White oak
Scientific names: Quercus alba
Family: Fagaceae
Alternate names: American Oak, Chêne Blanc, Chêne Blanc d'Amérique, Écorce de Chêne, Écorce de Chêne Blanc, North American White Oak, Oak Bark, Quercus Cortex, Stave Oak, Tanner's Bark, Tanner's Oak, White Oak Bark
Actions: Antioxidant activity
Background
White oak is a tree. The bark is used to make medicine.
White oak bark is used as a tea for arthritis, diarrhea, colds, fever, cough, and bronchitis; for stimulating appetite; and for improving digestion.
Some people apply oak bark directly to the skin in a compress or add it to bath water for pain and swelling (inflammation) of the skin, mouth, throat, genitals, and anal region; and for red itchy skin due to cold exposure (chilblains).
White oak bark is used as a tea for arthritis, diarrhea, colds, fever, cough, and bronchitis; for stimulating appetite; and for improving digestion.
Some people apply oak bark directly to the skin in a compress or add it to bath water for pain and swelling (inflammation) of the skin, mouth, throat, genitals, and anal region; and for red itchy skin due to cold exposure (chilblains).
Safety Safety definitions
White oak bark is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for 3-4 days.
White oak bark is also POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied directly to unbroken skin for up to 2-3 weeks. When applied to damaged skin or when taken for longer than 2-3 weeks, white oak bark is LIKELY UNSAFE.
Some people might be allergic to the pollen of white oak.
Heart conditions: If you have a heart problem don’t use oak bark.
Skin conditions including eczema or large areas of skin damage: Don’t take oak bark baths if you have one of these conditions.
A nerve condition that leads to overly tight muscles (hypertonia): Don’t take oak bark baths if you have this condition.
Fever or infection: Don’t take oak bark baths if you have one of these conditions.
Kidney problems: There is concern that using oak bark might make kidney problems worse. Avoid use.
Liver problems: There is concern that using oak bark might make liver problems worse. Avoid use.
White oak bark is also POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied directly to unbroken skin for up to 2-3 weeks. When applied to damaged skin or when taken for longer than 2-3 weeks, white oak bark is LIKELY UNSAFE.
Some people might be allergic to the pollen of white oak.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of oak bark during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Heart conditions: If you have a heart problem don’t use oak bark.
Skin conditions including eczema or large areas of skin damage: Don’t take oak bark baths if you have one of these conditions.
A nerve condition that leads to overly tight muscles (hypertonia): Don’t take oak bark baths if you have this condition.
Fever or infection: Don’t take oak bark baths if you have one of these conditions.
Kidney problems: There is concern that using oak bark might make kidney problems worse. Avoid use.
Liver problems: There is concern that using oak bark might make liver problems worse. Avoid use.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Colds.
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Diarrhea.
- Bronchitis.
- Loss of appetite.
- Improving digestion.
- Arthritis.
- Pain and swelling (inflammation) of the skin, mouth, throat, genitals, and anal region.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of white oak depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for white oak. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if White Oak interacts with any medicines. Before taking White Oak, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs that contain chemicals called alkaloids: The tannin in white oak bark might affect the way the body processes alkaloid chemicals found in other herbs.
Iron: There is concern that the tannins in white oak bark might make it hard for the body to absorb iron.
Iron: There is concern that the tannins in white oak bark might make it hard for the body to absorb iron.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
The bark of white oak contains tannins, which might help treat diarrhea and inflammation.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 08/03/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 08/05/2018 19:15:14. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
