Synopsis

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

White oak (Quercus alba) has a long history of traditional use in North American and European herbal medicine, particularly for treating infections and wounds. The inner bark and galls of white oak are rich in tannins, which have astringent properties. Historically, white oak preparations were employed externally as washes or poultices for wounds, skin infections, and ulcers, and internally for diarrhea and sore throats—ailments often related to microbial infections.

However, scientific validation for its efficacy against bacterial infections is limited. Modern studies have confirmed that oak species contain tannins and other polyphenols that exhibit some antimicrobial activity in vitro. These compounds may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria when applied directly. Despite these findings, robust clinical trials demonstrating effectiveness in humans are lacking, and in vitro activity does not always translate to real-world therapeutic benefit. Therefore, while traditional use is well documented, and there is some preliminary scientific rationale, the evidence for white oak’s use in treating bacterial infections is weak and largely anecdotal, meriting a low evidence rating.

In summary, white oak’s use for infection is primarily supported by tradition, with a small amount of scientific support at the laboratory level but insufficient clinical evidence to recommend its use for this purpose today.

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