Fraxinus Americana (white ash or American ash) is a species of ash tree native to eastern and central North America. It is found in mesophytic hardwood forests from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, south to northern Florida, and southwest to eastern Texas. Isolated populations have also been found in western Texas, Wyoming and Colorado, and the species is reportedly naturalized in Hawaii.
Contents
Uses
White ash is one of the most used trees for everyday purposes and, to keep up with high demand, is cultivated almost everywhere it can be. The wood is white and quite dense (within 20% of 670 kg/m3), strong, and straight-grained. It is the timber of choice for production of baseball bats and tool handles. The wood is also favorable for furniture and flooring. Woodworkers use the timber mainly for internal uses due to high perishability in contact with ground soil. It is also used to make lobster traps. Recently, it has also become a popular choice for solidbody electric guitar wood as well. It makes a very servicable longbow if properly worked. The wood was used in ceiling fan blades from the 1970s through the mid-1980s, though cane was sometimes simulated with plastic then. It is no longer used for ceiling fan blades in most countries.
The tree has a mast crop every 11 years and is very easy to plant and cultivate with a survival rate of 30%.
White Ash is not seen in cultivation as often as Green Ash due to its preference for undisturbed forest sites away from urban pollution and soil compaction, but sometimes has been planted for its consistently reliably autumn colors, which typically are bright orange and red hues as opposed to other species of ash that produce a uniform yellow color.
Other names occasionally used for the species include Biltmore ash, Biltmore white ash and cane ash.
Benefits
Fraxinus Leaves Remedies
Fraxinus leaves have similar therapeutic action as the same tree’s bark. Tinctures, syrups, infusions or decoctions made of leaves are used internally as diuretic, diaphoretic and purgative agents, in cases of rheumatism, gout, dropsy, kidney and bladder stones, and jaundice.
If you are suffering from these conditions, it is recommended to drink one glass of white wine combined with ash leaves extract. A few drops of concentrated leaves tincture mixed with orange or grapefruit juice is quite effective during weight-loss diets – you will notice significant improvements only after a couple of weeks of daily use!
At the same time, these leaves are reputed to be very efficient antidotes for all snake poison; rumor has it that any snake bite is rendered harmless if a decoction of the leaves is drank while externally applying a poultice of the same. However, there is very little scientific evidence to confirm the efficacy of this treatment, so don’t count exclusively on it.
Fraxinus Seeds Remedies
Fraxinus seeds, known in Europe as “bird tongues”, have a long history of being pickled with vinegar and salt for later use as condiments. They are famous as digestive aids, especially after fatty meals. Recent research has proven that these seeds have a strong ability to block fat absorption processes and, thus, to prevent and treat obesity.
Cautions
As any other homeopathic remedies, Fraxinus supplements must be administered with caution, observing indications on product labels and previous qualified medical advice. Be careful and do not exceed recommended dosages, even if the plant’s use has not yet reported significant medical hazards.
Moreover, ash may cause allergic reactions in susceptible patients and may interact with certain medication, so it is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming this herb. Just to make sure you stay on the safe side, remember that not always natural remedies are safe under any circumstances – taking this into account will help you fully benefit, without risks, of the amazing therapeutic qualities of Fraxinus!
Interactions
- None are recorded.
Other names
- white ash or American ash
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraxinus_americana#Cultivation_and_uses
Live and Feel, http://www.liveandfeel.com/articles/fraxinus-health-benefits-and-side-effects-3312