Oak (Quercus spp)
Energetic Message: “I work my magic by providing abundant resilience and inner strength.”*
Flower Essence: The Oak personality presses the limits of endurance and has a deep well of reserves. However, so much strength can create rigidity and the high expectations and demands one puts on themselves that can eventually take a toll on their physical health and inner happiness of the soul. “Oak is suited for the personality who fight against their disease or problems, for years even, never giving up, yet never succeeding.”+
Doctrine of Signatures: Oak is best known for its extremely hard wood. As mentioned above, this strength gives a stable foundation with firm boundaries. Firm boundaries are great, but too much rigidity can cause one to “snap”. For example, the Birch tree is flexible and in heavy winds is able to bend and move with the wind and is less likely to break. Oak, however, is extremely rigid and does not bend and is more likely to crack if there is weakness in the tree. Overall, the spiritual healing of Oak reminds us to be strong but reminds us it is ok from time to time to bend and be less rigid with ourselves.
Traditional Medicinal Use:
Oak is a wonderful astringent and toner. One of its traditional uses is as a toothbrush (using a small, frayed twig) because of its astringency. With consistent use, it can help prevent and heal gingivitis. Its acorns can be used as food (soaked and ground into flour). Oak bark tea has also been used as a gargle for sore throats. As a wash, it can be used on burns, cuts, scrapes, insect bites, hemorrhoids and rashes.
*From The Healing Spirit of Plants Clare G. Harvey & Amanda Cochrane
^From The Flower Essence Repertory, Flower Essence Society
+From The Book of Herbal Wisdom Mathew Wood