Ash Bark

Ash Bark (Fraxinus excelsior) is also known as White Ash Bark and encompasses over 70 species of tree in North America. The timber of the tree is famous in it's use in baseball bats, hockey sticks and airplanes. 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.

In Chinese medicine it is associated with the liver, gall bladder and large intestine meridians. It has been considered useful to remove obstructions of the liver and spleen, and in rheumatism of an arthritic nature. In western applications, Ash Bark is used with other herbs to treat both acute and chronic forms of dysentery and diarrhea, and to reduce swelling and pain. Ash Bark decoctions have been shown to inhibit the activity of several types of bacteria. A decoction of Ash Bark can also be used as an eyewash to reduce soreness and redness.

The typical recommended dose of ash bark is 6 to 12 grams pre day, ground into a powder and mixed with water as a decoction. Larger amounts can be used as an eyewash and if ash bark is being applied topically.

(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program, and in capsule form as part of our Combo Herbs sales programs.)