Source

White oak, the dried inner bark of which is the medicinal portion, is a common tree of the natural order Amentaceae. The bark has a light-brown color, fibrous texture and an astringent, bitter taste. Its medicinal virtues depend upon the presence of tannic and gallic acids, and a bitter principle known as quercin. Water and alcohol form with it decoctions and tinctures.

Medical Properties And Action

White oak bark is tonic, astringent and antiperiodic. It is principally used as an external application.

Therapeutic Uses

White oak bark is employed internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and hemorrhoids. Externally in relaxation of the uvula, tonsils, etc.; gangrene, indolent ulcers, leucorrhoea, atonic menorrhagia, fissure of the anus, etc., etc., in the form of tincture, decoction, gargles, lotions and injections.

Decoction of White Oak Bark, Decoctum Luercus Alba, is composed of oak bark, ; water, Oj.

Dose

Of powdered white oak bark, gr. xxx to gr. xl. Of the decoction the dose is to

Dental. Uses. - In dental practice the decoction and tincture are employed externally in the various forms of stomatitis, sponginess of the gums, and relaxed condition of the mucous membrane of the mouth and fauces.