Forums HomeGrown Herbalist Student Forum Medicinal Herbs Acorns in topical antifungal formula?

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    • #13362
      Michelle Koch
      Student

        Acorns are abundant in my neighborhood (we’ve got some fat squirrels!). Research is telling me that acorns are so high in tannins that they have to be leached in water several times before we can eat them. This got me wondering if acorns can be used in a topical antifungal formula instead of black walnuts?

      • #13381
        Dr. Patrick Jones
        Homestead Instructor

          Hmmmm…chemically it seems like that would have some promise….they have lots of tannins. I haven’t ever tried acorns for fungi.
          Anyone have a good fungus we can fiddle with? :0)

          Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

        • #14024
          Michelle Koch
          Student
          Topic Author

            Okay, on a hunch (gotta listen to that Still Small Voice), I stuffed my pockets full of green acorns – still have their spiky green cups – rinsed them off, and packed them in a jar of booze.  Then I started doing more research.  Come to find out, oak trees are an overwhelming source of tannins, strongly astringent, antimicrobial, and best used topically for skin infections and wound care.  According to Michael Moore, all parts of the oak tree is a viable source of medicinal tannins, bark, leaves, even the galls (wasp apples) BEFORE the larvae hatch!  (Eew).  I also came across an article talking about studies being done to discover the potential of using oak tannins on wound care.  The article is also an “infomercial” for the company that is doing the study and formulating products.  I saved the link, so if you’d like me to share it here, I can do that.  So I’m excited about the possibilities!

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