Oak Bark vs Sanguisorba officinalis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Oak Bark

Quercus robur

Skin and Topical

Skin and Topical

Oak Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Sanguisorba officinalis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Iconic European tree; bark used across European folk medicine as one of the most potent astringents for diarrhea, wound healing and skin conditions.

European and Asian Rosaceae used in TCM and folk medicine for bleeding, diarrhea, and burns.

Active Compounds

tannins (up to 20%), ellagitannins, gallic acid, catechin, quercetin

ziyuglycoside I, tannins, sanguisorbin, quercetin

Traditional Uses

Diarrhea and dysentery in European folk medicine, Wound healing and skin conditions, Hemorrhoids, Used since ancient Greek and Roman medicine

Bleeding conditions in TCM, Burns treatment, Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids

Modern Uses

Astringent (highest tannin), Wound healing, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory

Hemostatic effects, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

1–3 g bark as decoction; 1–2 mL tincture; topical decoction for skin

6-12 g dried root as decoction; topical for burns

Contraindications

Prolonged internal use, Kidney disease, Constipation

Pregnancy in high doses

Side Effects

Constipation with overuse, Nausea from high tannin, Potential tannin accumulation

Constipation in high doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E