Used as a decoction, extract, tincture, bath and poultice. The White or Quebec Oak (Quercus alba) is closely related to the Common or British Oak (Quercus robur), the hard wood is equally valued, and the bark has always been used the same way. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Oak bark for ‘External: Inflammatory skin diseases. Internal: Nonspecific, acute diarrhea, and local treatment of mild inflammation of the oral cavity and pharyngeal region, as well as genital and anal area.’ ‘Full baths should not be taken, regardless of the active ingredients in the bath, under the following conditions: weeping eczema and skin damage covering a large area; febrile and infectious diseases; cardiac insufficiency stages III and IV (NYHA); hypertonia state IV (WHO).’ ‘Daily dosage: 3 g of drug; equivalent preparations. For rinses, compresses and gargles: 20 g drug per 1 liter of water; equivalent preparations. For full and partial baths: 5 g drug per 1 liter of water; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb for decoctions and other galenical preparations for internal and topical use. Actions: Astringent; Virustatic.’ Oak bark tannins bind liquids, absorb toxins, and soothe inflamed tissues. The oak tannin inhibits intestinal secretion, which helps resolve diarrhea. The bark’s saponin content is thought to possess expectorant activity in respiratory complaints. Oak bark can be used topically for its astringent properties in cases of dermatitis without risk of irritation. Grieve’s classic ‘A Modern Herbal’: ‘The astringent effects of the Oak were well known to the Ancients, by whom different parts of the tree were used, but it is the bark which is now employed in medicine. Its action is slightly tonic, strongly astringent and antiseptic. It has a strong astringent bitter taste, and its qualities are extracted both by water and spirit. The odour is slightly aromatic.’ ‘Like other astringents, it has been recommended in agues and haemorrhages, and is a good substitute for Quinine in intermittent fever, especially when given with Chamomile flowers.’ ‘It is useful in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, either alone or in conjunction with aromatics.’ ‘A decoction is made from 1 oz. of bark in a quart of water, boiled down to a pint and taken in wineglassful doses.’ ‘Externally, this decoction has been advantageously employed as a gargle in chronic sore throat with relaxed uvula, and also as a fomentation. It is also serviceable as an injection for leucorrhoea, and applied locally to bleeding gums and piles.’ ‘Preparation and Dosage: Fluid extract, ½ to 1 drachm.’ ‘Oak bark when finely powdered and inhaled freely, has proved very beneficial in consumption in its early stages. Working tanners are well known to be particularly exempt from this disease. A remedial snuff is made from the freshly collected oak bark, dried a