Oak
Botanical: Quercus Robur
Family: Fagaceae
Homeopathic remedy: Quercus Robur
Description: The Oak is noted for the slowness of its growth, as well as for the large size to which it can grow. In eighty years the trunk is said not to exceed 50 centimeters in diameter, but old trees reach a great circumference.
The Greeks held the Oak sacred, according to the Romans the Oak was dedicated to the Jupiter, and the Druids held great respect to the Oak trees.
Although Box and Ebony wood is harder and the Yew and Ash wood is tougher than that of an Oak, the Oak combines both these qualities in the best possible way. The oak wood is both tough and hard and is an excellent material for the most demanding construction purposes, such as ship-building.
Medicinal uses: Antiseptic, Diarrhea, Good substitute for Quinine in intermittent fever esp. when given together with Chamomile, Dysentery, Sore throat
Keywords: Endurance, Perseverance, Steadfastness, Determination, Sense of duty, Busy, Diligent, Stubborn
Dr Bach's description: For those who are struggling and fighting strongly to get well, or in connection with the affairs of their daily life. They will go on trying one thing after another, though their case may seem hopeless. They will fight on. They are discontented with themselves if illness interferes with their duties or helping others. They are brave people, fighting against great difficulties, without loss of hope or effort.
Essence: The Oak tree is characterized by its perseverance and endurance. It grows slowly, but as it grows, it steadily builds up its body from the most durable and enduring wood. This trait is characteristic for the Oak persons. They never give up, no matter how much they must endure in live, no matter what the goals are, and how hard the work is. They are the typical fighters. They struggle with all kinds of obstacles and try one thing after another even if the case seems hopeless.
The Oak people have a very great sense of duty and the determination to achieve their goals. If they are unable to continue their work because of a disease, or an injury, they are discontented with themselves and can even get angry at themselves, because they feel, that no matter how sick, or tired they are, they must fulfil their duties.
Although this kind of perseverance looks like a perfect character trait, it has its negative sides. After a while people will start exploiting an Oak person and due to his sense of duty, he will perform all duties imposed on him. This will put an Oak person into a never ending cycle of accepting and performing duties that are beyond his power. Another major problem of Oak persons is the stubborn refusal of rest. No matter how tired, or stressed they are, they will never give up, but they will work beyond their powers. They will not rest, even when the need for rest is obvious. The Oak tree teaches to recognize, when it is time to strive and when it is time to rest.