131. The Timeless Wisdom of Oak and Pine Medicine. 🌳 🌲

Image by Andrew Shelley

In the realm of Herbalism, the Oak and Pine stand as symbols of ancient wisdom, offering healing that has withstood the test of time. Revered by various cultures throughout history, these majestic trees are not merely sources of food and medicine; they embody deep spiritual and ecological significance. Grounded in the soil and reaching for the sky, trees are the Axis Mundi, a sacred place where deities live, a connection between humans and the divine. Modern science now acknowledges them as the basis of all life. Their unique relationship with time positions them as our earthly elders, imparting knowledge that generations have cherished. By exploring the traditions and health benefits associated with oak and pine, we can reconnect with the rich tapestry of herbal lore and the timeless truths that these remarkable trees reveal.

Oak Tree Medicine 🌳

In Ireland, the oak tree was considered sacred and revered as a symbol of strength and resilience. Known as "The Tree of Life," the oak held profound significance for the Druids, who viewed it as a source of wisdom and protection. This majestic tree has an immense physical presence and offers a deeper understanding of time—responsive to the rhythms of the earth and the cosmos. In many traditions, trees are considered our elders, living for centuries and offering insights into patience, endurance, and the cycles of life.

The Irish Oak's life span is 300 years: "100 years to grow, 100 years to live, and 100 years to die."  As they grow, their massive branches are caught by the wind, like a sail, which causes the trunk to twist and torque. This compression can squeeze tannins from the trees, releasing their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in a dark fluid that runs out of the tree near the roots.

Acorns, the fruits of the oak, are a nutritional powerhouse when prepared. These edible nuts can be ground into nutrient-rich flour for baking, providing sustenance. The oak's bark has been valued for its medicinal properties for ages; charred bark can be transformed into a “charcoal soup,” relieving digestive issues and promoting gastrointestinal health. Decoctions made from the bark and leaves have been used as remedies for infections and burns, affirming the oak's vital role in holistic health practices. ***I knew our current shop location was a fit when I realized an Irish Oak was growing right outside its door.

Pine Tree Medicine 🌲

The ancient Irish believed that trees were home to the spirits of their ancestors and that trees were protectors. The Scots pine, one of Ireland's native coniferous trees, was once widespread in the landscape but was thought to have gone extinct around 1500 years ago. The Celts linked it to the cycle of renewal and rebirth. The Pine is steeped in rich traditions and remarkable healing capabilities. Renowned for its versatility, the pine has been used throughout history for various medicinal purposes. The sap, commonly known as pine pitch, is particularly valued for its antimicrobial properties. It serves as a swift remedy for minor injuries, showcasing nature’s ability to provide for our needs in the wilderness.

The inner bark of the pine functions as a survival food, offering sustenance during challenging times. It also serves as an expectorant, easing respiratory discomfort. However, the most celebrated aspect of the pine tree is undoubtedly its needles. High in vitamins C, A, and E, along with multiple B vitamins, young pine needles contain antimutagenic and antioxidant properties. Historical anecdotes reveal how indigenous healers utilized pine needles to combat scurvy among explorers and that those consuming these needles during the Spanish Flu were better able to fight off the Spanish Flu.🌳 🌲

When considering trees, our elders, remember that they're not just a resource for consumption. Studies on Japanese Forest Bathing (walking in the woods) have found trees have a profound impact on our physiology, lowering our cortisol levels while boosting our immune system, specifically Natural Killer Cells, the cells that kill tumor cells. All we have to do is breathe. Even for 20 seconds, tree-hugging can release oxytocin in our bodies, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation.

Scientists now rank trees as the planet's most significant allies in carbon sequestration. They pull CO2 from the air, combine it with sunlight, and convert it into energy -- for their use and for others. Mutualistic relationships with microbes and mycelium allow trees to store carbon in the soil for later use or for sharing with other plants, and microbes. Once this carbon is absorbed by plants and subsequently consumed, that energy becomes animal and human. *** We are sunlight and carbon, we are solar and tree-powered. We exist in a giant interdependent system of energy. Our Ancestors knew this and had a reverence for our planet and all that lived on it. In our Herbalism class, we visited a Sacred Ceremonial Stone Landscape this weekend. Keep an eye out for the next blog post to learn more.

Engaging with trees enriches our understanding of Herbalism and strengthens our connection to the earth and its cycles. As guardians of knowledge, these trees invite us to explore their healing properties and foster an appreciation for the time-honored practices that enhance our well-being and honor the wholeness of being on this planet.

Interested in studying Herbalism? Schedule an introductory Zoom call to see if it's a fit.

Be sure to visit our shop for more ancient wisdom. At Spiral Herbal Remedies we use Organic Herbs that have their own time-honored traditions. Use the discount code TREEWISDOM for 10% off your next order at spiralherbalremedies.com or come by our shop located at 810 Washington Ave in Brooklyn and mention this code.

Clinical Herbalist Donna Troy Cleary is a descendant of Irish Hereditary Herbalism Families on both sides of her family. She studied Herbalism for 3 years, has had her own Herbalism shop for 8, and worked as a Registered Nurse for 13 years at Harvard's Teaching Hospital - Beth Israel in Boston for 13 years. 

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