(Fraxinus excelsior L., Oleaceae)
Also Called: Common Ash, Weeping Ash.
Description:
A deciduous tree 30m (100ft) high. Readily recognised by the black buds on
the branches.
Leaves opposite, imparipinnate with 7-13 leaflets that are sessile or shortly
petiolate and with dentate margin.
The leaves emerge after the flowers.
Flowers in a panicle, devoid of calyx or corolla, stamens brownish-red.
Fruits with membranous wings in pendulous, thick clusters.
Part Used: Leaflets, usually dried, rarely fresh.
Habitat and Collection: In humid regions by rivers and streams,
in damp forests.
Common in Britain, forming woods on calcareous soils in wetter parts; in oakwoods
and hedges.
Leaves are collected in June-August; the leaflets separated from the main
petiole (which is devoid of action) are dried in the shade at less than 40°
C (104° F).
Constituents and Action: The leaf contains flavonoids, and
derivatives of coumarin; the bark contains mannite which has a sweet taste.
The leaf is mildly diuretic (acting mainly on the diseased kidney) and is
used for dropsy; also, to some extent, for rheumatism.
Weak laxative action.
Usage: Almost always as a tisane (0.5 litre (1 pt) of cold
water on 2-3 tablespoonfuls of chopped leaves, raise to the boil and allow
to stand) for infections of the kidneys, bladder, retention of urine, dropsy,
rheumatism.
