Description
WHITE OAK (Quercus robur) Bark
About this Herb
Quercus alba, the white oak, is one of the preeminent hardwoods of eastern and central North America. It is a long-lived oak, native to eastern and central North America. There are many types of oak tree thriving throughout the world but white oak bark may not be the most famous of them. I would guess that the majority of people are familiar with the tree but that far fewer are aware of its illustrious history as a medicine.
White oak bark contains numerous nutrients including vitamin B12, iron, and potassium. It also has a tannin content somewhere between 15 to 20%. These tannins and the nutrients are believed to be responsible for the bark’s health benefits.
It is used to treat a range of sicknesses including diarrhea relief, varicose veins, and the cold or flu. This impressive tree certainly deserves its scientific Latin name of Quercus alba which means ‘fine tree’.
White oak bark is on the GRAS list which means that it is generally recognized to be safe and is available in several different forms. The German Commission E has approved it for use as a treatment for diarrhea and it was listed in the US Pharmacopoeia as long ago as 1916 because of its antiseptic and astringent qualities.
The Native Americans were long aware of the beneficial properties of the bark. They used it for antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory purposes before settlers to North America picked up the mantle and learned how to use it.
Early settlers used the bark to treat numerous illnesses and to help heal wounds and skin problems. While the bark is considered to be the most beneficial part of the tree, the acorns have also been used to make a hot drink that could help control bowel conditions.
WHITE OAK BARK
There are many types of oak tree thriving throughout the world but white oak bark may not be the most famous of them. I would guess that the majority of people are familiar with the tree but that far fewer are aware of its illustrious history as a medicine.
The bark of the white oak or Quercus alba has been put to great use as an herbal medicine for many centuries and as is the case with many herbal remedies, there is growing scientific interest in the abilities of white oak bark to treat a variety of illnesses.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHITE OAK BARK
White oak bark contains numerous nutrients including vitamin B12, iron, and potassium. It also has a tannin content somewhere between 15 to 20%. These tannins and the nutrients are believed to be responsible for the bark’s health benefits.
It is used to treat a range of sicknesses including diarrhea relief, varicose veins, and the cold or flu. This impressive tree certainly deserves its scientific Latin name of Quercus alba which means ‘fine tree’.
White oak bark is on the GRAS list which means that it is generally recognized to be safe and is available in several different forms. The German Commission E has approved it for use as a treatment for diarrhea and it was listed in the US Pharmacopoeia as long ago as 1916 because of its antiseptic and astringent qualities.
The Native Americans were long aware of the beneficial properties of the bark. They used it for antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory purposes before settlers to North America picked up the mantle and learned how to use it.
Early settlers used the bark to treat numerous illnesses and to help heal wounds and skin problems. While the bark is considered to be the most beneficial part of the tree, the acorns have also been used to make a hot drink that could help control bowel conditions.
1) ASTRINGENT PROPERTIES
White oak bark has astringent properties because of the high level of tannins present in its bark. Astringents work by constricting or shrinking the body’s tissues on the inside and the outside. Natural astringents like white oak bark have a variety of therapeutic benefits.
Internally, they can help treat bleeding, varicose veins and reduce diarrhea. They also perform some useful external functions and can help limit bleeding from the skin as well as other skin complaints like burns, bruises, wrinkles, and eczema. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are also excellent for the skin.
2) ANTISEPTIC PROPERTIES
The tannin content of the white oak bark is also responsible for its antiseptic properties which can help to prevent and treat both internal and external infections. The tannins bind with the proteins present in the tissues which help to stave off harmful pathogens and bacteria.
White oak bark has been effectively used against urinary tract infections, dysentery, and vaginal infections. To treat any internal problems, you can take white oak bark supplements in capsule, tincture or tea form.
3) FOR EXTERNAL USE
White oak bark can also be used externally to protect against skin infections and to help treat a number of skin issues. It has been successfully used to treat poison ivy and to soothe the pain and inflammation from bee stings and bug bites.
When applied to the skin, it may also help speed up the healing process from minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns. It can even be a helpful natural remedy for mouth ulcers and herpes.
How To Use
Oak bark can be made into a tea to drink for diarrhea, colds, fever, cough or bronchitis. It can also be taken as an appetite stimulant and for helping digestion.
An oak bark compress can be applied directly to the skin, or oak bark can be added to bathwater for swelling and pain.
Often used dosages for oak bark include:
- One gram, three times per day, when taking oak bark by mouth5
- One to two tablespoons of oak bark, boiled for 20 minutes in two cups of water, applied to the skin three to five times per day (this dose is also for a tea to drink)
An oak bark tincture can be made by mixing oak bark with alcohol; the proper ratio should be used according to the package insert instructions.
- A dry extract can be made to treat acute diarrhea using a ratio of 5.0-6.5:1 extraction solvent: ethanol 50% V/V.
- A coated tablet with 140 mg of dry extract can be taken by mouth by adults and kids over 12 years of age four times per day for unspecified acute diarrhea.
Because absorption of oak bark in the intestinal tract is sometimes delayed, oak bark should be taken 1 hour or more before or after taking any medications or other herbal supplements.
The dried bark of young branches should be used for medicinal preparations of oak bark. The tannin (active components) content of oak bark changes (from a range of between 8% to 20%) depending on the time of year that the bark is harvested, the age of the branches and the method of preparation.6
Store oak bark preparations in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
Ingredients
1 lb
WHITE OAK BARK (Quercus robur) Bark C/s
From Missouri
These ingredients have been tested and carefully selected by a certified herbalist.
Expiration
All tonics, loose teas, herbal leaves, and powders should be refrigerated after seal is broken for longest potency and freshness of herbs. Herbal compounds such as tinctures and capsules doesn’t need to be refrigerated and should be stored in a cool, dark place out of direct light. These methods will guarantee the longest potency and freshness. All herbal compounds will have expiration dates on the item packages effective immediately. If Stored correctly these herbal compounds will last far longer than the recommended expiration date.
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