Common Beech

Other names : Fagus sylvatica, European Beech, Boke, Faya

Originating probably in the Northern Hemisphere, Beech is one of the largest shade trees found all over Europe. Highly appreciated for its wood, Common Beech is mentioned in the work of Saint Hildergard of Bingen  as a medicinal tree, used in the Middle Ages for fever, jaundice and to heal wounds.

The fresh leaves and shoots of Common Beach  are edible and can be used in salads and soups. The fruit of Common Beech, called “beechmast” or “beechnut” is also edible, having a taste somewhat similar to hazelnut or sunflower seeds and was used since older times in animal and human nutrition. Roasted and ground beechnut can substitute coffee and the powder of beechnut mixed with flour was used in bread recipes .

Beech symbolizes protection, family and tradition and  near it, people are inundated with a deep feeling of security and calmness. Good listener, sometimes associated with Saturn, Beech Tree can bring rigor and clarification before an important decision.

The bark of Common Beech is a bitter tonic and has febrifuge and anti-diarrheic effects. The tar obtained from Beech wood, used in ancient times as a base for tooth paste, can be applied to the skin for warts and wounds with slow healing, while the macerate obtained from Common Beech shoots can be used in respiratory disease and epilepsy. The shoots can also be infused 15 minutes, 2 teaspoons to a cup of boiling water, thus becoming a remedy for gravel ( 2 tea cups/day). Bark decoction reduces rheumatic and arthritic pains , while poultices with the decoction  treat eyesore. Also useful, the oil extracted from beechmast is a stimulant for hair growth.