Ash leaves and bark are used only folk medicine. Because the effectiveness is not sufficiently scientifically proven, the plant has been negatively evaluated by the Commission E.
However, due to the fact that there are no risks and ash has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, its use in combination with other positively evaluated plants is justifiable. From the point of view of empirical medicine, the negative assessment of Commission E is not justified.
Application as a laxative
Manna extracted from Fraxinus ornus was positively evaluated by Commission E and is considered a laxative. Its use is suitable, for example, before surgery or for hemorrhoids.
Ash in folk medicine
In folk medicine, ash bark is used as a tonic, especially for the treatment of fever and rheumatism. The leaves of the tree are also used for rheumatism and fever and, in addition, for mild joint pain, gout, bladder problems and constipation. Nowadays, ash leaves are also used to support weight loss diets.
Externally, ash leaves and bark can be used to treat wounds and ulcers.
Homeopathic use of ash
In homeopathy, the bark and root of another ash species, white ash (Fraxinus americana), are mainly used. In this context, the plant is mainly used for functional and growth disorders of the uterine tissue, such as uterine prolapse (prolapse uteri), benign and malignant uterine tumors and bleeding.
In combination with other medicinal plants, ash bark is also generally considered in homeopathy as a strengthening remedy (tonic) for female disorders.
Ash tree ingredients
Ash leaves and bark contain tannins, flavonoids such as rutin, strongly bitter-tasting secoiridoid glucosides, phenolic carboxylic acids and triterpenes. The bark is particularly rich in coumarins. Manna consists of 70-90% of the sugar D-mannitol.
Ash: indication
Ash is used only folk medicine for:
- Fever
- Rheumatism
- Gout
- Joint pain
- Bladder problems
- Intestinal sluggishness
- Wounds
- Ulcers
- Manna: as a laxative
