General Information
Family: Beech (Fagaceae)
Botanical name - common oak (Quercus robur L.) or sessile oak (Q pedunculata Ehrh.)
Pharmacy: oak bark – Quercus cortex (formerly cortex Quercus)
Genus name: Quercus
Folk names: -
In ancient manuscripts -
Planet: - Sun (Jupiter)
Zodiac sign: - Leo (Sagittarius)
Element - Fire
Language of flowers: - Hospitality
Connection with Runes: Thorn, Rad, Jera, Tug, Ehwaz, Ziu
Main properties: - protection, energizing, preserving health and strength
Oak leaves description:
Sessile oak (Q pedunculata Ehrh).
Deciduous tree, up to 50 meters tall, with a trunk up to 7 meters in diameter, a strong branching root system, reaching up to 1000 years in age, or sometimes even more. The branches of young trees are olive-brown, turning silvery-grey in mature trees. The bark is initially smooth and shiny, becoming rough and cracked with age. The leaves are lobed, usually short-stemmed, with early fallen stipules. Monoecious flowers, blooming in April. Its fruits are acorns, enclosed in a cup-like husk at the base, ripening in late September to early October.
Habitat:
Sessile oak prefers moist soils and mixed forests. Pedunculate oak thrives in hilly and mountainous areas.
Oaks are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere in forested and forest-steppe zones.
Parts used:
Many parts of the plant are used, but mainly the bark from young branches (collected in late spring or summer, used for infusions, baths, decoctions, ointments). Leaves are also used (gathered in summer, used for decoctions, ointments, infusions, and healing potions), acorns (harvested in autumn, used for flour and "coffee"), galls on the leaves (gathered at the end of summer), and roots of young oaks (harvested in autumn).
Harvesting and preparation:
If talking about using the bark, it is collected in late spring or summer, preferably from young branches. For medical purposes, it is best to cut the bark early in spring because the valuable bark is the one that has not yet corked – smooth and shiny, easily distinguishable from rough old bark. It is best to harvest the bark from continuous clear-cuttings, with each branch diameter not exceeding 6 centimeters. On a larger scale, the bark is removed from a plantation once every ten years, allowing young trees to mature in that period. Why is it better for medicine to do this in early spring? Firstly, this is a time of sap movement, and the bark is easily separated, reducing labor costs. Secondly, it contains significantly more tannic substances, which are highly valued. The bark is dried in the shade or a well-ventilated space as quickly as possible, often chopped beforehand.
The leaves, on the other hand, are collected in the summer, and are picked without "cuttings", only the actual "greenery", carefully so as not to harm the oak tree. One should not pick too many leaves from one branch at once. Typically, after harvesting, the leaves are finely chopped and dried in a dark place to preserve their healing properties.
Acorns, which are used to make flour and a unique coffee substitute, are best harvested in autumn when they have ripened and accumulated the necessary substances. Once collected, they are dried in a cool, dark place. If making flour from acorns, they are usually crushed beforehand.
In the field of Medicine:
Preparations made from oak (especially the bark and leaves) possess good astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and hemostatic properties.
A decoction of young oak bark is administered for diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal bleeding, and heavy menstruation. For stomach ailments and rickets, oak coffee is consumed; for urinary incontinence and severe bleeding, a decoction of dried leaves, flowers, and roots of the oak is used.
The decoction is also applied for stomatitis, gingivitis, chronic tonsillitis (which, by the way, is truly effective), pharyngitis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines accompanied by exhausting diarrhea, poisonings by protein-containing toxins (alkaloids).
Externally, it can be used for burns and frostbite, jaundice and rickets, treating bedsores, and in homeopathy it is used for tumors of the spleen and liver.
Acorns are also used for medicinal purposes, as are the healing properties of white oak.
For medicinal purposes, the bark of young stems and branches is used. It contains 10-20% tannins of the pyrogallol group, flavonoids, proteins, starch, quercetin, levurin, pectins, and carbohydrates.
Tannins and phytoncides have a harmful effect on pathogenic microorganisms, making white oak bark with nanoclusters effective in infectious diseases.
It possesses astringent and anti-inflammatory properties based on the ability of tannins to condense cell membranes, as well as antiseptic and antiparasitic properties.
It has a healing effect on:
- gastric bleeding;
- gastritis;
- chronic diarrhea;
- hemorrhoids;
- stomach ulcers;
- presence of blood in urine;
- frequent urination.
Moreover, white oak bark is effective in bleeding and ulcerative (inflammatory) processes in the oral cavity, gingivitis, bad breath, stomatitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat and larynx, for strengthening the gums, as well as for burns of various degrees, wounds, cuts, and inflammation of the skin. During premenstrual and menstrual syndrome, in the menopausal period, it is beneficial to combine intake of white oak bark with vitamin E with nanoclusters, tincture or herbal mix No. 4 and microhydrin. For infectious diseases of the reproductive system, in addition to the aforementioned products, it is recommended to take ant tree bark.
Furthermore, a shampoo formula with oak bark extract has long been developed. The benefits of oak have been known since ancient times - infusions of its bark were used to treat damaged skin, therefore, the use of such a shampoo improves the condition of the scalp and makes hair healthy and silky.
Active substances:
Firstly, in the bark, which is most commonly used in medicine, there is a tanning agent called catechin. Moreover, the younger the tree, the more tannins it contains (originally up to 20%), and with prolonged storage, their quantity decreases. It also contains organic acids, quercetin, and proteins.
Secondly, acorns also contain tannins, as well as starch, sugar, fatty oil, and protein substances.
Throughout the tree, there are a large number of active substances, if listed, in addition to the aforementioned, lewulin, gallic acid, mucus, triterpenoids, sitosterol, catechins, coumarins, leukoanthocyanidins, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, H, PP, and pantothenic acid can be added to the list.
Towards Folk Medicine:
The bark of the oak has found application in folk medicine as well.
In folk medicine, oak bark is the most well-known material with astringent properties.
Tannins have a binding and anti-inflammatory effect, therefore, they "fix" the intestines in case of diarrhea. From here stem many other possibilities for medicinal use of oak bark. Infusions or decoctions (in other words, tea) are good for gargling in case of infections in the oral and throat cavities, as well as for gum inflammation. It "tans" the mucous membrane and deprives bacteria of their nutrients. The hardened mucous membrane is replaced by new, healthy tissue. Tannins act in a similar way in the intestines. This method can suppress the activity of fermentation-causing agents and stop diarrhea. Baths with an oak bark decoction help with frostbites on the hands and feet, compresses with oak bark decoction are used to treat oozing eczema, burns and secondarily infected ulcers on the shins, and various types of suppurations. Freshly ground leaves can be used in the same way.
In terms of overdose - with a small overdose, one need not fear side effects... but if one consumes liters of oak bark decoction, then one must be prepared for the most unexpected and unpleasant consequences.
Towards Magic:
The oak tree is a unique tree that also finds its place in magic.
Since ancient times, oak groves had temples and sanctuaries where people were healed. It was believed that a person would recover the quickest in them because the energy of the oak had a power capable of "raising even the dead."
To this day, it is believed that the oak is the conduit connecting a person to the world and the universe. Therefore, it is considered that if a person can establish a connection with it, then the oak will grant them such powers that extend life not only to them but also to their children and grandchildren. It happened that because of such a connection, the tree bestowed strength to the descendants up to the fifth generation!
It is said that the energy of the planet Jupiter comes into our world through the oak, and it is associated specifically with the sign of Sagittarius, thus people of this sign are very lucky - if they manage to establish a connection with "their" tree, then such a connection will be the most fruitful. Generally, it is said that the energy of Jupiter influences the destinies of people and nations, and those who fully grasp it can control their own destiny, and sometimes even the destinies of others (remember, many great rulers by their zodiac sign were Sagittarians). Therefore, the oak tree is considered a sacred tree in many countries.
There is an old, rough expression about the dead: "gave the oak." And it stems from the legend that the souls of the dead ascend upward along the trunk of the oak, as if on a celestial ladder - to the realm of immortals. Indeed, in ancient Russia, there were many magical practices that allowed one to seek help from the deceased, specifically through the Oak.
But the oak is not only renowned for this. Surely you have noticed that sometimes there stands a single oak tree amidst other trees (not oaks), or in an open field. And it stands there, without complaint, grows, and flourishes with each passing year.
And why can it do so? Well, because the oak is one of the few trees that are capable of transmitting information over vast distances. Furthermore, it has energetic connections only with trees of its own kind, so even when "away from a fellow oak," it can grow alone without losing any strength from it.
Therefore, if you have harmed an oak tree somewhere and decide to draw energy from another oak, even if it is on the other side of the world, you will not receive any positive energy! This is because the other oak already knows about what happened and may not only withhold energy but also punish it for mischief.
In general, the oak is more of a masculine tree than a feminine one, and it prefers men more. It also loves energetic people and cannot stand whiners, so if you consider yourself one, then don't even go to it - it won't give you its energy.
By the way, I wouldn't recommend women to constantly use "oak energy" just like that. This is because through constant interaction with an oak tree, a woman may become too self-sufficient. However, for women born under the sign of Sagittarius, it can be beneficial to stand under an oak tree and have a conversation with it, discussing future life plans on or around their birthday. In such cases, the tree may help in the swift realization of one's desires in life.
If you were born or live in an oak grove, the oak tree can help you find happiness in work, achieve fame, and gain public recognition... but if you move away, you may lose all of this. Therefore, to "solidify" the effect, it is necessary to not change your place of residence.
In general, the oak tree enhances a person's strength and energy. It contributes to the growth of authority, provides protection during magical and religious ceremonies, helps understand the profound meaning of events, nurtures the innate ability for synthesis, and often boosts inspiration in creative individuals. So, it is a very, very magical plant.
The element of the oak tree is fire, hence it imbues us with powerful and steady fiery energy. Additionally, it stabilizes the energy of the human body and opens the upper chakras. These properties are often applied in medicine.
If you have been in a village (especially in Siberia), you may have seen that many houses were built specifically from oak. This was necessary because, as mentioned before, the oak tree opens the way for a person into Space. In places where there was little sunlight and a strong lack of energy was felt, oak houses were built to compensate for the lack of warm fiery energy, which is crucial for the human body. Oak wood that has been seasoned by water is especially popular in such cases. The wood of seasoned oak is slightly reddish, rather than grayish like natural oak wood. This intensifies the warmth of the tree and uplifts the mood.
Seasoned oak wood is obtained in the following way: when a oak tree falls to the bottom of a river, its trunk begins to absorb dissolved iron from the water, turning perfectly black over the centuries... seasoned oak wood is very heavy and hard because it is impregnated with metal. Regular oak wood undoubtedly soothes the nervous system and replenishes the body with strength, but it does not contribute to merriment. In a fully oak, unpainted house, you feel as if in a church - pleasant, good, bright in the soul, but exuberant revelry seems somewhat inappropriate.
Do you know why in the olden days not only the walls of wooden houses were made of oak, but the floors and ceilings were also oak? It's because this arrangement of wood aided in the best protection of a person from negative external energies and allowed for the quickest restoration of spent energy, as oak easily transfers its energy to a person upon direct contact, and its power enables the balancing of the entire human body's function. This is why people used to say, "Strong as an oak!"
To this day, many people have oak chairs and oak furniture in their apartments, as well as oak floors, because such an environment allows for the rapid restoration of energy expended during the day.
Oak wood is less susceptible to decay because it stores vast reserves of bright energy, which it releases over centuries. Structures and furniture made of oak can warm the soul and enhance the strength and health of not just one generation, which is why antique oak furniture has become popular nowadays.
Similarly, a oak tree growing near a house has a beneficial effect - it helps to preserve health and strength. In the past, people in Russia did this, considering the oak tree as the most "useful" tree, and therefore planted it closest to the house.
For a person living in a regular urban apartment but wishing to connect with oak energy, it is worth getting its counterpart - an oak bonsai tree. Of course, this tree will not provide its owner with as much as a full-fledged oak tree, and caring for it is quite challenging, but it is still very good.
To maximize the benefits of a bonsai oak tree, it is recommended to place it in a workspace or meditation area.
The oak tree takes a long time to get used to a person. Sometimes it takes six months to a year before it truly considers you its own. But if it accepts you into its heart, it will never let go or forget you! A part of its strength will be with you wherever you go, as I have mentioned before that oak has the ability to transmit its energy over vast distances. If it has accepted you, its leaves will subtly reach out to you when you approach, and its young branches will cling to your clothes, unwilling to let you go.
There are many signs connected to such a tree that should not be forgotten. For example, if a paired acorn falls into your hand from your favorite tree - keep it! By itself, it serves as a talisman of success in matters, but in this case, its power will be greater because it is backed by the wish of the oak tree itself.
A fallen acorn indicates impending career changes, possibly a few unexpected and perplexing ones, but that will ultimately lead to something better.
A fallen dry branch suggests that it is time for you to change jobs.
A fallen dry leaf signifies unpleasant news coming your way.
A fallen green leaf foretells interesting business conversations and news.
A fallen green branch with green leaves indicates relocations and perhaps business trips.
However, not everyone can keep such a tree at home, and not everyone possesses the "magical" talent necessary to establish contact with an oak tree. Therefore, there are several recommendations that can help you gain a bit of strength and health from an oak tree without using any magical methods.
Firstly, it is advisable to walk more often in oak groves.
Secondly, try to use oak items in your daily life whenever possible (especially great power is transmitted to a person through oak floors or walls of a house built from oak logs).
And of course, one should never break or cut down an oak tree for amusement, because in that case, do not expect any help from it at all. It could lead to serious consequences.
As for Myths and Legends:
There is a vast number of myths, legends, beliefs, superstitions, countless proverbs, and traditions associated with the oak tree. Some of them I would like to mention.
Beliefs, superstitions:
-In Scotland, there was a belief that the fate of the members of the Hay family from Errol, an estate in Perthshire County, was inseparable from the mistletoe growing on a huge oak tree. What was written about this ancient belief by a representative of the Hay family was: "The coats of arms of the lowland families have now completely fallen into oblivion. But from ancient manuscripts, as well as from the memories of the few surviving old-timers from the county of Perth, it is known that mistletoe was depicted on the coat of arms of the Hay family." However, I will not focus on the involvement of mistletoe in this tradition, but on the participation of the oak tree. Once, near Errol, not far from the Falcon Stone, there grew a massive ancient oak tree with entire clusters of mistletoe on it. It was believed that if the roots of this oak tree were to rot, then "grass will grow in the hearth of Errol, and a raven will settle in a falcon's nest," as the local proverb goes. For a representative of the Hay family, the two most dangerous things were to kill a white falcon and to cut a branch from the Errol oak tree. It is unknown whether this tree perished... but the estate passed into the ownership of a family friend, and the local residents, of course, claim that shortly before this, the fateful oak tree was cut down. This ancient superstition was reflected in verses, which are attributed to Thomas Rhymeplet:
While in Errol on oak branches
Mistletoe grows strong, that oak sturdy,
Hay descendants shall bloom. The wings of a falcon
Storm winds cannot sweep away.
But if the roots of that oak rot
And the mistletoe withers on it,
Errol's hearth will be overtaken by grass,
Raven - in falcon's nest.
- In Shropshire, there is a belief that the oak tree blooms, apparently on the eve of St. John's Day. And it blooms so little that its flowers fall before dawn. This belief also states that a girl who burns with the desire to know who her husband will be should come to this oak tree at night and place a piece of fabric under it. In the morning, she will see only dust on it - what remains of the oak tree's blossoms. She must put a pinch of this dust under her pillow, and her future husband will surely appear to her in a dream.
- It is believed that if a oak log is placed at the feet of a sick child during sleep, they may either recover or significantly improve in health. This is because the strength of the log will come to them through their feet.
- In Herefordshire, at the intersection of two roads, there are several "cross oaks". If a person had a fever, they should come to this oak tree and pin a strand of hair (not plucked from the head) to it, then sharply shake their head - so that the strand remains on the tree. If successful, it was believed that the person would soon recover as they had transferred the fever to the tree in this way.
- There is a belief that an oak plank, processed on a Thursday at sunrise, on which the motto "May the Lord protect you!" is carved, nailed to the home altar, can protect the family from many troubles.
- Many people also believe that the whole earth was originally made of fire, and oak trees absorbed it through their roots... that's why, supposedly, fire can be obtained by rubbing two oak twigs together. Furthermore, many nations agree that some oak trees are as old as our world.
Proverbs and sayings:
- When a pig climbs an oak tree in yellow slippers (Polish proverb, equivalent to the saying "when pigs fly").
- In August, the oak tree is rich in acorns - for a good harvest.
- There was an oak tree, but it was felled; time will come, and it will no longer be.
- In the forest an oak is worth a ruble, in the capital - a ruble per pin.
- In the field, not in the oak grove: you can't grab a limb. Hold on to an oak - a deep-rooted oak.
- Struck at an oak, but broke a twig.
- A wooden head cannot be pierced with words, it needs a stake.
- Like the oak, so is the wedge, like the father, so is the son.
- Whom you can't persuade with words, you can't break through with a club.
- You can't fell with a cry of an oak.
- Some come from under an oak tree, others from under a lime tree.
- It's not mine on the oak, it's mine in my fist.
- A pig built its nest on an oak tree, but a sheep came, laid an egg.
- Hemp is there to hang on an oak tree, oak tree is there to hold the hemp.
- Our luck didn't fall from an oak tree.
- A deer fought with an oak tree, and broke its horns.
- A sharp axe cuts an oak.
- Grew out of an oak tree, but didn't bring a penny's worth of sense.
- You can't tear off bast from an oak tree.
- You can't pick apples from an oak tree.
- You can't fell an oak tree with one blow.
- We heard how the oak grove rustles.
- Resin will not stick to an oak tree.
- Old oak, but fresh roots.
- An old oak tree won't break easily.
- The oak grove rustles to predict the weather.
Legends:
- First of all, we can recall the Russian folk tale. Where an old man or woman accidentally drops an acorn, which falls into the basement. After some time, a huge oak tree grows from this acorn, which the old man climbs to the sky and finds golden millstones there. These millstones constantly give him pancakes and pies, essentially symbolizing a full, happy life.
- Secondly, I remember the tale by A.S. Pushkin. Specifically, the well-known words from the tale: "At the Luke's oak tree green, a golden chain on that oak, and day and night a wise cat walks around on the chain." Here, the oak tree also plays the role of something Great and Infinite.
- Also, I recall the legend of the death of Koschei, kept in a chest on the cherished oak tree.
- And of course, the legend of the horses of the underground king, hidden under the roots of a three-stemmed oak tree.
Magical Recipes
Several of the most popular recipes:
- Decoction against shin ulcers, for treating eyes, frostbite, and foot sweating.
Preparation method: Pour 1-2 teaspoons of chopped oak bark into 1/4 liter of cold water, bring to a boil, simmer for 3-5 minutes, and strain. Use warm.
For internal use, 2 cups of tea a day are sufficient. Rinse every three hours and change moist compresses 2-3 times a day. It is important that the bandage (especially in the case of shin ulcers) is breathable and not tight. It is recommended to avoid plastic covering. The ready tea can be diluted with boiled water for eye treatment. For baths for frostbite and foot sweating, use a stronger infusion - 2 tablespoons of bark per liter of water.
- Decoction for liver diseases, jaundice, and rickets.
Ingredients: 200g of oak bark, 20g of thyme herb, 20g of elecampane root, 20g of yarrow flowers, 40g of pine branches with needles, 40g of knotweed herb, 40g of pansy herb, 1kg of wheat bran, 1kg of sprouted rye grains, 1kg of black currant leaves. Mix everything, put it in a sack, place it in a cauldron or large pot with water, and boil for 30 minutes. Then strain and use the resulting decoction for baths, diluted with warm water.
- Ointment for treating bedsores.
Ingredients: 2 parts thin slices of oak bark, 1 part black poplar buds, 7 parts cow oil. Mix everything, infuse in a warm oven for one night, boil gently in the morning for 30 minutes, then strain and pour into a jar.
- Decoction for tonsillitis and sore throat.
Preparation method: Brew 1 tbsp. l. of bark in 0.5 liters of water and boil for 15-20 minutes. Strain the decoction and top it up to the original volume. Take 3-4 times a day, 20-40 minutes before meals throughout the day.
- Infusion for treating hernia.
Preparation method: Steep leaves, acorns, and bark in red wine, and use soaked compresses for hernia treatment.
Attention! There is a contraindication: do not take internally in childhood!
- Tablets from white oak bark.
One dose (2 tablets) contains: 975 mg of white oak bark, 100 mg of calcium (calcium carbonate), 30 mg of nanoclusters (potassium citrate, silicon dioxide, purified ionized water, magnesium sulfate (vegetable-based), sunflower oil), cellulose, stearic acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose, gum cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable-based). Application: take 2 tablets twice a day with meals as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. Contraindications not identified.
Culinary Recipes.
In culinary, oak is used much less frequently than in medicine, but still used.
For example, the famous:
- Tincture from oak bark.
Its ingredients: powdered oak bark (coarse) - 50g and 70% alcohol - 1 liter. Let it brew for a week in a warm place. Then strain the tincture thoroughly.
It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as an alcoholic beverage.
- Acorn flour.
Among other things, acorn flour is made from the fruits of the oak tree - acorns. It is interesting to note that during the excavation of Tripolye settlements dating back five thousand years, imprints of acorns were found in the clay debris under the oven ruins. Apparently, people at that time already knew how to bake bread from acorns.
Acorns contain up to 40% starch, which is why flatbreads made from acorn flour were the first bread of European people who did not yet know agriculture.
The preparation process involves collecting, drying, and milling.
- Coffee from acorns.
A drink similar to coffee is made from roasted acorns.
In addition, oak leaves are also used in cooking. Oak leaf is a beneficial and necessary addition to pickles, marinades, smoked meats, which is often added to dishes even in our time.
General Information
Family: Beech (Fagaceae)
Botanical name - common oak (Quercus robur L.) or sessile oak (Q pedunculata Ehrh.)
Pharmacy: oak bark – Quercus cortex (formerly cortex Quercus)
Genus name: Quercus
Folk names: -
In ancient manuscripts -
Planet: - Sun (Jupiter)
Zodiac sign: - Leo (Sagittarius)
Element - Fire
Language of flowers: - Hospitality
Connection with Runes: Thorn, Rad, Jera, Tug, Ehwaz, Ziu
Main properties: - protection, energizing, preserving health and strength
Oak leaves description:
Sessile oak (Q pedunculata Ehrh).
Deciduous tree, up to 50 meters tall, with a trunk up to 7 meters in diameter, a strong branching root system, reaching up to 1000 years in age, or sometimes even more. The branches of young trees are olive-brown, turning silvery-grey in mature trees. The bark is initially smooth and shiny, becoming rough and cracked with age. The leaves are lobed, usually short-stemmed, with early fallen stipules. Monoecious flowers, blooming in April. Its fruits are acorns, enclosed in a cup-like husk at the base, ripening in late September to early October.
Habitat:
Sessile oak prefers moist soils and mixed forests. Pedunculate oak thrives in hilly and mountainous areas.
Oaks are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere in forested and forest-steppe zones.
Parts used:
Many parts of the plant are used, but mainly the bark from young branches (collected in late spring or summer, used for infusions, baths, decoctions, ointments). Leaves are also used (gathered in summer, used for decoctions, ointments, infusions, and healing potions), acorns (harvested in autumn, used for flour and "coffee"), galls on the leaves (gathered at the end of summer), and roots of young oaks (harvested in autumn).
Harvesting and preparation:
If talking about using the bark, it is collected in late spring or summer, preferably from young branches. For medical purposes, it is best to cut the bark early in spring because the valuable bark is the one that has not yet corked – smooth and shiny, easily distinguishable from rough old bark. It is best to harvest the bark from continuous clear-cuttings, with each branch diameter not exceeding 6 centimeters. On a larger scale, the bark is removed from a plantation once every ten years, allowing young trees to mature in that period. Why is it better for medicine to do this in early spring? Firstly, this is a time of sap movement, and the bark is easily separated, reducing labor costs. Secondly, it contains significantly more tannic substances, which are highly valued. The bark is dried in the shade or a well-ventilated space as quickly as possible, often chopped beforehand.
The leaves, on the other hand, are collected in the summer, and are picked without "cuttings", only the actual "greenery", carefully so as not to harm the oak tree. One should not pick too many leaves from one branch at once. Typically, after harvesting, the leaves are finely chopped and dried in a dark place to preserve their healing properties.
Acorns, which are used to make flour and a unique coffee substitute, are best harvested in autumn when they have ripened and accumulated the necessary substances. Once collected, they are dried in a cool, dark place. If making flour from acorns, they are usually crushed beforehand.
In the field of Medicine:
Preparations made from oak (especially the bark and leaves) possess good astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and hemostatic properties.
A decoction of young oak bark is administered for diarrhea, dysentery, gastrointestinal bleeding, and heavy menstruation. For stomach ailments and rickets, oak coffee is consumed; for urinary incontinence and severe bleeding, a decoction of dried leaves, flowers, and roots of the oak is used.
The decoction is also applied for stomatitis, gingivitis, chronic tonsillitis (which, by the way, is truly effective), pharyngitis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines accompanied by exhausting diarrhea, poisonings by protein-containing toxins (alkaloids).
Externally, it can be used for burns and frostbite, jaundice and rickets, treating bedsores, and in homeopathy it is used for tumors of the spleen and liver.
Acorns are also used for medicinal purposes, as are the healing properties of white oak.
For medicinal purposes, the bark of young stems and branches is used. It contains 10-20% tannins of the pyrogallol group, flavonoids, proteins, starch, quercetin, levurin, pectins, and carbohydrates.
Tannins and phytoncides have a harmful effect on pathogenic microorganisms, making white oak bark with nanoclusters effective in infectious diseases.
It possesses astringent and anti-inflammatory properties based on the ability of tannins to condense cell membranes, as well as antiseptic and antiparasitic properties.
It has a healing effect on:
- gastric bleeding;
- gastritis;
- chronic diarrhea;
- hemorrhoids;
- stomach ulcers;
- presence of blood in urine;
- frequent urination.
Moreover, white oak bark is effective in bleeding and ulcerative (inflammatory) processes in the oral cavity, gingivitis, bad breath, stomatitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat and larynx, for strengthening the gums, as well as for burns of various degrees, wounds, cuts, and inflammation of the skin. During premenstrual and menstrual syndrome, in the menopausal period, it is beneficial to combine intake of white oak bark with vitamin E with nanoclusters, tincture or herbal mix No. 4 and microhydrin. For infectious diseases of the reproductive system, in addition to the aforementioned products, it is recommended to take ant tree bark.
Furthermore, a shampoo formula with oak bark extract has long been developed. The benefits of oak have been known since ancient times - infusions of its bark were used to treat damaged skin, therefore, the use of such a shampoo improves the condition of the scalp and makes hair healthy and silky.
Active substances:
Firstly, in the bark, which is most commonly used in medicine, there is a tanning agent called catechin. Moreover, the younger the tree, the more tannins it contains (originally up to 20%), and with prolonged storage, their quantity decreases. It also contains organic acids, quercetin, and proteins.
Secondly, acorns also contain tannins, as well as starch, sugar, fatty oil, and protein substances.
Throughout the tree, there are a large number of active substances, if listed, in addition to the aforementioned, lewulin, gallic acid, mucus, triterpenoids, sitosterol, catechins, coumarins, leukoanthocyanidins, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, H, PP, and pantothenic acid can be added to the list.
Towards Folk Medicine:
The bark of the oak has found application in folk medicine as well.
In folk medicine, oak bark is the most well-known material with astringent properties.
Tannins have a binding and anti-inflammatory effect, therefore, they "fix" the intestines in case of diarrhea. From here stem many other possibilities for medicinal use of oak bark. Infusions or decoctions (in other words, tea) are good for gargling in case of infections in the oral and throat cavities, as well as for gum inflammation. It "tans" the mucous membrane and deprives bacteria of their nutrients. The hardened mucous membrane is replaced by new, healthy tissue. Tannins act in a similar way in the intestines. This method can suppress the activity of fermentation-causing agents and stop diarrhea. Baths with an oak bark decoction help with frostbites on the hands and feet, compresses with oak bark decoction are used to treat oozing eczema, burns and secondarily infected ulcers on the shins, and various types of suppurations. Freshly ground leaves can be used in the same way.
In terms of overdose - with a small overdose, one need not fear side effects... but if one consumes liters of oak bark decoction, then one must be prepared for the most unexpected and unpleasant consequences.
Towards Magic:
The oak tree is a unique tree that also finds its place in magic.
Since ancient times, oak groves had temples and sanctuaries where people were healed. It was believed that a person would recover the quickest in them because the energy of the oak had a power capable of "raising even the dead."
To this day, it is believed that the oak is the conduit connecting a person to the world and the universe. Therefore, it is considered that if a person can establish a connection with it, then the oak will grant them such powers that extend life not only to them but also to their children and grandchildren. It happened that because of such a connection, the tree bestowed strength to the descendants up to the fifth generation!
It is said that the energy of the planet Jupiter comes into our world through the oak, and it is associated specifically with the sign of Sagittarius, thus people of this sign are very lucky - if they manage to establish a connection with "their" tree, then such a connection will be the most fruitful. Generally, it is said that the energy of Jupiter influences the destinies of people and nations, and those who fully grasp it can control their own destiny, and sometimes even the destinies of others (remember, many great rulers by their zodiac sign were Sagittarians). Therefore, the oak tree is considered a sacred tree in many countries.
There is an old, rough expression about the dead: "gave the oak." And it stems from the legend that the souls of the dead ascend upward along the trunk of the oak, as if on a celestial ladder - to the realm of immortals. Indeed, in ancient Russia, there were many magical practices that allowed one to seek help from the deceased, specifically through the Oak.
But the oak is not only renowned for this. Surely you have noticed that sometimes there stands a single oak tree amidst other trees (not oaks), or in an open field. And it stands there, without complaint, grows, and flourishes with each passing year.
And why can it do so? Well, because the oak is one of the few trees that are capable of transmitting information over vast distances. Furthermore, it has energetic connections only with trees of its own kind, so even when "away from a fellow oak," it can grow alone without losing any strength from it.
Therefore, if you have harmed an oak tree somewhere and decide to draw energy from another oak, even if it is on the other side of the world, you will not receive any positive energy! This is because the other oak already knows about what happened and may not only withhold energy but also punish it for mischief.
In general, the oak is more of a masculine tree than a feminine one, and it prefers men more. It also loves energetic people and cannot stand whiners, so if you consider yourself one, then don't even go to it - it won't give you its energy.
By the way, I wouldn't recommend women to constantly use "oak energy" just like that. This is because through constant interaction with an oak tree, a woman may become too self-sufficient. However, for women born under the sign of Sagittarius, it can be beneficial to stand under an oak tree and have a conversation with it, discussing future life plans on or around their birthday. In such cases, the tree may help in the swift realization of one's desires in life.
If you were born or live in an oak grove, the oak tree can help you find happiness in work, achieve fame, and gain public recognition... but if you move away, you may lose all of this. Therefore, to "solidify" the effect, it is necessary to not change your place of residence.
In general, the oak tree enhances a person's strength and energy. It contributes to the growth of authority, provides protection during magical and religious ceremonies, helps understand the profound meaning of events, nurtures the innate ability for synthesis, and often boosts inspiration in creative individuals. So, it is a very, very magical plant.
The element of the oak tree is fire, hence it imbues us with powerful and steady fiery energy. Additionally, it stabilizes the energy of the human body and opens the upper chakras. These properties are often applied in medicine.
If you have been in a village (especially in Siberia), you may have seen that many houses were built specifically from oak. This was necessary because, as mentioned before, the oak tree opens the way for a person into Space. In places where there was little sunlight and a strong lack of energy was felt, oak houses were built to compensate for the lack of warm fiery energy, which is crucial for the human body. Oak wood that has been seasoned by water is especially popular in such cases. The wood of seasoned oak is slightly reddish, rather than grayish like natural oak wood. This intensifies the warmth of the tree and uplifts the mood.
Seasoned oak wood is obtained in the following way: when a oak tree falls to the bottom of a river, its trunk begins to absorb dissolved iron from the water, turning perfectly black over the centuries... seasoned oak wood is very heavy and hard because it is impregnated with metal. Regular oak wood undoubtedly soothes the nervous system and replenishes the body with strength, but it does not contribute to merriment. In a fully oak, unpainted house, you feel as if in a church - pleasant, good, bright in the soul, but exuberant revelry seems somewhat inappropriate.
Do you know why in the olden days not only the walls of wooden houses were made of oak, but the floors and ceilings were also oak? It's because this arrangement of wood aided in the best protection of a person from negative external energies and allowed for the quickest restoration of spent energy, as oak easily transfers its energy to a person upon direct contact, and its power enables the balancing of the entire human body's function. This is why people used to say, "Strong as an oak!"
To this day, many people have oak chairs and oak furniture in their apartments, as well as oak floors, because such an environment allows for the rapid restoration of energy expended during the day.
Oak wood is less susceptible to decay because it stores vast reserves of bright energy, which it releases over centuries. Structures and furniture made of oak can warm the soul and enhance the strength and health of not just one generation, which is why antique oak furniture has become popular nowadays.
Similarly, a oak tree growing near a house has a beneficial effect - it helps to preserve health and strength. In the past, people in Russia did this, considering the oak tree as the most "useful" tree, and therefore planted it closest to the house.
For a person living in a regular urban apartment but wishing to connect with oak energy, it is worth getting its counterpart - an oak bonsai tree. Of course, this tree will not provide its owner with as much as a full-fledged oak tree, and caring for it is quite challenging, but it is still very good.
To maximize the benefits of a bonsai oak tree, it is recommended to place it in a workspace or meditation area.
The oak tree takes a long time to get used to a person. Sometimes it takes six months to a year before it truly considers you its own. But if it accepts you into its heart, it will never let go or forget you! A part of its strength will be with you wherever you go, as I have mentioned before that oak has the ability to transmit its energy over vast distances. If it has accepted you, its leaves will subtly reach out to you when you approach, and its young branches will cling to your clothes, unwilling to let you go.
There are many signs connected to such a tree that should not be forgotten. For example, if a paired acorn falls into your hand from your favorite tree - keep it! By itself, it serves as a talisman of success in matters, but in this case, its power will be greater because it is backed by the wish of the oak tree itself.
A fallen acorn indicates impending career changes, possibly a few unexpected and perplexing ones, but that will ultimately lead to something better.
A fallen dry branch suggests that it is time for you to change jobs.
A fallen dry leaf signifies unpleasant news coming your way.
A fallen green leaf foretells interesting business conversations and news.
A fallen green branch with green leaves indicates relocations and perhaps business trips.
However, not everyone can keep such a tree at home, and not everyone possesses the "magical" talent necessary to establish contact with an oak tree. Therefore, there are several recommendations that can help you gain a bit of strength and health from an oak tree without using any magical methods.
Firstly, it is advisable to walk more often in oak groves.
Secondly, try to use oak items in your daily life whenever possible (especially great power is transmitted to a person through oak floors or walls of a house built from oak logs).
And of course, one should never break or cut down an oak tree for amusement, because in that case, do not expect any help from it at all. It could lead to serious consequences.
As for Myths and Legends:
There is a vast number of myths, legends, beliefs, superstitions, countless proverbs, and traditions associated with the oak tree. Some of them I would like to mention.
Beliefs, superstitions:
-In Scotland, there was a belief that the fate of the members of the Hay family from Errol, an estate in Perthshire County, was inseparable from the mistletoe growing on a huge oak tree. What was written about this ancient belief by a representative of the Hay family was: "The coats of arms of the lowland families have now completely fallen into oblivion. But from ancient manuscripts, as well as from the memories of the few surviving old-timers from the county of Perth, it is known that mistletoe was depicted on the coat of arms of the Hay family." However, I will not focus on the involvement of mistletoe in this tradition, but on the participation of the oak tree. Once, near Errol, not far from the Falcon Stone, there grew a massive ancient oak tree with entire clusters of mistletoe on it. It was believed that if the roots of this oak tree were to rot, then "grass will grow in the hearth of Errol, and a raven will settle in a falcon's nest," as the local proverb goes. For a representative of the Hay family, the two most dangerous things were to kill a white falcon and to cut a branch from the Errol oak tree. It is unknown whether this tree perished... but the estate passed into the ownership of a family friend, and the local residents, of course, claim that shortly before this, the fateful oak tree was cut down. This ancient superstition was reflected in verses, which are attributed to Thomas Rhymeplet:
While in Errol on oak branches
Mistletoe grows strong, that oak sturdy,
Hay descendants shall bloom. The wings of a falcon
Storm winds cannot sweep away.
But if the roots of that oak rot
And the mistletoe withers on it,
Errol's hearth will be overtaken by grass,
Raven - in falcon's nest.
- In Shropshire, there is a belief that the oak tree blooms, apparently on the eve of St. John's Day. And it blooms so little that its flowers fall before dawn. This belief also states that a girl who burns with the desire to know who her husband will be should come to this oak tree at night and place a piece of fabric under it. In the morning, she will see only dust on it - what remains of the oak tree's blossoms. She must put a pinch of this dust under her pillow, and her future husband will surely appear to her in a dream.
- It is believed that if a oak log is placed at the feet of a sick child during sleep, they may either recover or significantly improve in health. This is because the strength of the log will come to them through their feet.
- In Herefordshire, at the intersection of two roads, there are several "cross oaks". If a person had a fever, they should come to this oak tree and pin a strand of hair (not plucked from the head) to it, then sharply shake their head - so that the strand remains on the tree. If successful, it was believed that the person would soon recover as they had transferred the fever to the tree in this way.
- There is a belief that an oak plank, processed on a Thursday at sunrise, on which the motto "May the Lord protect you!" is carved, nailed to the home altar, can protect the family from many troubles.
- Many people also believe that the whole earth was originally made of fire, and oak trees absorbed it through their roots... that's why, supposedly, fire can be obtained by rubbing two oak twigs together. Furthermore, many nations agree that some oak trees are as old as our world.
Proverbs and sayings:
- When a pig climbs an oak tree in yellow slippers (Polish proverb, equivalent to the saying "when pigs fly").
- In August, the oak tree is rich in acorns - for a good harvest.
- There was an oak tree, but it was felled; time will come, and it will no longer be.
- In the forest an oak is worth a ruble, in the capital - a ruble per pin.
- In the field, not in the oak grove: you can't grab a limb. Hold on to an oak - a deep-rooted oak.
- Struck at an oak, but broke a twig.
- A wooden head cannot be pierced with words, it needs a stake.
- Like the oak, so is the wedge, like the father, so is the son.
- Whom you can't persuade with words, you can't break through with a club.
- You can't fell with a cry of an oak.
- Some come from under an oak tree, others from under a lime tree.
- It's not mine on the oak, it's mine in my fist.
- A pig built its nest on an oak tree, but a sheep came, laid an egg.
- Hemp is there to hang on an oak tree, oak tree is there to hold the hemp.
- Our luck didn't fall from an oak tree.
- A deer fought with an oak tree, and broke its horns.
- A sharp axe cuts an oak.
- Grew out of an oak tree, but didn't bring a penny's worth of sense.
- You can't tear off bast from an oak tree.
- You can't pick apples from an oak tree.
- You can't fell an oak tree with one blow.
- We heard how the oak grove rustles.
- Resin will not stick to an oak tree.
- Old oak, but fresh roots.
- An old oak tree won't break easily.
- The oak grove rustles to predict the weather.
Legends:
- First of all, we can recall the Russian folk tale. Where an old man or woman accidentally drops an acorn, which falls into the basement. After some time, a huge oak tree grows from this acorn, which the old man climbs to the sky and finds golden millstones there. These millstones constantly give him pancakes and pies, essentially symbolizing a full, happy life.
- Secondly, I remember the tale by A.S. Pushkin. Specifically, the well-known words from the tale: "At the Luke's oak tree green, a golden chain on that oak, and day and night a wise cat walks around on the chain." Here, the oak tree also plays the role of something Great and Infinite.
- Also, I recall the legend of the death of Koschei, kept in a chest on the cherished oak tree.
- And of course, the legend of the horses of the underground king, hidden under the roots of a three-stemmed oak tree.
Magical Recipes
Several of the most popular recipes:
- Decoction against shin ulcers, for treating eyes, frostbite, and foot sweating.
Preparation method: Pour 1-2 teaspoons of chopped oak bark into 1/4 liter of cold water, bring to a boil, simmer for 3-5 minutes, and strain. Use warm.
For internal use, 2 cups of tea a day are sufficient. Rinse every three hours and change moist compresses 2-3 times a day. It is important that the bandage (especially in the case of shin ulcers) is breathable and not tight. It is recommended to avoid plastic covering. The ready tea can be diluted with boiled water for eye treatment. For baths for frostbite and foot sweating, use a stronger infusion - 2 tablespoons of bark per liter of water.
- Decoction for liver diseases, jaundice, and rickets.
Ingredients: 200g of oak bark, 20g of thyme herb, 20g of elecampane root, 20g of yarrow flowers, 40g of pine branches with needles, 40g of knotweed herb, 40g of pansy herb, 1kg of wheat bran, 1kg of sprouted rye grains, 1kg of black currant leaves. Mix everything, put it in a sack, place it in a cauldron or large pot with water, and boil for 30 minutes. Then strain and use the resulting decoction for baths, diluted with warm water.
- Ointment for treating bedsores.
Ingredients: 2 parts thin slices of oak bark, 1 part black poplar buds, 7 parts cow oil. Mix everything, infuse in a warm oven for one night, boil gently in the morning for 30 minutes, then strain and pour into a jar.
- Decoction for tonsillitis and sore throat.
Preparation method: Brew 1 tbsp. l. of bark in 0.5 liters of water and boil for 15-20 minutes. Strain the decoction and top it up to the original volume. Take 3-4 times a day, 20-40 minutes before meals throughout the day.
- Infusion for treating hernia.
Preparation method: Steep leaves, acorns, and bark in red wine, and use soaked compresses for hernia treatment.
Attention! There is a contraindication: do not take internally in childhood!
- Tablets from white oak bark.
One dose (2 tablets) contains: 975 mg of white oak bark, 100 mg of calcium (calcium carbonate), 30 mg of nanoclusters (potassium citrate, silicon dioxide, purified ionized water, magnesium sulfate (vegetable-based), sunflower oil), cellulose, stearic acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose, gum cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable-based). Application: take 2 tablets twice a day with meals as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. Contraindications not identified.
Culinary Recipes.
In culinary, oak is used much less frequently than in medicine, but still used.
For example, the famous:
- Tincture from oak bark.
Its ingredients: powdered oak bark (coarse) - 50g and 70% alcohol - 1 liter. Let it brew for a week in a warm place. Then strain the tincture thoroughly.
It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as an alcoholic beverage.
- Acorn flour.
Among other things, acorn flour is made from the fruits of the oak tree - acorns. It is interesting to note that during the excavation of Tripolye settlements dating back five thousand years, imprints of acorns were found in the clay debris under the oven ruins. Apparently, people at that time already knew how to bake bread from acorns.
Acorns contain up to 40% starch, which is why flatbreads made from acorn flour were the first bread of European people who did not yet know agriculture.
The preparation process involves collecting, drying, and milling.
- Coffee from acorns.
A drink similar to coffee is made from roasted acorns.
In addition, oak leaves are also used in cooking. Oak leaf is a beneficial and necessary addition to pickles, marinades, smoked meats, which is often added to dishes even in our time.
