Ash: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
European ash
Scientific name(s)
Fraxinus excelsior
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Tannins
Coumarins
Flavonoids
Mucilages
Excelsioside
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Gout ✪✪✪✪✪
In gemmotherapy, buds are used to increase urine output (use confirmed by the EMA) and to lower the uric acid level responsible for gout.
Posologie
Oral: buds
40 - 100 drops
gemmotherapy
Synergies
Joint pain, Tendinitis ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA states that ash (leaf) is used to relieve minor joint pain.
Posologie
Oral: leaf, buds
10 - 30 g
gemmotherapy, aqueous decoction
Rheumatism ✪✪✪✪✪
Various in vitro and especially in vivo studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic properties, often comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but with few or no side effects. In gemmotherapy, the buds are recommended for rheumatic conditions, particularly osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty rheumatism.
Posologie
Oral: buds, leaf
10 - 30 g
gemmotherapy
Urinary disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recommends ash leaves as a traditional herbal medicinal product used to increase urine output and as an adjunct in minor urinary complaints.
Posologie
Oral: leaf, buds
10 - 30 g
gemmotherapy, aqueous decoction
Properties
Diuretic
The aqueous extract of ash significantly increased urine production in normotensive and hypertensive rats according to a study. It caused a significant increase in urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride, which is an indicator of a diuretic effect. In normotensive rats, the ash extract increased the glomerular filtration rate, an important indicator of renal function that measures the amount of blood filtered. These results suggest that the ash extract may be effective in promoting urinary excretion and improving renal function, thus having potential for the treatment of conditions requiring increased diuresis.
Usages associés
Analgesic
The analgesic properties of ash have been demonstrated with combination products containing ash bark, Populus tremula (aspen) bark/leaf and Solidago herba (goldenrod) in clinical studies on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The efficacy of the combination product would be similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and adverse effects were half as frequent.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Extracts from various Fraxinus species reduced the production of inflammatory mediators and leukocyte influx. Ash leaf extracts decrease the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. This reduces inflammation and the associated tissue damage. Ash extracts also increase the expression of the receptor for IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which helps regulate and control the immune response. Certain specific ash compounds, such as oleuropein, ligstroside, verbascoside, and rutoside, have been identified as contributing to these anti-inflammatory effects.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults (18 years and older): 10 g - 30 g
Herbal tea: 10 to 30 g of crushed plant material in 1000 ml of boiling water as an infusion, divided into 2 or 3 individual doses. In gemmotherapy: 40 to 100 drops per day of the 1D glycerinated macerate.
Precautions
Children up to 18 years: avoid
Use in children and adolescents under 18 years has not been established due to a lack of adequate data.
Pregnant women: avoid
Safety during pregnancy has not been established.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established.
Contraindications
Renal insufficiency: contraindicated
Contraindicated in conditions where reduced fluid intake is recommended (for example, severe cardiac or renal disease).
