Elimination of some ailments requires the use of various drugs and active substances. At the same time, these do not have to obligatorily spring from the pharmaceutical industry. For example, the ash tree is a useful alternative to conventional medicine.
Occurrence and cultivation of ash
The plant is native to Western Europe. Partly it can be localized in Scandinavia. Here, the population has been decreasing for years due to a tubular fungus. The ash tree is a tree. With a height of about 40 meters it is one of the largest trees in Europe. However, in less optimal conditions, the ash usually reaches only 15 to 20 meters. Ash occurs in most stands alongside beech trees. It increases its occurrence on wetter and rather dry soils, because here the beech can exert less influence on the ash’s growth. Ash trees live undisturbed for about 250 to 300 years. The plant is native to Western Europe. Partly it can be localized in Scandinavia. The population has been decreasing for years due to a fungus. At the same time, the ash tree is felled for its wood. This has very flexible properties and is often used. The trunk usually has a straight shape without bifurcations. The appearance of bark and wood depends on the age of the tree. For example, younger plants appear greenish and shiny, while the bark changes and becomes more robust after about 15 to 40 years. A 90-year-old ash tree can be expected to have a root system about 350 centimeters wide and 150 centimeters long. The leaves of the ash tree are green. The fruits of the tree grow on thin stems. They reach their full ripening in autumn, between October and November. Once they detach from the branches, they can reach a distance of about 60 meters from their starting point. In some cases, it has been observed that the screw fliers have overcome distances of up to 125 meters.
Effect and application
The medicinal use of ash is only at the folk level. So far, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently investigated and proven by studies. However, experiments have shown that the constituents have mainly analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to lack of evidence, Commission E has classified the efficacy as negative. However, empirical medicine does not feel that such a classification is justified. In general, ash is said to be supportive for a variety of ailments. Its healing power is enhanced by a combination of other preparations. Thus, ash helps both internal and external complaints. Although the medicinal plant is not usually prescribed by doctors, there is usually nothing to be said against its medicinal use. Decisive for the effect of ash are its ingredients. These are mainly tannins, flavonoids, bitter substances as well as coumarins and triterpenes. Some possible uses are joint pain, fever and urinary tract problems. Usually, a tea is made from the leaves of the ash tree. For this, between 10 and 30 grams of the dried leaves are used daily. For each cup of tea, 1.5 to 5 grams are poured over hot water and left to steep for ten minutes. For some diseases, the tea can be usefully supplemented with other ingredients. This is the case, for example, with urinary tract problems. Here, birch leaves or nettle can also be added to the tea. The bark is not suitable for a hot infusion. However, it can be used to make a tincture for external complaints. In addition, some ointments and creams contain ingredients of ash. The exact application is noted on the package.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
From the health point of view, ash is particularly suitable for the treatment of existing ailments. Thus, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect can be used for various problems. These include, in addition to fever, diseases such as rheumatism and gout. Here, the ingredients do not so much help to heal the diseases. However, the active ingredients are able to alleviate the pain often experienced and thus improve the quality of life. The iridoids and coumarins manage to inhibit the production of certain mediators responsible for inflammatory reactions. In addition, the use of ash increases the production of urine in the human body.If more fluid is flushed out, the urinary tract can also be cleaned better. Bacteria leave the bladder more quickly, which means that any inflammation subsides more quickly. Accordingly, the ash tree is suitable for the treatment of bladder and kidney problems. In particular, the bitter substances have an effect on the stomach and intestines. For example, they can irritate a lack of appetite. In the context of laxatives, ash is considered by the Commission E as a positive remedy. It can be used, for example, for existing constipation. The decisive factor for the laxative properties is the ingredient mannitol. It increases the water content in the stool. Under certain circumstances, it is advisable to contact a doctor first. This applies in particular to general complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, such as existing ulcers. In general, however, dangerous side effects due to the use of ash are not to be expected. Furthermore, no negative interactions with other medications have been observed so far. However, caution applies to people with kidney disease or cardiac insufficiency. Here, the application should be refrained from. The same applies to pregnant women, nursing mothers and persons under 18 years of age due to a lack of scientific studies on the harmlessness.
