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

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Synopsis

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

Oak, particularly the bark of various Quercus species (such as Quercus robur and Quercus alba), has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to relieve itching (pruritus) associated with minor skin irritations, rashes, and eczema. This use is rooted in folk medicine practices in Europe and North America, where topical preparations such as oak bark baths, washes, or compresses were common remedies for inflamed or itchy skin. The rationale for its use is primarily based on the astringent properties of tannins found abundantly in oak bark. These tannins are thought to help reduce inflammation, dry out weeping skin lesions, and soothe irritation by constricting tissues and reducing exudation.

However, scientific evidence directly supporting oak bark’s efficacy for itching is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies demonstrate that oak bark extracts have anti-inflammatory and astringent effects, which could theoretically alleviate itching. There are also a few small-scale clinical trials and case reports suggesting improvement in symptoms of dermatitis and eczema with oak bark preparations, but these studies are not robust, and results are preliminary. Most modern medical guidelines do not include oak as a recommended treatment for itching due to the lack of high-quality, large-scale clinical evidence. Thus, the use of oak for itching is justified primarily by traditional use, with limited scientific support.

More about Oak
More about Itching

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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
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melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
avens
apple cider vinegar
Agrimony
anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alstonia scholaris
argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
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
Sumac
Sweet Bay
Storax
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Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
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Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
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Products containing Oak

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.