White Oak
OTHER NAME(S): 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, Quercus alba, Oak, Roble blanco, Chêne blanc
Overview
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).
The bark of white oak contains tannins, which might help treat diarrhea and inflammation.
The bark of white oak contains tannins, which might help treat diarrhea and inflammation.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- 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.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of white oak for these uses.
Precautions
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.
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.
Interactions
We currently have no information for White Oak overview.
Dosing
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.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
- Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JB. Pharmacognosy. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Fibiger, 1981.
- McCune, L. M. and Johns, T. Antioxidant activity in medicinal plants associated with the symptoms of diabetes mellitus used by the indigenous peoples of the North American boreal forest. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;82(2-3):197-205.
- Glabasnia, A. and Hofmann, T. Sensory-directed identification of taste-active ellagitannins in American (Quercus alba L.) and European oak wood (Quercus robur L.) and quantitative analysis in bourbon whiskey and oak-matured red wines. J Agric.Food Chem 5-3-2006;54(9):3380-3390.
- Loria, R. C., Wilson, P., and Wedner, H. J. Identification of potential allergens in white oak (Quercus alba) pollen by immunoblotting. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;84(1):9-18.
- Cadahía E, Varea S, Muñoz L, Fernández De Simón B, García-Vallejo MC. Evolution of ellagitannins in Spanish, French, and American oak woods during natural seasoning and toasting. J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Aug;49(8):3677-84.
- Masson G, Guichard E, Fournier N, Puech J. L. Stereoisomers of beta-methyl-y-octalactone. II. Contents in the wood of French (Quercus petraea) and American (Quercus alba) oaks. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 1995, 46, 424-428.
- Prida A, Puech JL. Influence of geographical origin and botanical species on the content of extractives in American, French, and East European oak woods. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Oct 18;54(21):8115-26.