Synopsis

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

White oak (Quercus alba) bark has been used traditionally in North American and European herbal medicine, primarily for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Folk medicine has employed white oak bark preparations to address a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, skin conditions, and sore throats. Its use for "glands"—typically referring to swollen lymph nodes—stems from its general application as an anti-inflammatory and astringent agent, both topically and internally. In traditional herbalism, astringents were thought to "draw out" excess fluids and reduce swelling, making white oak a candidate for treating swollen glands.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of white oak bark for swollen lymph nodes or any lymphatic conditions is very limited. The existing research primarily focuses on its tannin content and resulting astringent effects, which may contribute to reducing local inflammation in mucous membranes or the skin, but does not specifically address lymphatic swelling or function. No clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies validate its efficacy for this purpose. Therefore, while white oak’s use for glandular swelling is rooted in tradition, modern science does not substantiate or explain this practice beyond its general anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

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