A plant concentrate with multiple applications

Harvested primarily around the Mediterranean basin, galls were historically used to make gall inks, known for their durability. They are also used in traditional herbal formulations, body care, mouthwashes, and external applications. As a plant-based dye, they can be used to create deep, fixative shades.

Description

Small, hard, and rough woody balls, dark brown to gray, sometimes pierced. Rich in tannins, they give off a dry, woody odor. Packaged whole in bulk.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Oak gall, gall nut, tannin galls
• Latin name: Quercus lusitanica
• Family: Fagaceae
• Part used: Galls (wood growths)
• Form: Loose, whole
• Origin: Mediterranean, North Africa, Middle East
• English name: Oak gall
• Name in German: Eichengalle
• Name in Spanish: Agalla de roble
• Name in Italian: Galla di quercia
• Name in Arabic: عفص البلوط

Main virtues

Due to their high tannin content, oak galls are used in decoctions for mouthwashes, in poultices for their astringent effects, and in natural textile dyes. Their mordant power makes them valuable for fixing dyes to fibers.

Main constituents

Gallic tannins (up to 50-70%), gallic acid, ellagic acid, resinous substances and lignin.

Use and dosage

• Tincture: Boil 30 to 50 g/L of water for a powerful tannic extraction.
• Decoction: 5 to 10 g per 500 ml, for external or oral use.
• Inks: grind and infuse to prepare natural inks (traditional recipes available).

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Recommended for external or artisanal use only.
• Do not ingest without professional supervision. May irritate mucous membranes if used in concentrated form.
• Keep out of reach of children.

History and origin

Oak galls were already known to the Greeks and Romans for fixing inks on parchment and coloring textiles. They were also incorporated into ancient pharmacopoeias for their astringent and antiseptic properties. Today, they appeal to artisans and lovers of natural dyes.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: kraft bag, canvas bag or glass jar.
• Storage: dry, away from air and light.
• Shelf life: over 2 years if stored properly.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Dye Plants and Dyeing – Wild Color Editions
• Historical texts on natural dyeing and traditional herbalism

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