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White Oak - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Oak bark, Stone oak
Herb Description
The White Oak tree can be found in the eastern portion of the United States, from Maine to northern Florida .Sometimes these trees live to be 800 years old .These tree grows on a wide range of soils and sites.White Oak may be found on ridges, in valleys, in dry and moist habitats, in moderately acid and alkaline soils,on podzols, gray-brown podzolic soils, brown podzolic soils, red and yellow podzolic soils, lithosols, planasols, and alluviums. The White Oak tree can reach up to 6O to 80 feet tall, 3 to 4 feet in diameter around the trunk & can spread from 50 to 80 feet.
White Oak flowers are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).Color of male flowers are greenish-yellow catkins , reach up to 4 inches long, which hang from twigs .Female flowers are tiny reddish spikes.The fruit of White Oak is commonly known as an acorn , growing over an inch long, with a warty cap. Its a valuable wildlife food,some animals eat these acorns like woodpeckers,chipmunks, rabbits, squirrels and deer.They were also taken by Native Americans as a food.
This tree is valued because of its lightly colored bark.The white Oak tree is easily recognized for its timber products such as furniture, cabinet making, flooring and pallets, barrel making, interior finishes,& for heavy construction.
Uses and Benefits
Dried bark of the White Oak is used in medical preparations. Oak bark contains tannin , and is used by tanners for tanning leather .Seeds of White Oak commonly known as an acorn are used for making flour or roasted for acorn coffee.
Main Uses of White Oak are :
- Flooring
- Architectural millwork
- Moldings
- Doors
- Cabinets
- Paneling
Externally it is used as a gargle in chronic sore throat with relaxed uvula, and also as a fomentation.It give good results if applied locally to bleeding gums and piles. White Oak is helpful for inflammatory skin diseases.
Internally it is taken for diarrhea & inflammation of the oral and genital areas.
White Oak is helpful in chronic diarrhoea & dysentery, either alone or in addition with aromatics.
Side Effects
Its recommended that the use of White Oak should not be more than 2 -3 weeks.
The toxicity level of white oak has not been determined at this time so it is prescribed to use in limited amount.
If there is diarrhea caused by this medicine for more than 3 - 4 days, a physician should be consulted.
Dosage
Dried inner bark:
1-2 grams.Take three times in a day.
Fluid extract:
1:1 in 25% alcohol , 1-2 ml.Take three times in a day.Tea:
Made from 1/2 tablespoon of dried inner bark.Take three times in a day.
Drug Interactions
Researchers note the possibility for the absorption of alkaloids and other alkaline drugs e.g. procaine to be ebb, or inhibited, by White oak bark.
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