White Oak Bark and Powder Profile

Also known as

Quercus alba or Quercus robur, and oak bark.

Introduction

The oak's botanical name quercus comes from the Celtic words quer (fine) and cuez (tree).

Constituents

Starch, tannins, resins, calcium oxalate, quillaic acid.

Parts Used

Dried or toasted bark. Gentle dry heat increases the concentration of volatile oils in the bark. Bark, ground before storage. Gentle heating concentrates healing volatile oils in oak bark pieces, but destroys volatile oils in oak bark once it has been powdered.

Typical Preparations

Baths, washes, infusions, teas, tinctures.

Summary

Precautions

Avoid bathing a large area of inflamed skin all at once. Oak bark infusions, extracts, and tinctures taken internally should be timed so that any medication (especially any medication that has to be taken on a relatively alkaline or empty stomach) is not in the digestive tract. Take oak bark 4 hours before or 4 hours after any prescription medication.