White Oak Bark

Botanical: Quercus alba

Family: Fagaceae (beech-oak)

Other common names: Common Oak, White Oak, English Oak, Tanner's Bark, British Oak, Gospel Oak, Quebec Oak

Oak Bark is taken from the Oak or White Oak Tree, and its dried bark has many health-promoting properties, since it is a natural source for tannic acid.  This makes it useful for stomach and digestive concerns, as well as skin health and much more.  You'll often find White Oak in natural skin creams for a variety of applications.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Two species of the Oak tree with the same medicinal applications are native to England (Quercus robur) and the United States (Quercus alba), where it is found growing mainly in the East.  It grows well over one hundred feet in height and can live as long as one thousand years. The parts of this tree used medicinally are the bark and the galls (growths that are produced in reaction to fungi or insect). The genus name, Quercus, is derived from the Celtic words, quer, meaning "fine" and cuea, meaning "tree."  The Oak tree was sacred to the Druids and has long been a symbol of fertility and immortality.  In the past, European and American women wanting to get pregnant would carry an acorn as a talisman.  In Nordic mythology, the Oak was associated with thunder gods, as Oak groves seem to attract much lightning.  To the Romans, the Oak symbolized bravery, and military heroes were often crowned with a wreath of Oak leaves.  Oak trees bear acorns, which were a staple in the Native American diet.  They were sometimes leached, dried and ground into flour.  The Indians often gathered the acorns and stored them to ensure a continual winter food supply.  White Oak Bark was also used by Native American cultures for hundreds of years as a medicine to treat wounds and intestinal problems.  Its valuable, sturdy timber has led to commercial deforestation of many valuable forests.  The trees are valued in the making of cabinets, tables and other furniture.  It has also been used to tan leather.  The primary chemical constituents of Oak Bark include tannins (phlobatannin, ellagitannins, gallic acid) and Quercetin, and the galls are even higher in tannins than the bark.  White Oak also contains manganese, calcium, iron and zinc.  The high tannin content is responsible for a wide range of its activity.  Tannins bind with protein of the tissues, thus making them impermeable to bacterial invasion and infection, while at the same time strengthening the tissues.  White Oak Bark is one of the strongest natural astringent herbs available.  It provides not only great astringent properties, but is also considered to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties as well.  White Oak Bark's astringent properties tighten tissues and strengthen blood vessels, making it ideal for treating diarrhea, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.  The blood-clotting agents active in Oak Bark are also helpful to stanch nosebleeds.  White Oak Bark has also been used to treat irritations caused by poor digestion, ulcers, strep throat and skin problems.  Oak Bark includes the species, Quercus alba (White Oak), and Quercus robur (English Oak, Common Oak).

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Currently, there are no known warnings with the use of Oak Bark; however, it should be noted that prolonged use of astringents/tannins is not recommended.

Capsule Information:
Our Oak Bark supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.