Evidence supporting the use of: Ash (unspecified)
For the health condition: Skin (infections)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of ash for treating skin infections is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than modern scientific validation. Across various cultures, ash—often derived from burned plant material or wood—has been applied topically to wounds, ulcers, and skin infections. This traditional use is mainly attributed to ash’s alkaline pH and its perceived ability to dry out wounds, deter insects, and possibly create an inhospitable environment for some microbes. Ethnobotanical surveys from African, South Asian, and Indigenous communities have documented such practices, especially in situations where conventional medicine was inaccessible. However, scientific studies directly examining the antimicrobial efficacy or safety of ash applied to human skin are scarce. Existing laboratory studies sometimes suggest that the high pH of wood ash can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, but these findings are not robustly translated into clinical recommendations due to concerns over skin irritation, contamination, and inconsistent composition of ash. In summary, while traditional use is well-documented, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the efficacy or safety of ash for treating skin infections.
Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)
ajoenealoe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chlorophyll
copper
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
heartwood
knotweed
Japanese sophora
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactoperoxidase
monolaurin
quercetin
trypsin
vitamin C
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
mullein
chickweed
typhonium
paederia foetida
smilax
rubia cordifolia
privet
goldenrod
yarrow
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
10-Undecenoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
akebia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Ardisia
Agave
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Albizia
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Alantolactone
Artepillin C
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Black spruce
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bael
Benzoin
Borate
Backhousia citriodora
Banyan
Bacillus
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Casearia esculenta
Croton seeds
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Citral
California Pitcher Plant
Cistus
cypress
Chaparral
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Chekiang Fritillary
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
Daphne
Emu Oil
Echinodorus
Ficus religiosa
Farnesol
Fleabane
Frankincense
Fir
Gallic Acid
Geraniol
Genipap
Glyceryl caprylate caprate
Galium
Geranial
Glycolipids
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Gigartina
Galbanum
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Ivy
Oak
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Ash (unspecified)
AnxietyArthritis
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Infection (bacterial)
Injuries
Lice
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Wounds and Sores