There are over 600 species of oak trees. Here we include the two most commonly referenced varieties: Quercus alba (white oak) and Q. rubra (red oak). Both have similar properties. They can grow for many hundreds of years.
Oak bark, oak galls (made from wasps laying larvae in the leaves and young branches), leaves, and acorns are high in tannin content. In fact, 20% of their healing compounds are tannins!
Oak bark is an excellent astringent and antiseptic herb. A bitter herb, it is often used to heal hemorrhoids and bladder infections, and aid digestive issues. Oak bark also has excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for bronchitis, sore throats, respiratory infections, and stomach infections. Acorns help treat anemia.
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), oak bark is recognized for its ability to Relieve Excessive Discharges, Reduce Swellings, Eliminate Damp, Stop Bleeding, and Relieve Fire Toxicity. It is used to treat urinary incontinence, leukorrhea, diarrhea (especially with blood or mucus in the stool), parasites, and varicose veins.
Remember that if you are gathering oak bark in the wild, never cut down or break off a piece from a living tree. Always harvest from fresh fallen branches to prevent unwanted trauma to a tree that can live to be over 450 years old if left to thrive.
