White oakis a hardwood tree found throughout the woodlands of eastern North America. Contrary to its common name, the tree’s bark is actually grey, not white.White oakis prized for furniture making because of its beauty and durability. The hull of the 18th-century frigate, the USS Constitution, was made from white oak.
The bark ofwhite oakis attributed with astringent, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory qualities, largely due to a high content of tannins. While the bark may be prepared as a tea or tonic, it is most commonly tinctured. The bark is also used to produce topical formulations for the skin.