BEECH
Fagus sylvatica
COMMON NAMES: European beech, beechnut tree.
FEATURES: The European or common beech (Fagus sylvatica) and the American beech (F. grandiflora)
are closely similar.
They are handsome forest trees of the family Fagaceae. Both species thrive in light, limey loams; they
do not grow in damp locations. (Blue or water beech, better known as American hornbean, Carpinus
caroliniana, is not a member of this genus.) F. sylvatica has gray bark and shining leaves that persist
during most of the winter.
The tree scarcely bears fruit before the fiftieth year. When about 250 years old and matured to the fruit-
bearing age, both species yield pleasant edible, three-angled nuts in September, usually in pairs in prickly
involucres, nourishing and enjoyable to both human and animal. The beech tree is used in ornamental
planting for its symmetrical form.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Bark, leaves.
SOLVENT: Water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Tonic, astringent, antiseptic.
USES: Beech is a medicinal tree of internal and external value. The bark and leaves contain effective
substance for action of the stomach, ulcers, liver, kidney, bladder, and the weakening inflammation of
dysentery. Beech is among the herbal tree medications for improving conditions of diabetes. The leaves
are soothing to the nerves and stomach and are astringent. As a tonic, used to clean and tone the entire
system and improve appetite.
DOSE: 1 teaspoonful of the crushed leaves or ¼ teaspoonful of the granulated bark to 1 cup of boiling
water, 3–4 cups daily.
EXTERNALLY: Culpeper: “The water found in the hollow places of decaying beeches will cure both man
and beast of any scurf, scap, or running tetter if they wash there with.”
The leaf tea is antiseptic, cleansing, cooling, and healing to old sores, feverish swellings, or skin
diseases. Bathe often with the fresh tea or apply the boiled leaves. Can be applied directly or made into
an ointment by boiling in coconut or other suitable oil.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Trituration of the nuts for epilepsy, headache, hydrophobia, vertigo.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: In Russia beech tree is called buk (pronounced “book”). Medically the Russians
use creosote, distilled from beech tar, as antiseptic, cleansing, disinfectant. The odor is very aggressive,
and when given internally for catarrh of the lungs, throat, etc., it is combined with more acceptable tasting
herbs. Also used widely for industrial and commercial purposes.