# Plant Monograph: Cork Wood (Cork Oak)
**Name of plant:**
Cork Wood (Cork Oak)
**Catch phrase (Carmina Gadelica or traditional invocation if available):**
No specific invocation from the *Carmina Gadelica* is recorded for Cork Oak. In Mediterranean folklore, the tree was often regarded as a symbol of endurance, protection, and renewal because its bark could be harvested repeatedly without killing the tree.
**Family:**
Fagaceae (Beech Family)
**Genus and species:**
*Quercus suber* L.
**Other names:**
Cork Oak, Cork Tree, Cork Wood, Evergreen Oak, Alcornoque (Spanish), Sobreiro (Portuguese), Chêne-liège (French)
**Brief introduction:**
The Cork Oak is an evergreen oak native to the western Mediterranean region, especially Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, and southern France. It is famous for its thick, spongy bark, which is harvested commercially as cork. Although primarily valued as an industrial and ecological resource, the bark, acorns, and leaves have also been employed in traditional medicine as astringents and remedies for digestive and inflammatory conditions.
**Traditional uses:**
* Astringent remedy for diarrhea
* Treatment of minor wounds and skin irritation
* Gargle for sore throat and mouth inflammation
* Traditional remedy for excessive bleeding
* General tonic and protective tree in folk traditions
**Historical use:**
* Bark used as an astringent in Mediterranean folk medicine
* Decoctions employed for digestive complaints
* Powdered bark applied to wounds and ulcers
* Acorns used as emergency food and animal fodder
* Harvested for cork production since ancient Roman times
**Parts used and method of use:**
* Bark
* Acorns
Used as:
* Decoction
* Powder
* Gargle
* Poultice
**Use in healing (modern herbal practice):**
* Occasional use as an astringent herb
* Support for mild diarrhea
* Topical application for minor skin irritation
* Traditional support for oral and throat inflammation
* Source of antioxidant polyphenols
**Pharmacology and biochemistry:**
* Tannins
* Ellagic acid
* Polyphenolic compounds
Mechanisms:
* Tannins exert astringent effects on tissues and mucous membranes
* Polyphenols provide antioxidant activity
* Astringent compounds may reduce minor inflammation and secretions
**Overall profile:**
Cork Oak is primarily an industrial and ecological species rather than a major medicinal herb. Its bark contains significant tannin levels that account for traditional astringent applications. Modern medicinal use is limited, but phytochemical studies support antioxidant and astringent properties.
**Common dosage:**
* Bark decoction: 2–5 g dried bark per cup, up to 3 times daily
* Gargle: Prepared decoction used several times daily as needed
* Powdered bark: 500 mg–2 g daily (traditional use)
* Topical wash: Prepared decoction applied externally as needed
**Safety factors (including side effects):**
* Generally safe when used occasionally and appropriately
* Excessive tannin intake may cause digestive irritation
* Large amounts may contribute to constipation
* Individuals sensitive to oak products may experience allergic reactions
* Long-term heavy use of tannin-rich preparations is not recommended
**First aid / adverse reaction response:**
* Gastrointestinal discomfort: discontinue use and maintain hydration
* Constipation: reduce dosage and increase fluid intake
* Allergic skin reaction: wash affected area and discontinue use
* Severe allergic reaction: seek immediate medical attention
**Drug interactions:**
* Tannins may reduce absorption of some medications if taken simultaneously
* May reduce absorption of iron supplements
* Theoretical interaction with medications requiring precise gastrointestinal absorption
* Separate administration from medications by at least 2 hours when possible
**Horticultural requirements:**
* USDA / Canadian zone: Zones 8–10
* Soil pH: 5.5–7.5
* Light requirements: Full sun
* Moisture: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
* Other notes (growth habit, harvest timing, etc.):
* Slow-growing evergreen tree reaching 10–20 metres in height
* Produces acorns annually after maturity
* Cork bark harvested approximately every 9–12 years
* Native to Mediterranean woodlands and dry forests
* Propagated primarily by seed; highly adapted to fire-prone environments
**Sampling of clinical reports / studies:**
* Limited clinical evidence exists for medicinal applications
* Pharmacological studies support antioxidant and astringent properties of bark extracts
* Phytochemical research identifies tannins, ellagic acid derivatives, and flavonoids
* Ethnobotanical evidence documents traditional Mediterranean use for digestive and topical applications
* Overall assessment of evidence: Traditional use is well documented, particularly as an astringent. Modern clinical evidence remains limited, and the species is valued far more for ecological and commercial cork production than for medicinal applications.
Educational Use Only: The information presented on this page is provided for educational, historical, and informational purposes only. ArdNemeton na Tuatha and Bhùth Draoi do not provide medical advice. Always consult your physician and pharmacist before using any herb, mushroom, supplement, or botanical product for medicinal purposes. Traditional uses described herein do not constitute medical claims.