White oak is derived from the bark of the oak tree, which is native to England. White oak has been used medicinally since Ancient Roman times. Today, it is used both internally and externally for a variety of health promoting purposes. As with any herbal product, you should talk to your health care practitioner before supplementing with white oak bark.
Nutritional Profile
White oak bark contains the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-12 and C. It is also a rich source of numerous phytochemicals, including beta carotene, pectin, quercetin and tannins. Phytochemicals, which are antioxidant compounds found naturally in plants, scavenge free radicals and thereby help to prevent and treat disease. The primary active ingredients in white oak bark are thought to be the phytochemicals quercin and tannins.
Anti-Inflammatory and Astringent-Related Benefits
The quercin found in white oak bark helps to strengthen capillary walls and veins, according to the website Health.LearningInfo.org. The tannins in white oak produce an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect in the body. Astringents are substances that cause the body cells to contract, tighten mucous membranes and reduce the discharge of fluids. Due to the quercin and tannins, the herb is used for the treatment of spleen problems, varicose veins, nose bleeds, diarrhea and hemorrhaging.
Additional Purported Oral Uses
White oak has traditionally been used as a diuretic and to help teat bronchitis, colds, fevers and ulcers. It is also purported to improve digestion; stimulate the appetite; promote bladder health; treat kidney disease and gallstones; and reduce inflammation of the skin, mouth, throat and genitals. There is currently insufficient evidence, though, to confirm the efficacy of the use of white oak bark for these purposes.
Topical Uses
White oak bark has antiseptic properties, which means it helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria. As such, it is a useful topical aid for the treatment of wounds and helps to prevent secondary infections, says nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch in her book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." White oak also has anti-venomous properties and is used to treat bee stings, insect bites, poison ivy and snake bites. It is also applied topically to promote healthy gum and to help treat burns, scabs and herpes, states Health.learninginfo.org.
Precautions
When taken internally, white oak can bark cause adverse effects such as intestinal problems and kidney and liver damage, states the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. The topical application of white oak is generally considered safe, but it should not be used for more than three weeks at a time. White oak is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women; people who have liver, kidney or heart conditions; and people with skin disorders such as eczema.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- Health.LearningInfo.org: White Oak Bark: Uses and Benefits
- Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; "Pathology and Nutrition"; 2008
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