Evidence supporting the use of: Oak
For the health condition: Bleeding (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Oak (Quercus spp.) has a long history of traditional use for treating external bleeding. Across various cultures, the bark, in particular, has been applied topically as a poultice or in the form of decoctions and washes for wounds, cuts, and abrasions to staunch bleeding. The efficacy is attributed to the high content of tannins present in oak bark, which are known for their astringent properties. These compounds can constrict tissues and blood vessels, thereby reducing bleeding and promoting wound healing. Ethnobotanical records from Europe, Asia, and North America document such uses, especially before the advent of modern antiseptics and hemostatic agents.
While modern scientific studies directly investigating oak bark for external bleeding are limited, the mechanism by which astringent tannins act is well-understood. Tannins precipitate proteins on the surface of tissues, forming a protective layer that can help stem blood flow and provide a barrier against infection. However, rigorous clinical trials are lacking, and most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge. As a result, oak bark’s use for external bleeding is considered justified by traditional practice, with a moderate level of supporting evidence due to the well-characterized action of tannins, but not by contemporary clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Bleeding (external)
AbrusAbuta
Acacia
Achyranthes
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alkanna
Aloe vera
Alstonia macrophylla
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
Angelica
animal Tissue
Aquilegia formosa
Ardisia
arnica
ash
Ashoka
asiaticoside
Asteraceae
avens
bai ji
Baliospermum
balsam
bamboo
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
basil
bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
bentonite
benzoin
bermuda grass
betel
bethroot
betony
Bidens pilosa
bioflavonoids
bishop\'s weed
bistort
black cumin
black nightshade
black root
black-eyed Susan
blackberry
blackthorn
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Bombax
borneol
boxthorne
Brazilian peppertree
bur-reed
Butea monosperma
Caesalpinia crista
Calendula
camphor oil
capillary artemisia
capsicum
Carthamus
Casearia esculenta
catechu
catkin
cayenne pepper
cedar
Cedrus libani
celandine
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
cinquefoil
Clerodendrum indicum
cocklebur
commiphora
common madia
Coptis chinensis
cornflower
cowherb
cranesbill
curcumen
curcumin
Cyathula
cypress
devil\'s club
Dianthus
dragon\'s blood
Eclipta
elephant\'s head
Erigeron
Erodium cicutarium
essential oil blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
Eupolyphaga sinensis
European Elder
fern
fibrinase
Ficus religiosa
fleabane
Fomes fomentarius
fungus
Galium
gallotannin
Gambir
Genipa americana
geranium
ghatti
Glechoma hederacea
Gnaphalium
Golden Willow
Guazuma ulmifolia
heal-all
Helicteres isora
hemp
henna
Herb Robert
herbal blend (proprietary)
Homalomena
honey
Horsemint
horsetail
hound\'s tongue
Huang hua
Indian fagonia
Indian gum arabic tree
Indian kinotree
Jessica\'s sticktight
juglans cinerea
Kachnar
Kokilaksha
labrador tea
Leptospermum scoparium
Lesser speargrass
Levant cotton
Lewis's monkey flower
lichen
Litsea
little ironweed
lodhtree
Lysimachia
Macaranga indica
Malva sylvestris
marigold
Matapalo Tree
Matico
Microcos
Moss
Mountain mahogany
Mugwort
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Nasturtium
Oak
Osha
Oxystelma
pagoda tree
papaya
parthenium
paw paw
peony
Peucedanum
Phyllanthus
Plantago
plantain
polymorpha
Portulaca
Potentilla
Propolis
protein
Prunus
purple loosestrife
queen of the meadow
raspberry
red spiderling
resin
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
Rubia yunnanensis
Rubus
rue
sage
Sangre de Grado
Sanguisorba
Sanicle
scrophularia root
sea salt
Self-Heal
Sensitive Plant
Sesbania
sheep's sorrel
shen-chu
shepherd's purse
Sichuan Lovage
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Silverweed
Smartweed
Smooth Alder
Solanaceae
Southern Tsangshu
Speedwell
Spilanthes
squawvine
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Stone Root
Sumac
Tagetes
Tannins
Terminalia
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Trichosanthes
Tridax
Triterpenes
Vervain
Viola
Violet
vitamin C
vitamin K
White Heather
White oak
Willow
Wintergreen
Witch Hazel
Wood betony
Yarrow
Yerba buena
Yerba Mansa
zanthoxylum
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Oak
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Eye Infections
Fever
Gastritis
Hemorrhoids
Injuries
Itching
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
