Botanical Overview
Chinese Ash (Fraxinus rhynchophylla) belongs to the Oleaceae family. Limited but reliable traditional records indicate this plant has recognized medicinal applications in one or more healing traditions. The olive family (Oleaceae) includes trees and shrubs with opposite leaves and small, four-petaled flowers that are often fragrant. The fruits are drupes, capsules, or samaras. This family includes olive, ash, jasmine, and lilac, many with medicinal and aromatic uses.
General Description
Its leaves are used in traditional Chinese medicine for dysentery disorders, and it can be used as cultivator of the white scale insects for candle making.
Family Context
The Oleaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Lian-Jiao — 43 documented uses
- Jasmine — 29 documented uses
- Jasminum sambac — 27 documented uses
- Chinese Privet — 25 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Chinese Ash has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including China, Estonia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and others.
Traditional Uses
Chinese Ash has been traditionally used for digestive health.
Digestive health.
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Stomachic
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 14 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).