Day 16: Oak leaf tea

Quercus spp.

Leaving the house today for my nature tea break felt like an act of self-care. I was feeling low again and the rhythm of packing my flask and teacup felt very comforting.

I walked south from my home to a very familiar walk I’ve not been along in a while. There were willow and poplar catkins along the path, a robin singing its sweet song that made me stop to listen, and a rich scattering of blue/purple flowers like bugle, violets, speedwell and ground ivy.

Once I reached the streamside, the bluebells arrived.

It was a cluster of oak leaves that stopped me in my tracks. Brand new, glistening in the sunshine, blown off by the blustery day. I knew it would look stunning in my teacup. It felt like an invitation.

The oak was inviting me to sit with it a while. Sit on the earth, cocooned between its roots and bows, it’s mighty trunk behind me.

I felt supported, protected and earthed.

ID features

My oak tree was very large with a central limb lost long ago and doorways for creatures formed where trunk meets roots. The bark is rough and rugged with deep crevices. The branches reach far and wide over both the path and the stream. It may not have been as tall as the poplars but is certainly the widest. I marvel at how many creatures must have called it home over the centuries. These trees grow old.

The leaves today were incandescence due to their young age and the bright sunshine. They have rounded lobes and a very short stalk.

The male catkins are bright green and hang in clusters about 3-4cm long. The female flowers are tiny, red and upright. They can only be seen on close inspection and will eventually become the acorns.

I love how these trees are sometimes fondly regarded as “twisted oak”. The branches really re the twistiest of all trees.

Medicinal uses

Oak bark was used in the tanning industry to turn animal hides into leather. This means it is a powerful astringent which must be used in low doses for short periods only, (max. 2 wks).

It can be used as a gargle for oral hygiene and sore throats because the astringent action also works to reduce swelling and inflammation, as do the antioxidant flavonoids.

The tightening action is one reason why it is effective with healing ulcers. Additionally, oak is antimicrobial which will keep gut and mouth flora in check, reducing gum disease and tooth decay. Traditionally, oak twigs were chewed on.

As an astringent it reduces blood loss and fluid loss, including catarrh and diarrhoea. However, we must remember that diarrhoea is an immune response that removes pathogens quickly and effectively from the body.

As an external application it can be used to reduce haemorrhoids and varicose veins along with witch hazel and horse chestnut. It will also aid the healing skin sores and reduce swelling.

How to make a cuppa

I picked the smallest most translucent leaves for my teacup and watched the water turn a little greenish. I used around 10 leaves.

Taste

I was expecting them to taste bitter and feel astringent, but this was not my experience. To me they were fresh and green, (whatever that means!), mild astringency with a little bit of a kick in the throat.

Cautions

As this tree is known for its high tannin content, it’s wise to stick to one cup for the sake of nature connection, or 3 cups a day for 2 week maximum. This is because it progressively tightens the gut wall to the extent of impeding nutrient absorption, and is toxic in large amounts. Do not eat the catkins.

 For those Local to me:

My next herb walk is at 6.30pm in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water for a foraged tea. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.

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£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services

 Herbal Medicine Consultations

I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk