European Ash Bark

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of European Ash
There’s a very long historical tradition of using European ash as a medicine. Its uses as a medicinal herb were already known by the Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.).
European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) – Illustration
St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098 – 1179), a German writer, composer and philosopher, writes of using ash as a treatment for gout and rheumatism.

European ash contains many substances known for their medicinal benefits. The leaves, bark and young twigs contain coumarins (fraxin, esculin, and related substances) that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.

These properties could make the ash beneficial as a treatment for healing wounds and sores and to reduce swelling.
The ash bark is used as a fever-reducing agent and as a substitute for quinine, which is derived from the quinine tree (Cinchona pubescens).

The bark and leaves have been used traditionally as an herbal remedy for diarrhea.

The substance fraxin found in the bark and the leaves have diuretic properties and may increase the excretion of uric acid.
Due to these properties the bark could help treat gout in the elderly and may also be beneficial for other rheumatic disorders, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ailments associated with the bladder and kidneys are also treated with the bark. Additionally, it is used to remove stones in the urinary tract.

The bark and the leaves of the ash tree may act as a mild laxative due to the presence of mannitol and can, therefore, be used as an herbal remedy for constipation and to eliminate intestinal parasites. However, compared with other laxative herbs, the effect is rather weak.
Traditional uses and benefits of European Ash

Leaves are astringent, cathartic, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, laxative and purgative.
The have been used as a laxative, making a mild substitute for senna pods.
Bark is antiperiodic, astringent and a bitter tonic.
Little used in modern herbalism, it is occasionally taken in the treatment of fevers.
Seeds, including their wings, have been used as a carminative.
Distilled water of the leaves, taken every morning, was considered good for dropsy and obesity.
Decoction of the leaves in white wine had the reputation of dissolving stone and curing jaundice.
Leaves should be gathered in June, well dried, powdered and kept in well corked bottles.
Leaves bark and young twigs contain coumarins (fraxin, esculin, and related substances) that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Ash is beneficial as a treatment for healing wounds and sores and to reduce swelling.
Ash bark is used as a fever-reducing agent and as a substitute for quinine, which is derived from the quinine tree.
Bark and leaves have been used traditionally as an herbal remedy for diarrhea.
The substance fraxin found in the bark and the leaves has diuretic properties and may increase the excretion of uric acid.
Bark help treat gout in the elderly and may also be beneficial for other rheumatic disorders, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Ailments associated with the bladder and kidneys are also treated with the bark.
Additionally, it is used to remove stones in the urinary tract.
Bark and the leaves of the ash tree may act as a mild laxative due to the presence of mannitol and can, therefore, be used as an herbal remedy for constipation and to eliminate intestinal parasites.
Seeds of ash are also used to bring down fever as well as augment the appetite.
Tincture prepared from the ash leaves is employed to augment sexual desire or libido in men.
Distilled water of the ash leaves, taken every morning, was considered good for dropsy and obesity.
Decoction of the ash leaves in white wine had the reputation of dissolving stone and curing jaundice.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of European Ash

Urinary Tract Infections: Put one tbsp leaves in half cup of hot water and steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain and take one cup a day and a mouthful at a time.(Take unsweetened)
Leprosy: Boil one tbsp of Fraxinus Excelsior bark in half cup water. Steep for just 2 minutes. Cool and drink unsweetened a mouthful at a time, half cup throughout the day. You may also improve the taste by adding some peppermint or marjoram.
Anuria: Boil leaves of Fraxinus Excelsior. Prepare a decoction. Have a cup two times a day.