yellow; the American Indians are said to dye their skins red with the bark of Q. prinus. After the oak bark has been used for leather-tanning, it is still serviceable to gardeners for the warmth it generates and is largely used by them under the name of Tan; it sometimes, however, favors the growth of certain fungi, which are harmful to plants. Refuse tan is also employed in the adulteration of chicory and coffee.
Acorns were of considerable importance formerly for feeding swine. About the end of the seventh century, special laws were made relating to the feeding of swine in woods, called pawnage, or pannage. In Saxon times of famine, the peasantry were thankful for a share of this nourishing, but somewhat indigestible food. The Board of Agriculture has lately issued a pamphlet, pointing out the use as fodder, which might be made both of the Acorn and of the Horse Chestnut. The analysis of the Acorn given by the Lancet is: water, 6.3 per cent; protein, 5.2 per cent; fat, 43 per cent; carbohydrates, 45 per cent. The most important constituent of both the Acorn and the Horse Chestnut is the carbohydrate in the form of starch, while the Acorn should have further value on account of the substantial proportion of fat which it contains. The flavor of Acorns is improved if they are dried, and a flour with nourishing properties can be obtained by grinding the dried kernels.
In many country districts acorns are still collected in sacks and given to pigs; but these must be mixed with other vegetable food to counteract their binding properties.
Oak trees are more persistently attacked by insects than any other trees.
Information and the above history about common oak was obtained from Botanical.com: A Modern Herbal - Oak, Common.
Botanical.com: A Modern Herbal - Oak Galls
OAK USES
The primary use of oak bark for making bath additives and gargles to stop bacterial and viral infections. An alcohol tincture painted on the skin or used to make a cream helps fight staph infections. Research is undergoing to confirm the traditional use of oak bark decoctions in treating kidney stones. There are indications that the bark not only dissolves stones but also stops the growth of the bacteria surrounding them. German researchers also report that regular consumption of the bark may lower cholesterol, although there are more effective herbs for this purpose.
Baths and compresses are often used for skin rashes, eczema and wounds because oak bark is astringent and anti-inflammatory. Bruised leaves were applied to wounds to aid in healing. As a rinse, oak helps with inflammations of the gums or the mucous membranes of the mouth. A tea made from oak bark also strengthens the intestines and is useful in fighting diarrhea. Oak bark when finely powdered and inhaled freely, has proved very beneficial in consumption in its early stages. Working tanners are well known to be particularly exempt from this disease. A remedial snuff is made from the freshly collected oak bark, dried and reduced to a fine powder.
White Oak is an astringent with anti-infective and tonic properties. It has a strong astringent bitter taste, and its qualities are extracted both by water and alcohol. The odor is slightly aromatic. It has been used to treat chronic diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, and hemorrhaging in urine, stool, mouth, nose, organs, and heavy menses. White Oak can eliminate vaginal discharge and infection as well. It has also been used for night sweats, mouth sores, pyorrhea, sore throat, fevers, colds, diarrhea, and bronchitis. White Oak can strengthen teeth and gums. Used externally, it can be applied to wounds, bee stings, burns, poison ivy, and varicose veins. In some cases it has also been used as an enema and douche.
The older herbalists considered the thin skin that covers the acorn effectual in staying spitting of blood, and the powder of the acorn taken in wine was considered a good diuretic. A decoction of acorns and oak bark, made with milk, was considered an antidote to poisonous herbs and medicines.
Like other astringents, it has been recommended in agues and hemorrhages. It is a good substitute for Quinine in intermittent fever, especially when given with Chamomile flowers.
It is useful in chronic diarrhea and dysentery, either alone or in conjunction with aromatics. A decoction is made from 1 ounce of oak bark in a quart of water, boiled down to a pint and taken in wineglassful doses. Externally, this decoction has been advantageously employed as a gargle in chronic sore throat with relaxed uvula, and also as a fomentation. It is also serviceable as an injection for leucorrhea, and applied locally to bleeding gums and hemorrhoids (piles).
OAK DOSAGE INFORMATION
For diarrhea, do not use White Oak longer than 3-4 days without consulting a health care provider. For treating other conditions, do not exceed more than 2-3 weeks use. The Commission E suggests 3 grams per day for internal use. They recommend 20 grams per 1 liter of water to use as a rinse, compress, or gargle. To use in a bath, 5 grams per liter of water. Fluid Extract - 1/2 to 1 drachm.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION
OAK SAFETY & INTERACTION INFORMATION
White Oak is generally regarded as safe when taken in the recommended dosages; however, the diuretic action of this herb may cause the increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics. It can interfere with anti-hypertensives as well. Side effects and/or overdose effects can include constipation, dry mouth, jaundice, kidney damage, skin eruptions, and excessive thirst.
Take Care! Any preparations containing tannins may cause brownish discoloration to appear on your skin. These will fade away quickly, however, when topical use is discontinued. Never use oak extract in the eyes because its drying effect on the eye mucosa.
Avoid bathing a large area of inflamed skin all at once. Oak bark infusions, extracts, and tinctures taken internally should be timed so that any medication (especially any medication that has to be taken on a relatively alkaline or empty stomach) is not in the digestive tract. Take oak bark 4 hours before or 4 hours after any prescription medication.
Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not give to small children without a health care provider's supervision. Oak bark is not for extended use. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known.
Do not take for more than 3 to 4 days.
OAK SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Herbal Remedies: Bone, Flesh & Cartilage Formula Ointment, Nature's Way, 2 oz.
Bone Flesh and Cartilage, from Nature's Way, is a time-tested herbal healing formula used by tens of thousands. This synergistic combination of herbs is used traditionally to support and speed the recovery of Bone, Flesh and Cartilage.
Herbal Remedies: Oak Bach Flower Essences, 20 ml
Oak (Quercus Robur) is the Bach Flower Remedy for strong, steady people who never give up under adversity. Instead they plod on with determination, and never consider resting until they are past the point of exhaustion. Because they are so steady they often have many people relying on them, and their sense of duty is strong, so that they can feel frustrated and unhappy if illness or exhaustion get in the way of discharging duties. So much is positive about the Oak person, but the negative side is the stubborn refusal to rest or sit back when the need for rest is obvious to all around. The remedy is used to help the Oak remain strong in adversity and not crack under the strain, while at the same time a different wisdom is learned, so that the person in this state can learn when not to strive. Dr. Bach's Description: For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless. They will fight on. They are discontented with themselves if illness interferes with their duties or helping others. They are brave people, fighting against great difficulties, without loss of hope or effort. Oak Usage: Take two drops in a small glass of water and sip at intervals or take directly under tongue. Every bottle comes with it's own dropper to perfectly measure four drops. It can also be used on the pulse points, or moistened lips. Additional Information / Warnings: Gentle, safe effective treatment for the whole family. No artificial additive. Suitable for vegetarians. If pregnant or breast feeding, ask a health professional before use. (27% Brandy Alcohol)
Herbal Remedies: White Oak Bark, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
White Oak Bark is one of the strongest natural astringent herbs available. The inner bark of the White Oak (Quercus alba) was used extensively by the American Indians and early American Settlers because of its astringent qualities. Teas were taken internally and used as washes for the body. Nature's Way White Oak bark is carefully peeled in small sections from wild trees. The tree is not harmed in the process. As an addition to the daily diet, take 2 capsules twice daily, preferably with food.
Mountain Rose Herbs: White Oak (Quercus Alba), Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba) Powder, Kalyx, 2.2 lbs Bulk
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark, 4:1 Standardized, Herbal Extracts Plus, 90 VCaps
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 90 VCaps
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark 4:1 Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1/4 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark Powder (Quercus Alba), Frontier, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba), Cut & Sifted, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba), Cut & Sifted, Frontier, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba), Health & Herbs, 2 fl. oz.
Shaman Shop: White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba), Health & Herbs, 8 fl. oz.
Shaman Shop: Nelson Bach Oak Flower Essence, 20 ml
Herbal Remedies: White Oak Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: White Oak Information
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