Ash Leaves

Description

Ash trees are related to the olive tree and form part of riverside forests in the case of narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), or occur in mountain meadows and at the edges of deciduous forests in the case of common ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The former is common throughout the Mediterranean basin, while the latter is found from the Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrenees to southern Scandinavia.
They are deciduous trees with greyish bark, compound leaves made up of several lanceolate, pointed leaflets with toothed edges, flowers in panicles and winged fruits.

Ash contains flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), polyphenols, mannitol, malic acid, abundant tannins and coumarin glycosides in the bark.
Carbohydrates -dextrose, inositol, mannitol-, organic acids -malic acid- and a pentacyclic triterpene -ursolic acid- are commonly found in the leaves and bark. Also present are some polyphenolic compounds, flavonoid pigments -quercetin, rutoside, rutin-, coumarin glycosides, alkaloids -fraxin, fraxinol-, tannins, resins and essential oils.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic benefits are attributed to it, relieving the feeling of tired legs and preventing varicose veins through the use of ointments and poultices.
Other notable properties are the regulation of excess sebum, antibacterial action and wound healing, hence its use to treat and improve skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, boils, psoriasis, eczema or wounds through poultices, ointments and creams. Its use to combat bad breath and bleeding gums is also known, by chewing the leaves or rinsing with infusions.