Fagaceae
Oak Bark
Quercus robur
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Also known as: English Oak, Pedunculate Oak, Common Oak
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Bark
Therapeutic Uses
Diarrhea, colitis, haemorrhoids (sitz bath), varicose veins, skin conditions (weeping eczema), wounds, gargle for pharyngitis. Potent astringent — high tannin content.
Herbal Actions
Astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, antidiarrheal, antifungal
Active Constituents
Tannins (gallotannins, ellagitannins — 10–20%), quercetin, catechins, pentagalloylglucose, roburin (ellagitannin), phlobaphens
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture🛁 Herbal Bath
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried bark per 250ml, steep 15 min, 3x daily for acute diarrhea |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | For haemorrhoids: sitz bath with strong oak bark decoction (20g per litre). For skin conditions: compresses with cooled tea. For diarrhea: short courses of tea. Highly astringent — dry, puckering sensation. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Tannins reduce drug and mineral absorption. Take medications separately. Constipation with excess. Caution in pregnancy.
Side Effects: Constipation (excess). Reduced mineral absorption. Liver stress at very high doses. Topical: very safe.