Ash in Herbalist: Property of the Ash tree

Scientific name

Fraxinus excelsior

Family

Oleaceae

Origin

Temperate and cold regions of the northern hemisphere

Synonyms

Common ash

Used Parts

Drug given by leaves and bark

Chemical constituents

The main chemical constituents contained in the ash leaves are:

Mannitol (16-28%);
Mucilage (10-20%);
triterpenes;
Phytosterols;
Tannins;
Flavonoids, among which we find the rutin;
Iridoid monoterpenes.

The main components of ash bark, however, are:

Hydroxycoumarins, among which we find fraxin, fraxetine, fraxidine, isofraxidine, scopoletin and fraxinol;
Tannins;
Iridoid monoterpenes.

Ash in Herbalist: Property of the Ash tree

The common ash, prepared in the form of an infusion, seems to be a useful remedy against renella and renal colic, however no antispastic action on smooth muscle, in particular the urinary tract, has been demonstrated.

The use of diuretic preparations with a diuretic and slimming purpose for prolonged periods can expose you to risks, especially when not controlled by your doctor.

Biological activity

Although the use of ash has not been officially approved for any kind of therapeutic application, several properties have been ascribed to this plant, some of which have been confirmed by some studies conducted on the subject.

The leaves are mainly attributed to diuretic and laxative properties (the latter most probably due to their moderate content of mannitol and mucilage). In fact, it is not uncommon for the ash to be found in herbal teas that exploit the aforementioned activities.

Furthermore, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, tonic and febrifugal properties are ascribed to ash leaves.

However, for more in-depth information on the use of ash in herbal teas, see the article on "Frassino nelle Tisane".

Preparations based on ash bark, on the other hand, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The latter property appears to be exerted by the hydroxycoumarins contained in the cortex, in particular by fraxin, isofraxidine and scopoletin. Furthermore, it seems that these same coumarins are also able to inhibit cAMP-phosphodiestarase, with consequent increase in cyclic AMP levels.

However, the leaves and bark of ash are not the only parts of the plant to have been studied for their properties. In this regard, a study conducted on animals has shown that the intake of ash seed extract for long periods can lead to an improvement in blood pressure and oxidative stress in rats with hypertension. This could make the ash seed extract a potential functional food in the treatment and prevention of hypertension and associated disorders.

However, before approving similar medical applications of the plant, more in-depth clinical studies are certainly needed.

Ash in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, the leaves of ash are used internally for the treatment of constipation, fever, edema, gastric disorders, stones, rheumatism and even to counter worm infestations. Externally, however, the leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of ulcers in the lower limbs and wounds.

The bark of the ash, on the other hand, is used in traditional medicine in preparations used as a tonic remedy or to combat fever.

Ash is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of glycerine macerate, mother tincture or granules. In this context, the plant is used as a remedy for gout, rheumatism, inflammation of ligaments, synovitis, kidney failure, gallstones and kidney stones, stress, anxiety and neurosis.

In addition, the ash can be part of the composition of preparations together with other homeopathic remedies for the treatment of: cellulite, overweight, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, eye diseases, inflammation and bone pain, decreased libido and sexual asthenia.

The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from one individual to another, also depending on the type of disorder, the type of preparation and the type of homeopathic dilution that must be used.