Health Benefits
Over thousands of years, oak trees have been worshiped for their association with ancient gods and they have played an important role in traditional medicine of several different societies.
A versatile medicinal herb, it has an answer to many problems:
Astringent Properties
Antiseptic Properties
For External Use
Diuretic Properties
Respiratory Conditions
Oral Health
Astringent Properties
White oak bark has astringent properties because of the high level of tannins present in its bark. Astringents work by constricting or shrinking the body’s tissues on the inside and the outside. Natural astringents like white oak bark have a variety of therapeutic benefits.
Internally, they can help treat bleeding, varicose veins and reduce diarrhea. They also perform some useful external functions and can help limit bleeding from the skin as well as other skin complaints like burns, bruises, wrinkles, and eczema. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are also excellent for the skin.
Antiseptic Properties
The tannin content of the white oak bark is also responsible for its antiseptic properties which can help to prevent and treat both internal and external infections. The tannins bind with the proteins present in the tissues which help to stave off harmful pathogens and bacteria.
White oak bark has been effectively used against urinary tract infections, dysentery, and vaginal infections. To treat any internal problems, you can take white oak bark supplements in capsule, tincture or tea form.
For External Use
White oak bark can also be used externally to protect against skin infections and to help treat a number of skin issues. It has been successfully used to treat poison ivy and to soothe the pain and inflammation from bee stings and bug bites.
When applied to the skin, it may also help speed up the healing process from minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns. It can even be a helpful natural remedy for mouth ulcers and herpes.
You can apply it directly to your skin or make a cold compress with white oak bark tea or liquid extract. An alternative is to add a cupful of dried bark to your bathtub and letting your skin soak it up.
Diuretic Properties
White oak bark also has natural diuretic properties meaning that it can help promote both the frequency of urination and the amount of urine you produce. Diuretics like white oak bark are a useful, natural alternative to pharmaceutical diuretic medication for those who would prefer to steer clear of pharmaceuticals.As a diuretic, white oak bark can help improve the health of your bladder, help treat urinary tract infections and even eliminate kidney stones caused by the build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream.
Respiratory Conditions
White oak bark can help to treat infections of the respiratory tract. Its saponin content means that it might have expectorant properties suitable for getting rid of mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system.
Oral Health
In the days before dentistry, the native Americans used white oak bark to help treat oral infections and other dental issues like gingivitis and toothache.
The bark contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties which can help prevent and treat oral infections as well as being an astringent that will help oral sores to heal. You can make a natural mouthwash by boiling up a cup of white oak bark tea and allowing it to cool.