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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


on this pageASH, MOUNTAIN
aka Bear Berry, Dogberry, Elder leaved Mountain Ash, Elder-leaved Sumac, European Mountain Ash, Indian mozamize, Life-of-Man,
Moose-missy, Rowan Tree, Service Tree, Sorb Apple, Witch Wood, Wine Tree
(Sorbus aucuparia)
image
Also: (S. decora) and S. americana

CAUTION! Children have been poisoned by eating the berries.

CONTAINS: Arasorbic acid which is active against gram bacteria and protozoa. Also a compound shown to cause cancer in animals is present in the mountain ash.

A hardy tree of Europe grown in north temperate regions as an ornamental for its feathery foliage and bright autumn berries. Finding little difference between the European tree and it's American counterparts (S. americana and S. decora), Native Americans began to use the bark and berries for the same purposes as they used the native species. It has been considered a "luck" tree by Europeans and has been used to make farmhouse rafters, barrel staves, churn staves, driving whips, hunting crops and numerous other farm implements.

USES

MEDICINAL:
Fruits are aperient, astringent, diuretic.
Fresh juice is mildly laxative and has been used to soothe inflamed mucous membranes, and as a gargle for hoarseness and sore throat.
Made into a jam it works conversely by providing a remedy for mild diarrhea.
One of the sugars contained in the fruit was once given intravenously to reduce pressure in the eyeball from glaucoma.
Fruits in the form of an extract have been used for scurvy and the treatment of irritation in the digestive tract and bile ducts.
An alcoholic extract of the fruit (known as "soparine") was used to elevate prothombin levels in the blood.
Fruits were also used for piles, urinary difficulties, indigestion, gall bladder problems, and for angina and other coronary problems.

DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
!All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
FRESH JUICE = 1 tsp at a time as needed.
COLD EXTRACT = 1 tsp dried fruit soaked in 1 cup water for 10 hours; 1 C. taken daily.
JAM = Cook fruit with half as much sugar as berries; 1 Tbsp 3 to 5 times daily taken for a mild diarrhea.

VETERINARY:
Berries used as a purge for poultry (6 berries per dose).



©2000 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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