European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a member of the Oleaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its bark, resin, and wood have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	European Ash
Scientific Name	Fraxinus excelsior
Plant Family	Oleaceae
Genus	Fraxinus
Species	excelsior
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Resin, Wood
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Fraxinus excelsior
Common Name: European Ash
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Ash, Ash Tree, Common Ash
Plant Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Fraxinus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial woody plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 15 to 30 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with opposite phyllotaxy, dark green upper surface, pale green lower surface, and prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescences are catkins arranged in two distinct tiers, with male and female flowers occurring on separate plants, male flowers are yellowish-green with elongated stamens, female flowers are greenish with a single pistil and ovary
Stems: Elongated, erect growth habit, opposite branching pattern, smooth, glabrous surface, presence of lenticels, pith with distinct central cavity.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a warming anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Astringent: Traditionally described as a calming astringent, in structural-support contexts.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a moderate bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing tonic, for broad-use formulations.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.