A large, monoecism, deciduous tree, growing up to 25 m (82 ft.) in height. It has wide spreading branches, rugged grey-brown bark and small dark-green ovate leaves, with deep rounded lobes. Male flowers are thin catkins; female flowers are borne in spikes in the leaf axils and followed by ovoid fruit, in little “cups” (acorns).
History and traditions
Few plants have been invested with as much magic, mystery and symbolic importance in Britain and much of Europe as the common oak. It was used in Druid ceremonies and thought to protect from lightning strikes especially if planted near buildings to attract lightning away from them. Carrying an acorn was said to preserve youth, and dew gathered from beneath an oak was a potent ingredient in beauty lotions. They are exceptionally long-lived trees, and individual oaks were attributed characters of their own, complete with their own canon of folklore. They were also greatly valued for the durability of the wood, used in furniture, buildings and ships. The medicinal properties of the bark were well recognized by herbalists in former times. Culpeper lists many uses for it, declaring that it will “assuage inflammation and stop all manner of fluxes in man or woman”.
Related species
The North American Q. alba, the white oak, also has a history of medicinal use, and was said to be effective against gangrene.
Habitat/distribution
Native to Europe occurs widely in the northern hemisphere in forests, open woodland and parkland, often found on clay soils. Growth Grow in deep, fertile soil. May be propagated from seed, sown in containers in autumn. Very slow-growing.
Parts used
Bark stripped from mature trees and dried for use in decoctions and extracts.
Uses
Medicinal
The oak has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties and is said to control bleeding. Applied externally to cuts, abrasions, ulcers, skin irritations, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Sometimes, recommended to be taken internally for hemorrhage, diarrhoea and gastric upsets. It was formerly used as a substitute for cinchona bark.
