Evidence supporting the use of: Oak Bark
For the health condition: Itching

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Synopsis

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

Oak bark (Quercus robur and related species) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Europe, for the treatment of various skin conditions, including itching (pruritus). Its primary active constituents are tannins, which are astringent polyphenolic compounds. Historically, oak bark decoctions and extracts were applied topically to help soothe inflamed skin, reduce irritation, and manage minor wounds or eczema. The astringent effect of tannins is thought to help “tighten” the skin and mucous membranes, thereby reducing exudation and helping to relieve itching caused by minor irritation or inflammation.

Despite its widespread traditional use, scientific validation for oak bark’s effectiveness specifically against itching is limited. There are a handful of in vitro and animal studies suggesting anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties of oak bark extracts, but few rigorous clinical trials in humans exist. Most modern herbal references cite oak bark’s anti-itch effects based on traditional use and its pharmacological actions, rather than on robust clinical data. Therefore, while it is reasonable to consider oak bark for minor, non-serious itching as part of a traditional herbal approach, its efficacy has not been definitively established by contemporary scientific research.

More about Oak Bark
More about Itching

Other ingredients used for Itching

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myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
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Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
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Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
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Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
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Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory

Products containing Oak Bark

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.