Ash

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Ash refers to trees of the genus Fraxinus, most commonly European ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The bark, leaves, and seeds are used in traditional European medicine for joint pain, edema, and as a mild diuretic.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Osteoarthritis (in combination products)

Limited Evidence

Some trials of fixed combinations including ash extract suggest modest joint pain benefits, though evidence is mostly for the combination, not ash alone.

How it works

Ash bark and leaves contain coumarins, flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol), tannins, and iridoids. Preclinical and limited human studies report anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and mild analgesic activity. Standardized European ash extract has been studied (sometimes in combination with willow bark and goldenrod) for osteoarthritis with modest signals of benefit. As a standalone supplement, evidence is limited.

Dosage

No standardized dose. Traditional preparations use 2-4 g of dried bark in decoction. Standardized extracts in combination products vary.

When and how to take it

Take with water; with food if GI upset occurs.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Bark or leaf extract

Often combined with willow bark and goldenrod in joint formulas.

Limited PK data.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at typical doses. Limited modern toxicology data. Coumarin content theoretically may affect bleeding tendency at high chronic doses.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. Caution with anticoagulants and diuretics.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants due to coumarin content. Diuretic effect may affect blood pressure medications.

Food sources

Not a food source

Amount
N/A
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is ash supplement effective for joint pain?⌄

Evidence is mostly for combination products with willow and goldenrod. Effect sizes are modest at best.

References

Ash on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ash on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ash (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Ash with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.