Evidence supporting the use of: Oak
For the health condition: Hemorrhoids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Oak, particularly oak bark from species such as Quercus robur or Quercus alba, has a longstanding history of traditional use in the treatment of hemorrhoids. In folk medicine, oak bark is employed primarily for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to its high tannin content. These properties have led to its topical application in the form of sitz baths, ointments, or compresses to help shrink swollen tissues, reduce bleeding, and alleviate discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
Historical texts and ethnobotanical records from Europe and North America frequently mention oak bark as a remedy for various inflammatory and bleeding conditions, including hemorrhoids. The astringency of tannins is believed to constrict blood vessels and promote tissue healing, which may provide symptomatic relief. However, despite this traditional backdrop, there is a lack of robust clinical studies or modern scientific validation specifically evaluating the efficacy of oak bark for hemorrhoids. Most of the available evidence comes from anecdotal reports, traditional herbal compendia, and small observational studies—none of which meet the standards of rigorous clinical research.
In summary, while the use of oak for hemorrhoids is well-established in traditional medicine, current scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and largely based on its pharmacological properties rather than clinical trials. As such, it is rated as tradition-based with moderate plausibility but low scientific certainty.
Other ingredients used for Hemorrhoids
AbrusAcacia
Achyranthes
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Aescin
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
Angelica
anthocyanidins
anthraquinone
Antirrhinum majus
antler
apple
apple cider vinegar
apricot
Ardisia
aster root
avens
bael
Baliospermum
banyan
Barleria
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
Bergenia
betel
bilberry
bioflavonoids
birch
Black Hellebore
black nightshade
black root
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
bran
Brassica
butcher's broom
cabbage
cactus
Caesalpinia crista
capsicum
Carthamus
castor oil
Celosia
chamomile
chard
chestnut
Chinese silkvine
Chondrus
cinquefoil
citrus bioflavonoids
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut oil
colocynth
commiphora
Cucurbita
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
dandelion
Dianthus
Diosmin
elephant\'s head
Embelia
escin
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
Ficus simplicissima
geranium
gotu kola
green chiretta
hazelnut
horse chestnut
Indian coraltree
Kokilaksha
labrador tea
lemon
lichen
licorice root
little ironweed
Lycopodium
Methylcellulose
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Morinda
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain Pepper
Mucilage
Myrrh
Nettle
Nimbidin
Nymphaea nouchali
Oak
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Onosma bracteatum
oregon grape
Oroxylum indicum
pagoda tree
Papayotin
parsley
paw paw
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
peony
Persimmon
phellodendron amurense
Pluchea
plum fruit
Polygonum
Portulaca
proanthocyanidins
prune
Prunus
psyllium
punarnava
rhubarb
Rosa laevigata
Rosabin
Rubia cordifolia
Ruscogenins
Ruscus
rutin
Rutosides
Sanguisorba
Sarivan
sea salt
seaweed
Shark Liver Oil
shepherd's purse
slippery elm bark
Sumac
Sword Bean
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Tannins
Taraxacin
Terminalia
Triphala
Troxerutin
turmeric
Varuna
vitamin C
Wax Gourd
Winter Begonia
Witch Hazel
Yellow Dock
Zinc
Zucchini
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
