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Family: Oleaceae
---Synonyms--Common Ash. Weeping Ash
---Part Used---Leaves, bark.
The bark contains the bitter glucoside Fraxin, the bitter substance
Fraxetin, tannin, quercetin, mannite, a little volatile oil, gum, malic
acid, free and combined with calcium.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---:
It has laxative and diuretic properties. Also useful for intermittent
fever. An infusion of the dried leaves is used in rheumatic disease and
gout.
Ash bark has been employed as a bitter tonic and astringent, and is said
to be valuable as an antiperiodic. On account of its astringency, it has
been used, in decoction, extensively in the treatment of intermittent fever
and ague, as a substitute for Peruvian bark. The decoction is odourless,
though its taste is fairly bitter. It has been considered useful to remove
obstructions of the liver and spleen, and in rheumatism of an arthritic
nature.
A ley from the ashes of the bark was used formerly to cure scabby and
leprous heads.
The leaves have diuretic, diaphoretic and purgative properties,
and are employed in modern herbal medicine for their laxative action,
especially in the treatment of gouty and rheumatic complaints, proving a
useful substitute for Senna, having a less griping effect.
The distilled water of the leaves, taken every morning, was considered
good for dropsy and obesity.
A decoction of the leaves in white wine had the reputation of dissolving
stone and curing jaundice.
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