White Oak Bark

What is white oak bark? White oaks have long, lobed leaves with curved edges that make them easy to spot. This trait makes them different from red oaks, which have sharp tips. In the fall, the leaves turn red or burgundy. Oaks make catkins in the spring and oval acorns with a bumpy cap in the fall. The bark of a white oak is light gray and has ridges. Oaks are big trees that grow slowly and can live for a very long time. The broad white oak group includes several types of oaks: white oak (Quercus alba), bur oak, chinkapin oak, swamp white oak, and post oak. The leaves of this group have round lobes, and the acorns mature in a single growing season, sprouting new shoots immediately after they fall. How do I use white oak bark? As a compress or in bathwater, oak bark is applied by some individuals to alleviate pain and edema (inflammation) of the skin, mouth, pharynx, genitals, and anal region; it is also used to treat red, irritated skin caused by cold exposure (chilblains). White oak bark benefits: The bark yields medicine. Tea made from white oak bark is used to treat arthritis, diarrhea, colds, fever, cough, and bronchitis, as well as to improve digestion and make people…