White Oak Bark vs Vitellaria Paradoxa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

White Oak Bark

Quercus alba

Skin and Topical

Vitellaria Paradoxa

Vitellaria paradoxa

Skin and Topical

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

White Oak Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Vitellaria Paradoxa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

North American white oak; bark used by many Indigenous peoples and Western herbalists as powerful astringent for diarrhea, wounds and skin conditions.

West African tree whose seeds produce shea butter, used widely in traditional medicine for skin conditions, anti-inflammatory applications, and food.

Active Compounds

tannins, ellagitannins, gallic acid, catechin, flavonoids

triterpene alcohols, allantoin, cinnamic acid esters, stearic acid, oleic acid

Traditional Uses

Diarrhea and dysentery by many Indigenous tribes, Wound healing, Skin conditions, Used by Cherokee, Iroquois and many others

skin conditions, wound healing, inflammation, muscle pain, sun protection

Modern Uses

Astringent, Wound healing, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory

skin moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, UV protection

Adult Dosage

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

Shea butter applied topically as needed

Contraindications

Prolonged internal use, Kidney disease, Constipation

allergy to shea

Side Effects

Constipation with overuse, Nausea

rare allergic contact dermatitis

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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