The Mighty Oak

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

Oak (Quercus spp.) trees, 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 discoverd 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 (it's bark), food (it's 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 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 Ameria. 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.

Therapeutic Effect
Oak helps those who no longer find joy in the demanding path that they have chosen. Overly driven, they feel that, although the well has run dry, they cannot keep themselves from returning to it. The oak flower remedy both nourishes and replenishes, filling the hearts, minds and souls of those who need to be reminded that life is a balance of work and pleasure. In addition, oak softens even the most dogged and determined of wills and teaches a sense of strength with flexibility.

Methods of Administration

Take Care! Any preparations containing tannins may cause brownish discolorations to appear on your skin. These will fade away quickly, however, when topical use is discontinued. Never use oak extract in the eyes because of its drying effect on the eye mucosa.

Tea
To combat diarrhea
Add 1 tsp. of finely chopped or powdered bark to about 1 cup of cold water and boil. Steep for 15 min.; strain. Drink 1 cup of tea up to 3 times per day.

Bath Additives
For sitz baths and foot-baths
Pour about 1 gallon of cold water over 1 cup of cut oak bark. Boil gently for 15-20 min. Strain and add to bath water. Bathe for about 15-20 minutes, 1 or 2 times per day.

Compresses
To treat rashes
Apply a cloth soaked in oak-bark tea several times daily.

Rinse or gargle
For inflammation of the gums, mouth and throat
Boil 2 tsp. of oak bark in 2 cups of water for about 20 min. and then strain. Gargle several times daily with the solution.

Caution: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not give to small children without a doctor's supervision. Oak bark is not for extended use-do not take for more than 3-4 days.

The following chart gives examples of how Native Americans use oak:

Part	How Prepared	Medicine Form	Remedy For	Foodstuff
acorn mold	raw	compress	wound antibiotic, ticks, conjunctivitis
bark	raw/mashed	compress	hemorrhoids
bark	raw/boiled	tea	diarrhea, appendicitis	tea
inner bark	raw/boiled	gargle/douche	tonsilitis, vaginal infection
acorn	roasted/ground			stew flavor, bread flour, oil

Magickal Information

Folk Names: Duir, Jove's Nuts, Juglans
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Deities: Dagda, Dianus, Jupiter, Thor, Zeus, Herne, Janus, Rhea, Cybele, Hecate, Pan, Erato
Powers: Protection, Health, Money, Healing, Potency, Fertility, Luck

Ritual Uses

Since the oak was a source of food for early settlers in Britain as well as Europe, it came to be revered and worshipped far back into pre-history.
The Druids (traditionally) would not meet for rituals unless an oak was present, and the very words 'oak' and 'Druid,' some say are related.
Religious idols were fashioned from oak wood
Witches often danced beneath the tree

Magickal Uses

A tree as long-lived and strong as the oak naturally offers magikal protection.
Two twigs of oak, bound with red thread so that they form an equal-armed cross, makes a potent safeguard against evil. It should be hung in the house.
Acorns placed in windows guard against the entrance of lightening.
A piece of oak wood, carried, protects its bearer from all harm.
If you can catch a falling oak leaf you shall have no colds all winter.
When a sick person is in the house make a fire of oakwood and warm the house with it to 'draw off' the illness. (do this only if you have a fireplace, of course!)
Carry an acorn against illnesses and pains, for immortality or longevity, and to preserve youthfullness.
Planting an acorn in the dark of the Moon ensures that you shall receive money in the near future.
Carrying an acorn increases fertility and strengthens sexual potency.
Carrying any piece of the oak draws good luck.

Confidentiality Statement: (for anyone who does not respect copyright and/or is confused regarding this issue) The information, data and schematics embodied in the document are confidential and proprietary, being exclusively owned by Ellen J. Lord (aka Purpleflame or Firefly). This document is being supplied on understanding that it and its contents shall not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to others except as specifically permitted with the prior written consent of Ellen J. Lord. The recipient of this document, by its retention and use, agrees to protect the same from loss, theft, or unauthorized use.

Sources:
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; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D