Quercus macrocarpa seed

Quercus macrocarpa

Burr oak

Medicinal use : The inner bark contains quercitannic acid and is used medicinally, mainly as a mild astringent. It is inferior to the bark of
white oaks because it contains large amounts of tannin. The bark is astringent, disinfectant, emetic, febrifuge and tonic. It is used in the
treatment of chronic dysentery, intermittent fevers, indigestion, asthma and lost voice. An infusion has been used as a gargle for sore
throats, hoarseness colds etc. The bark can be chewed as a treatment for mouth sores. An infusion of the bark has been used as a wash for sore
and chapped skin. A decoction of the crushed bark has been used as a wash for sore eyes. Any galls produced on the tree are strongly
astringent and can be used in the treatment of hemorrhages, chronic diarrhea, dysentery etc.

Edible parts : seed – cooked. The seed is up to 25 mm long and wide. It can be dried, ground into a powder and used as a thickening in stews
etc or mixed with cereals for making bread. The seed contains bitter tannin’s, these can be leached out by thoroughly washing the seed in
running water though many minerals will also be lost. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.

Other uses : The bark is a source of tannin. A yellow dye is obtained from this tree. The bark is a rich source whilst the seed can also be
used. The dye is reddish-yellow according to one report and does not need a mordant. Wood – heavy, hard, strong, coarse grained. It weighs
43lb per cubic foot. Of little value except as a fuel. Commercially important according to another report. The wood is used for rough lumber,
cross-ties etc .