- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia (West)
Europe · Herb · № 187
Quercus robur
Herb · Europe
English oak
Quercus robur
The bark contains a lot of tannins and is astringent. It is used as a decoction for diarrhoea, as a mouthwash for inflamed gums and as a sitz bath for haemorrhoids.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Dried bark as a decoction, mouthwash or sitz bath. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Among the Greeks, Romans, Celts and Germanic peoples the oak was the tree of the thunder god: Zeus, Jupiter, Donar. Druids held their rituals in oak groves. For centuries oak bark was the main raw material for tanning leather. In herbal magic associated with defence, thunder, strength and courage.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Strongly astringent.
Preparation and amount
Bark.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Defence, thunder, strength, courage, healing, long life, protection, luck, prosperity, money, fertility.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Wood for house and ship building; bark for tanning leather and as a dye; acorns as a fertility symbol.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionSteam and bath