White Oak Bark: Health Benefits and Uses [2022 Update]

The White Oak is a hardwood tree native to eastern North America. Its scientific name is the Quercus Alba tree.

Although its name refers to it as “white,” it actually has a light gray color. It can last approximately 200 to 300 years, with some older specimens. The famous Wye Oak in Wye Mills, Maryland which is estimated to be over 450 years old.

For centuries, the bark of this hardwood tree has been used to treat a variety of health conditions. It was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia for its astringent and antiseptic properties. It has also been approved as a diarrhea treatment by the German Commission E – a government agency that oversees the use of herbal products.

It is known as Common Oak or Chêne Commun, Chêne Anglais, Chêne Blanc or Chêne Blanc d’Amérique, and Chêne Pédonculé. In some areas, it is called the Durmast Oak, the Corteza de Roble, or the Écorce de Chêne.

Health Benefits and Uses of White Oak Bark

Many of the claimed benefits of this hardwood are listed below. Its safety and effectiveness have not been proven yet. It is best to consult with a health professional before taking it.

• Treats wounds and problems in the intestines
• Provides protection from infections caused by bacteria and viruses
• Relieves episodes of diarrhea, passive hemorrhages, and chronic mucus discharges
• Works as an effective gargling solution for sore throat
• Functions as an astringent lotion to treat ulcers characterized by spongy granulations
• Effectively serves as an astringent injection to remedy haemorrhoids and leucorrhoea
• Solves gangrene
• Treats several cutaneous dieases
• Treats scrofulas

The key component of the white oak bark is tannin, which gives it its astringent and antiseptic properties.

As an astringent, the hardwood constricts the body’s tissues both internally and externally to treat bleeding and diarrhea, as well as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and other skin conditions.

As an antiseptic, the tannin helps control infections inside and outside the body by binding with proteins in the tissues. Some infections it treats include bladder infections, venereal diseases, skin infections, and vaginal infections, among others.

Another known health benefit of white oak bark is its function as a diuretic, anthelmintic and expectorant. As a diuretic it can improve bladder health and remove kidney stones and gallstones. As an anthelmintic it can expel parasitic worms in the intestinal tract. Lastly, as an expectorant it can help remove phlegm and mucus.

The white oak bark has many known benefits that you can try for yourself. With it being recognized by several institutions, you are assured that the hardwood is also reliable for use. However, more scientific studies and clinical trials are needed to prove its effectiveness as a natural home herbal remedy for alternative holistic health practitioners.

The producer of this video gets a little carried away in my opinion. Anecdotal reports are worth exactly what you pay for them. There are literally no published studies or clinical trials that I could find on the NIH website. Tannins alone can not make a “cure all herb.” Does such a thing even exist?