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White oak bark has been an important herb used by Native American cultures for hundreds of years as a medicine to treat wounds and intestinal problems. White oak bark is one of the strongest natural astringent herbs available. It provides not only great astringent properties, but anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties as well. Rich in tannins, white oak bark also provides vitamin B12 and minerals like calcium, iron and zinc. White oak bark's astringent properties tighten tissues and strengthen blood vessels, making it ideal for treating diarrhea, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The blood-clotting agents active in white oak bark are also helpful to cease nosebleeds. White oak bark has also been used to treat inflammation and irritations caused by poor digestion, ulcers, strep throat and skin problems. White Oak Bark is native to England and has been naturalized in the U.S., where it is found mainly in the East. It grows as high as 100 feet and can live as long as 1,000 years. The trees are valued in the making of cabinets, tables and other furniture. Oak trees also bear acorns, which were a staple in the Native American diet. They were sometimes leached, dried and ground into flour. The Indians often gathered the acorns and stored them to ensure a continual winter food supply. The key substances of white oak are tannin and quercin. Tannin is present in the bark at approximately 11 percent and accounts for white oak’s bitter and astringent qualities. White oak contains the minerals manganese, calcium and zinc.
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