Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

English Oak (Quercus robur) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for treating minor external bleeding and wounds. The bark of the oak tree is particularly rich in tannins, which are astringent compounds. Historically, poultices or washes made from oak bark decoctions were applied to cuts, abrasions, and other superficial wounds to help staunch bleeding and promote wound healing. The astringency of tannins causes contraction of tissues, which can help reduce blood flow from capillaries, and creates a protective barrier against infection.

However, while the traditional use is well-documented in historical texts and folk medicine, high-quality clinical studies supporting its efficacy for external bleeding are lacking. The mechanism—tissue contraction due to tannins—is plausible and supported by in vitro studies, but robust human clinical trial data are absent. As such, the evidence rating is moderate, reflecting strong traditional use and plausible mechanisms, but limited scientific validation.

Overall, English Oak's use for external bleeding is justified by longstanding herbal practices rather than modern clinical research, and its application should be considered as supplementary to (not a replacement for) standard medical care for wounds.

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More about Bleeding (external)

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