Lately I've been finding these curious little balls on the ground during my morning walks. They're extremely light, they look like cork, and they even float in water...but they're not made of cork at all. They're oak galls, caused by wasps depositing their eggs in the tree which reacts by forming tissue around the eggs, and then the insect's larvae develop inside the gall and feed on the gall tissue. Eventually the insects escape leaving the galls behind.
Oak galls contain large amounts of tannic acid, which was traditionally used for making iron gall ink and for dying cloth. Tannic acid has strong anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties and has a protective effect on the skin. Externally, tannic acid has been used to treat sunburn, ulcers, toothache, and wounds. It also tightens skin causing an anti wrinkle effect and can be found in expensive facial creams and night serums.
Oak galls contain gallic acid as well, a potent antioxidant that has come into the limelight as a natural whitening substance in the cosmetics industry. Gallic acid removes melanin generated by UV rays. It also detoxifies harmful heavy metals and helps heal wounds.
Considering all the beneficial effects these natural little wonders have (along with the oak bark itself), I have an idea for a Mighty Oak Soap mulling around in my head. Would anybody be interested in trying it?
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8 comments:
You are likely on to something .... for years my spouse has suggested that I forget about Dead Sea Mud and use Dirt Dobber Nests instead :)
I'm LUVIN it!!!
Yes! I know so many people who would benefit from some skin conditioning. Talk about natural wonders in our backyard! Your business continues to amaze and enlighten me.
In my opinion, the idea of seasonal soap seems to be exactly what the body would naturally need. Just a thought, why not sell seasonal soaps? (Such as the Oak Galls.)
Thanks again!
I've always loved the idea of seasonal soaps Robert. In fact we have a farmers market line that is exactly that...made with seasonal produce from our local farmers. It's only sold at local farmers markets though. We should do something similar in our wild line because I agree that nature provides us with everything we need...thanks for the feedback.
If you make it, I'll try it for sure!! Sounds like it has some amazing properties for skin care.
It's on the drying racks so stay tuned!
I would definately give it a try!
what a great idea for a soap bar -- Mighty Oak! i say a big YES to that (:
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