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).
Is It Effective?
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.
- 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.
Is it Safe?
The bark of white oak contains tannins, which might help treat diarrhea and inflammation.
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.
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.
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.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
American Oak, Chêne Blanc, Chêne Blanc d’Amérique, Écorce de Chêne, Écorce de Chêne Blanc, North American White Oak, Quercus alba, Quercus Cortex, Stave Oak, Tanner’s Bark, Tanner’s Oak, White Oak, White Oak Bark.
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