Oak bark

Oak Bark (Quercus)

Oak bark comes from various oak species (Quercus) and is a widely available natural product. The bark is harvested from the trunks and thicker branches of oak trees. It is rough, thick and consists of several layers. The color ranges from light gray to dark brown. Oak bark has a tart, astringent taste due to its tannin content. It finds diverse uses in natural and folk medicine as well as in cosmetics.

Health Effects and Potential Healing Properties  

In homeopathy, oak bark is used to treat diarrhea, ulcers and inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed to strengthen the spleen and relieve diarrhea. Hildegard von Bingen recommended oak bark for ulcers and wounds. Ayurveda uses it to treat digestive disorders and diarrhea. However, the effectiveness of these applications is not supported by clinical studies.

Health Risks

When drinking extracts from oak bark (maceration or tea), side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may rarely occur. People with gastrointestinal ulcers or liver diseases should consult a doctor before taking it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consumption, as the effects on the fetus and baby are not sufficiently researched. In general, it is advisable to discuss the intake with a doctor or naturopath to rule out interactions with medications.