Evidence supporting the use of: Oak
For the health condition: Eye Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Oak, particularly the bark of various Quercus species, has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating eye infections and other inflammatory eye conditions. Historical records from European folk medicine, as well as some Asian traditions, describe the use of oak bark decoctions as eye washes or compresses, largely due to its astringent and antiseptic properties attributed to high tannin content. However, there is little to no modern scientific evidence or robust clinical trials supporting the efficacy or safety of oak preparations for eye infections in humans. Most available data are limited to in vitro studies, demonstrating antimicrobial activity of oak extracts against certain pathogens, but these do not directly translate to efficacy or safety in ocular applications. Furthermore, the use of tannin-rich astringents around the sensitive tissues of the eye is not recommended in modern medical practice due to potential irritation or toxicity. Thus, while oak bark has some historical precedent for this application, the evidence is weak and not supported by rigorous scientific validation.

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