White Oak Bark

What is white oak bark?

White oaks have long, lobed leaves with curved edges that make them easy to spot. This makes them different from red oaks, which have sharp tips. In the fall, the leaves turn red or burgundy. Oaks make catkins in the spring and oval acorns with a bumpy cap in the fall. The bark of a white oak is light gray and has ridges. Oaks are big trees that grow slowly and can live for a very long time. The broad white oak group includes white oak (Quercus alba) (white, bur, chinkapin, swamp white, and post oaks). The leaves of this group have round lobes, and the acorns mature in a single growing season and grow new shoots as soon as they fall in the fall.

How do I use white oak bark?

As a compress or in bath water, oak bark is applied by some individuals to alleviate pain and edema (inflammation) of the skin, mouth, pharynx, genitals, and anal region; it is also used to treat red, irritated skin caused by cold exposure (chilblains).

White oak bark benefits:

Medicine is made from the bark. Tea made from white oak bark is used to treat arthritis, diarrhea, colds, fever, cough, and bronchitis, as well as to improve digestion and make people hungry.

◉ Benefits for Oral Health: Oak bark is great for natural oral health because it is astringent and kills germs. It has been used as a mouthwash and a powder for teeth and gums. Oak bark is especially good for gums that hurt or bleed and for mouth infections. Oak bark can be used to make a gargle for a sore throat, just like mouthwash. You can do this by simmering the bark in water for about 20 minutes, straining it, and letting it cool to room temperature. You can gargle with it or drink it as tea.

◉ Soothes Diarrhea: White oak bark has also been used for a long time to treat diarrhea. Oak bark has tannins that help strengthen the lining of the intestines and help the body go from having watery stools to normal ones. A study on a related oak species (Quercus crassifolia) found that a bark extract worked against bacteria (like E. coli) that can cause upset stomachs and diarrhea. The German Commission E has even said that white oak bark is a good way to treat diarrhea.

◉ Beneficial for Scalp Health: White oak bark can also help soothe your scalp and make your hair less oily if you put it on your skin. Oak bark can help clean your scalp and dry up extra oil because it is astringent. It can also be made into a tea that can be used to treat dandruff. Since white oak can be drying, you might not want to use it if your scalp or skin is very dry. Or you can mix it with something else that will keep your scalp moist.

◉ May Help Digestion and Bladder Health: People have also used white oak bark tea to help with digestion and urinary health. It can help you get rid of extra water by making you pee. It may also help your kidneys and bladder stay healthy. Oak bark is thought to work against certain parasites and to tone the tissues in your digestive tract. It can also help with diarrhea.

Where can I buy white oak bark?

Buy white oak bark from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

White Oak Bark information (at a glance):