Each Fall we have had an over-abundance of VERY LARGE acorns on our property, which is shaded by several oak and maple trees. The squirrels are delighted, but our cars are dimpled, and if there is a lot falling, the driveway is a bit like walking on marbles.
The variety of oak that I’m giving attention to this post is Quercus alba. It is native to my part of the eastern United states on over to Minnesota, and parts of Canada, and found in parts of Florida and Texas. Because it is tolerant to a variety of climates, it may settle in almost any location that has the right soil and enough rain. As this variety of tree produces acorns that are less bitter than some oaks, Native Americans used them as food. (Please note that the acorns pictured are not from the Quercus Alba variety.)
When the bark of a tree is used medicinally, it is often the inner bark. A tea may be made to use topically or internally, or it can be powdered. I use it in a cream and capsules (keeps the actives viable for a long, long time as the herb is not exposed to the air). The bark of this variety of oak is very rich in tannins. Because of it’s astringent properties, it is useful for treating skin irritations, including burns, hemorrhoids, and tea from the bark has been used as a gargle for sore throat. Some take the herb internally to help stop diarrhea or dysentary
I hope you’ll come back soon for another entry in our weekly journey through the wonderful world of medicinal herbs.
A Cream that contains White Oak Bark
Encapsulated White Oak Bark